A major pop-up cultural venue is setting its sights on Prince George’s County as part of a ongoing, transformative expansion across the D.C. area.
As first reported by the Washington Business Journal, Suite Nation—the Black-owned, D.C.-native events and design group behind the popular Sandlot hospitality concept—is expanding its footprint with new locations designed to repurpose unused commercial spaces into vibrant community hubs.
Led by co-founders Ian Callender and Kevin Hallums, Sandlot has become synonymous with activating underutilized real estate. From shipping-container bars and open-air block parties to indoor art installations, the brand has transformed over 200,000 square feet of vacant spaces across the District and Virginia since launching as a 2018 MLB All-Star Game pop-up. Now, that same creative energy is driving key developments right here in Prince George’s County.
Activating Downtown Largo
Downtown Largo has rapidly evolved into a major economic, health, and transit anchor for Prince George’s County, anchored by the UM Capital Region Medical Center and transit-oriented development around the Metro station. The arrival of a concept like Sandlot offers a dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor space for local food truck entrepreneurs, artists, cultural events, and community gatherings.
Instead of waiting years for traditional long-term retail leases to settle in vacant commercial properties, Sandlot’s model leverages temporary pop-up frameworks to quickly inject foot traffic, economic opportunities, and social life into developing downtown sectors.
What This Means for Prince George’s County
- Platform for Small & Minority-Owned Businesses: Sandlot venues regularly host rotating local food vendors, minority-owned catering pop-ups, and regional DJs, providing local Prince George’s entrepreneurs a direct stage to showcase their offerings.
- Community & Creative Hub: Known for hosting block parties, art installations, live music, and networking receptions, the venue brings a unique cultural engine to Downtown Largo’s growing residential and professional community.
- Smart Real Estate Revitalization: By collaborating with property owners and local governments to activate underused space, the project aligns with Prince George’s County’s broader goals for placemaking and downtown density.
The expansion into Largo reflects a growing recognition of Prince George’s County as a prime destination for innovative hospitality concepts that blend local culture, commerce, and community connection.
