I HATE having to go to Alexandria or wherever to go pick up basic things at Target. First of all, thank you for your vote. I do hope that some lower portion of the old convention center will be kept intact for expansion of the new convention center via an underground walkway. As for other portions of the old convention center, I welcome new ideas such as yours. I, too, hate leaving the city for shopping purposes.
Good news is at hand though.
K-Mart is coming to Brentwood Road in near northeast DC, and there's talk of a Home Depot locating within the city as well. I like the idea of a reciprocal tax wherein our DC citizens who go out pay a share of their taxes to the receiving jurisdiction and vice versa. It is only fair to share that burden as is the case with cities across this country. And yes I do look forward to strolling 8 blocks from my home to see them. Some are taking effect this year.