“It’s very hard to expand. The buildings aren’t that deep, so if you are going to be a growing business, you are going to end up moving at some point because there is not enough room for your inventory and all. All the storefronts make sense for the most part, but it’s just the size. It could be a quaint area,” Lawus said.

Another problem is parking. Some businesses have off-street lots but, along the busiest stretch, street parking is the only option.

Two of the corridor’s largest and most iconic buildings are the former Brookland Theater building at 115 W. Brookland Park Blvd. and the former American Bank & Trust Co. building at 201 W. Brookland Park Blvd.

Hampton Nash LLC bought the Brookland Theater building last year. Kyle Johnston, owner of Hampton Nash LLC, said at the time that he planned to renovate the building.

LaMar E. Dixon owns the former bank and plans to develop it into a business accelerator.

“I believe the momentum is real,” said Dixon, principal of Dixon/Lee Development Group LLC.