From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Thursday, November 06, 2014

The Menkiti Group Awarded Development Rights to Mixed-use Properties in the Heart of Mount Rainier Maryland

The Menkiti Group Awarded Development Rights to Mixed-use Properties in the Heart of Mount Rainier Maryland

WASHINGTON, DC - The Menkiti Group has been selected by the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George's County, Maryland to redevelop the 3300 block of Rhode Island Avenue in the Mount Rainier Gateway Arts District. The three historic buildings comprising the 3300 block will be restored by the Menkiti Group and will consist of 12 residential units above 10,000 square feet of commercial space. The Menkiti Group has already obtained commitments from Annie's Ace Hardware, famed restaurateur Joe Englert, and arts incubator ReCreative Spaces, to occupy the three commercial spaces fronting Rhode Island Avenue.

"We are honored to be entrusted with the redevelopment of this site and we are very excited to breathe new life into the existing buildings," stated Mark Rengel, Vice President of Development for the Menkiti Group. "The vibrant collection of uses that we have planned for the site will activate the commercial core of Mount Rainier and bring much needed economic activity to heart of the neighborhood."

The Menkiti Group is partnering with the Gateway Community Development Corporation, a local nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of the Route 1 corridor, in the development of the project. During the design phase, the project team will conduct a number of public design charrettes to engage local residents and gain a practical understanding of the needs of the Mount Rainier community.

The proposed redevelopment will involve a number of sustainable design practices including provisions for an extensive green roof capable of retaining storm water on site, solar hot water heating, in addition to the potential for solar photovoltaic arrays on all roof areas.

"Mount Rainier benefits from many economic and physical attributes, including many historic and cultural assets, that position the neighborhood for a resurgence," stated Bo Menkiti, Founder and CEO of the Menkiti Group. "The renewal of the 3300 block of Rhode Island Avenue will be catalytic for Mount Rainier, and we intend to devote our time and resources to building the vibrant urban centerpiece that has been long desired by the local community."

About the Menkiti Group

The Menkiti Group is a real estate services company dedicated to transforming lives and communities in the Washington, DC area. The Menkiti Group is focused on strengthening neighborhoods through the strategic development, management, and sale of real estate in urban markets. The company has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in America for the past four years. For more information on the Menkiti Group, visit www.menkitigroup.com.

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.