Outer Circle/Commerce Bank

Letter from Councilmember Mary Cheh to Mayor Fenty (pdf)

The Outer Circle building, at Wisconsin and Ellicott, was recently demolished to make way for a drive-through bank.  The movie theater showed arthouse films for over 30 years and closed when their lease ended. Current plans for the bank call for entrances from both Wisconsin Avenue and the alley, with the exit from the drive-thru onto Ellicott Street.

Two curb cuts would have to be created, causing an increase in pedestrian risk.  The site is being planned as a matter of right project, which allows the building to follow any design within certain limits.  

Unlike a PUD (planned unit development) the matter of right status will allow the building to be constructed without community involvement.  However, there may be limited opportunity for input from the public and/or ANC 3E in order for Commerce Bank to get the additional curb cuts.  

Several neighbors are actively tracking the bank's plans -- if you'd like more information or want to help them, we can put you in touch with them. Please send us an email.