SOAPSTONE MARKET

Inscape Studio, a DC-based social enterprise architecture firm, has released the design for a new market to be built in the Park Van Ness Building on Connecticut Avenue. The Soapstone Market is a new concept by Tracy Stannard and John Fielding, founders and owners of the well-loved neighborhood establishment, Broad Branch Market, in Chevy Chase, DC.

Why was the market named Soapstone? “It overlooks the soapstone valley of Rock Creek Park”, says Tracy Stannard the market owner.

Rayya Newman, Architect at Inscape Studio can attest to the food, “When they catered our sister firm, Inscape Publico’s annual fundraiser I kept receiving compliments from our guests on how amazing the food was. It was a huge hit! We also appreciate that Tracy and John are community-focused like us, Van Ness is certainly getting something special.”

The new 6,000 square foot market will be housed in the northern retail space of the Park Van Ness, a LEED certified residential building from Saul Centers, and will have outdoor seating creating a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to carrying all your grocery needs like organic produce, beer and wine, and desirable sundries, the Soapstone market will specialize in delicious prepared foods made daily in their kitchen for the busy urban dweller. The market will also feature a bar with beer on tap, a barista station, and a Slush Puppie nook for the little ones. It is expected to open this summer, just in time for a frozen beverage.

INSCAPE PUBLICO EXPANDS TO BETTER SERVE NONPROFITS

Inscape Publico has announced the hiring of two staff members to grow its operations in order to provide greater pro bono services to nonprofits. Fundraiser Matthew Alcide has been hired as Development Director and architect Rayya Newman has been hired as Outreach Director. While Alcide will be focused on creative approaches to raise revenue for the firm to offer its pro bono design services, Newman will raise awareness and the profile of Inscape Publico so nonprofits are aware of the tremendous resource of pro bono architectural services available to them.

“In the past year, we have seen the positive impact of our pro bono architectural services grow as we create spaces for other nonprofits,” says Gregory Kearley, Executive Director and Founder of Inscape Publico. “Matt as our Development Director and Rayya as our Outreach Director will play pivotal roles and leading our fundraising efforts and reaching out to our future nonprofit partners.”

Alcide comes to Inscape Publico with a diverse background with significant experience in fundraising within the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining Inscape Publico as Development Director, he worked in development for the Landscape Architecture Foundation and the Alice Ferguson Foundation and consults small businesses and nonprofits in enhancing their operations. He is also the managing partner for Land8, the online social network for landscape architects. A native of Long Island, Matt is a graduate of James Madison University and holds a degree in Political Science and History.

Newman is an architect and leader in the social impact design movement in Washington, DC. She volunteers as a Director of Project Development for AFHdc, a charitable organization that works to solve social justice issues through sustainable architecture. Her work as an architect spans over 10 years with a variety of project types, including healthcare, academic buildings, laboratories, offices, mixed-use developments, and transit. She is member of the American Institute of Architecture and is a LEED Accredited Professional as well as a certified SEED professional. Her blog publicinterestdesign-dc.org highlights public interest and social impact design projects, events, and people in the DC area. Rayya received her Bachelor of Architecture from The Catholic University of America and her Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech.

With the addition of Alcide and Newman, Inscape Publico is poised to grow and become a greater resource for nonprofits who want to build new facilities, expand an existing space, or do a complete renovation. Interested nonprofits are encouraged to visit the organization’s website at www.inscapepublico.org.