I’ve been in contact with the current owner of the Bates Street Market (northwest corner 3rd and P St NW) and he informs me that work could begin soon. Fingers crossed. Here’s some of what he says with regards to his plans and intent:
>> We’ve completed negotiations with the contractors and hope to sign >> the agreement on Monday. That would mean that actual work will >> start any moment. We are trying to do everything according the >> rules and regulations.
>>
>> By the way, for me personally this is not a business, this is an >> effort to establish home to Georgia related cultural and >> educational activities in DC.
I’ve asked him to come speak at a BACA meeting about his plans.
Bates Area Civic Association 
That would be great if he could come speak at a BACA meeting. There’s been so much speculation about the property and its status, so I’d love to hear his vision for it.
i think the main concern the neighborhood will have is parking.