The owners of D.C.-based Olivia Macaron have acquired a Union Market-area property they plan to convert into a macaron shop and a separate cocktail bar.
The two-story building at 405 Morse St. NE sold July 24 to Oak at Morse Street LLC, whose organizer is listed in public records as House of Macarons LLC, for $1.55 million. Ian Ruel, Josh Feldman, Roman Degliantoni and Adam Costanzo of Feldman Ruel marketed the property on behalf of the seller, the proprietors of a wholesale meat business that no longer needed the space.
Olivia Macaron, which operates existing outposts at Georgetown Park and Tysons Corner Center, plans to open a shop for its confections on the first floor of the building and a cocktail bar on the second floor, per a release. Building permits have not yet been filed for that work.
“This move represents a significant milestone in our journey to bring our beloved macarons to an even wider audience,” Ana Claudia Lopez, Olivia Macaron CEO, said in a statement.
The property’s closing price exceeded its asking price by $105,000. In a statement, Ruel said his firm “created a competitive bidding environment, leading to multiple offers.”
"We always enjoy selling properties in Union Market because we ultimately end up procuring incredible users and investors with very creative visions for these unique buildings,” Ruel said.
Olivia Macaron, named for Lopez's daughter, celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2023. Over a decade, it has grown from a patisserie into a much larger operation that includes wholesale, corporate (branded macarons) and events arms. The macarons are gluten-free, made locally and shipped nationally, according to its website.
The bakery previously operated a kiosk at the Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, but it has permanently closed.