Taking the Warehouse to New Heights

Rumors that the Warehouse is looking to relocate its music venue to Columbia Heights are true, says co-owner Paul Ruppert.

Ruppert confirmed in an interview today that he and his mother Molly have “signed a letter of intent” for the former Bi-Rite supermarket space just two blocks up from the Wonderland Ballroom at 3400 11th St. NW. Negotiations are ongoing, but if all goes as hoped, Columbia Heights could soon be home to the Warehouse’s restaurant, bar, and live music venue.

“It’s definitely not a done deal, but we’re excited,” Ruppert says.

According to Ruppert, he’s drawn to the “flavor” of the neighborhood. He likes the community feel, he says, and thinks it would be a good fit for the Warehouse because “a lot of our customers live up there.”

In April, the Rupperts announced that, faced with skyrocketing property taxes, they might be forced to close the 7th Street NW arts complex. On July 30, they closed their music venue, but they plan to reopen the theater space and continue fine arts events after an August hiatus. Ruppert says he and his mother are still scouting spots for the Warehouse’s other components. “We have no long-term plans at the moment,” he says.