The rooftop of Kaldi’s Social House is being remodeled and will be completely enclosed, according to owner Tsega Hailemariam.
The roof has been an issue with Thayer & Spring apartment residents unhappy about the noise from Kaldi’s, as well as businesses along Georgia Avenue, Hailemariam said.
He added that there’s pending court case dating from the time before COVID–19 restrictions closed the business last year, and he expects to have a hearing in the next month or two.
“That is part of the reason we are doing this,” he said.
The roof will be raised and enclosed, replacing the louvered roof that was in place, with soundproofing and insulation.
“I’m hoping that will reduce the noise,” Hailemariam said. “Definitely, it shows how I’m considerate, being in the community and taking this matter seriously.”
He also will install double-paned glass in the front of the second floor, facing Silver Spring Avenue.
Hailemariam said that should cut down not only on noise from Kaldi’s, but also noise from trash trucks picking up a dumpster that leaks through the building, about which residents have also complained.
“At least we’re going to have this case we’re going to present to the judge,” he said. “I’m not sure that it will completely resolve it because of the type of glass installed in the apartments.”
Hailemariam plans to reopen the first floor coffee shop by April 1 now that the county has raised the capacity limits on restaurants (as of March 26), and are rushing to complete the roof as soon as possible.
In the meantime, he still plans to open a new restaurant in the former Pacci’s Neapolitan Pizzeria location. Like many other businesses, the pandemic has made finances difficult.
“We are negotiating with the landlord and he’s working with me,” Hailemariam said, “and hopefully I’m going to get back and start the construction.”