Save Scheele’s Market

Image reproduced courtesy of The Georgetowner

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Georgetown is about to lose a piece of 130 year old history

Scheele’s Market is Georgetown’s and possibly Washington D.C.’s oldest continuously operated market, serving our neighborhood since 1895. Sadly, it’s due to close at the end of July when the building is sold. In 130 years, Scheele’s has become far more than just a store. It’s a community hub, a lifeline for elderly residents, and an essential part of what makes Georgetown special.

Current proprietor Daniel Hong doesn’t just run the market. He takes in parcels for local neighbors. He orders special items you can’t find elsewhere. He’s the first to clear the sidewalk after it’s snowed. He knows all his customers – and their dogs – by name. In 2024, the Georgetowner honored him with a community award for being a pillar of our neighborhood. Anyone who shops at Scheele’s knows why.

Why Scheele’s is losing its home

In 2011, when the building last changed hands, Georgetown residents came together to secure a 15-year agreement with the new owner to preserve the market. Even though the covenant expires in November 2026, Daniel is being asked to vacate the premises when his lease ends in July. While we respect the owner’s right to sell, it seems they are not honoring the spirit of the agreement made and, further, we believe the community should have a say in what happens to a 130-year institution that generations of Georgetowners have fought to protect.

We’re fighting for two outcomes:

We want to find a buyer willing to purchase the building and keep Scheele’s Market operating. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve an irreplaceable piece of D.C. history, and to maintain a community center that provides essential services for all of our neighbors.

If the market cannot be saved, we need to ensure this historic building remains in appropriate use for our quiet residential neighborhood. Georgetown’s character depends on protecting its residential streets from the commercial creep that’s already diluting M Street and threatening peaceful blocks with inappropriate development. A 130-year old market belongs here. A restaurant or entertainment venue does not.

This is where you come in. Sign the form below to show your support for saving Scheele’s Market and receive updates on our campaign. If you know potential buyers, historic preservation organizations, elected officials or anyone else who should hear about this fight, please reach out. If you have pictures of Scheele’s or stories you’d like to share, let us know. The more voices we have, the stronger our message: Georgetown is worth preserving, and Scheele’s Market is worth saving.

Time is running out. Daniel’s lease ends July 31, 2026.

I’d like to add my support to the campaign to #SaveScheeles