Frequently Asked Questions

This project is about more than just development—it’s about honoring the heart and soul of Washington, DC’s Chinatown. Our goal is to be a lasting part of  this historic neighborhood, celebrating its rich heritage while ensuring its legacy is carried forward for generations to come. The $75 million investment, made possible through Rift Valley Capital’s partnership with the Moy Family, is rooted in a deep commitment to the community. The Moy Family’s longstanding ties to Chinatown, spanning three generations, reflect our genuine dedication to preserving what makes this neighborhood unique.

This project offers a pivotal opportunity to breathe new life into Chinatown, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. Based on extensive consultation with stakeholders, the hotel will feature a Chinese restaurant, an Asian market, and retail spaces that honor the culture and traditions of the area, ensuring that its character remains intact. Hotels naturally generate foot traffic, and this development will serve as a catalyst to bring more visitors to the neighborhood, benefiting not just Chinatown but the entire city. This project stands as a testament to the resilience of the community, enriching both its present and future.

From the very beginning, this project has been deeply committed to upholding the culture and legacy of Chinatown. Our ownership structure includes the Moy Family, who has been part of the community for three generations, and Marriott Tribute, whose hotel brand celebrates local culture in a meaningful way. The hotel will feature culturally relevant spaces, including a Chinese restaurant and Asian market, as a way to honor the neighborhood's heritage. The development team, including the Moy family, has worked closely with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that the development reflects what makes Chinatown special for both residents and visitors.

No. Zero tenants were forcefully removed. In fact, many of the tenants involved in this project, including the owner of Full Kee Restaurant and Goaya Salon, have written multiple letters of support for the redevelopment to the DC Council and community groups. They believe this project will help preserve and advance the neighborhood’s rich cultural legacy. Rift Valley Capital has  worked diligently to maintain positive relationships with all businesses and ensure that they are included in the project’s vision.

Outreach to the many stakeholders who make Chinatown what it is has been a priority from the very beginning. Over the past three years, there have been numerous meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, faith-based organizations, ANC commissioners, and DC Councilmembers. We have also met with the Save Chinatown Solidarity Network on five separate occasions to learn their thoughts and keep them informed of our plans. Many community leaders and business owners have provided letters of support for the project, and there is an enduring commitment to engage with the community throughout this process and beyond.

We understand that cultural preservation is vital to the success of this project, and we are committed to honoring the neighborhood’s history. In addition to the authentic cultural spaces within the hotel, such as a Chinese restaurant and an Asian market, we are ensuring that the development reflects the history and traditions of Chinatown. We are committed to ensuring the project’s design and concept are deeply embraced and influenced by community feedback, to ensure that the legacy of the District’s Chinatown is carried forward.

This project is designed to create new opportunities for economic activity and attraction in the Chinatown area. By revitalizing a block that has faced challenges in attracting consistent retail, we aim to bring back a thriving business corridor that’s rooted in and of the community. The development will provide jobs, increase foot traffic, and contribute to the economic vitality of the area. Furthermore, it will attract more visitors to the neighborhood, helping to foster long-term growth and cultural expression.

No, this project is not designed to displace any residents or businesses. Long standing businesses, such as Full Kee and Goaya Salon, have been supportive of the project and included in discussions from the very beginning. Our focus is on collaborating with the community to create a development that supports and enhances the neighborhood, honoring the businesses and residents who have been part of it for generations.

The Moy Family’s Vision

Letter of Support from Wah Luck Adult Day Care Center

Letter of Support from Full Kee Restaurant and Gaoya Salon

Letter of Support from Howard Marks

Letter of Support from Saint Mary Mother Church

Letter of Support from Meridian at Gallery Place

Letter of Support from Flight Wine Bar

Letter of Support from Chinatown Market

Letter of Support from China Boy Restaurant

Letter of Support from All About Burger Chinatown

We chose Marriott Tribute because it allows us to authentically celebrate and honor the rich legacy of Chinatown while also enriching its culture for future generations. The Tribute brand is uniquely positioned to reflect the local heritage through its thoughtful design, programming, and community engagement. Tribute hotels are known for embracing the stories of their neighborhoods, and in this case, the brand's commitment to authenticity and culture is a perfect match for our vision of maintaining Chinatown's legacy. By selecting Marriott Tribute as the brand for the hotel, we are able to create a space that not only upholds the neighborhood's history but also brings a vibrant, culturally enriched experience that resonates with both residents and visitors.

We welcome ongoing feedback and dialogue with the community. If you would like more information, have questions, or would like to share your thoughts  with us, please feel free to reach out via our contact form. We are committed to maintaining an open and transparent line of communication with all involved.