From Woodley Park.

This rental is located at 2619 Garfield Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The listing says:

“SPECTACULARLY!!! Sparklingly Fresh and Invitingly Spacious Three Bedrm Three Bath TWO level PentHouse Home in Woodley Park. Lounge in your Relaxing Hot Tub in your 600 ft Private Oasis with it’s own convenient wet bar off your luxurious Master Suite with Windows overlooking Best Zip in DC! Entertain in your Gourmet Kitchen! Just 1 & 1/2 blocks to the Woodley Metro! APPOINTMENT ONLY. Restr. Times”

This 3 bed/3 bath is going for $6,500/Mo.

This house is located at 2810 Cathedral Ave, NW:

View Larger Map

The listing says:

“Located in the desirable Woodley Park neighborhood, this spectacular row house has meticulous details. The grand foyer has original maple floors, high ceilings & stunning archways. Gourmet kitchen iwith granite countertops, Viking gas stove & subzero refrigerator. Finished basement with wine refrigerator. 3 terraces overlooking a breathtaking garden & 2 car-gated parking.”

You can see more photos here.

This 5 bed/3.5 bath is going for $1,579,000.

In Nov. 2012 we learned of a Homicide and Aggravated Assault inside the Woodley Park metro. Yesterday an indictment was made – details from a press release:

Six teenagers, all from Maryland, were indicted today on murder, armed robbery, and other charges stemming from the slaying last fall of 18-year-old Olijawon Griffin at the Woodley Park Metro station, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Michael Taborn, Chief of the Metro Transit Police.

The defendants, charged as adults, were indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. They have been in custody since their arrests last year.

Only one of the six defendants – Chavez Myers, 17 – previously was charged with the murder. The indictment alleges that all six teenagers are responsible for Mr. Griffin’s death.

In addition to Myers, of District Heights, the defendants include Muquan Cawthorne, 16, of Mount Rainier; Isaiah Gant, 16, of Hyattsville; Gary Maye, 17, of Hyattsville; Deon Jefferson, 17, of Landover, and Immanuel Swann, 17, of Brentwood.

Myers was indicted on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, and the others were indicted on a charge of felony murder. In addition, all six defendants were indicted on charges of armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault causing significant bodily injury, and weapons offenses for their roles in attacks on Mr. Griffin and one of his friends. If convicted, the defendants could face decades in prison for the crimes.

The six teenagers, and three others not identified by name in the indictment, allegedly conspired on Nov. 16, 2012 and Nov. 17, 2012 to commit robberies in the District of Columbia. According to the indictment, plans called for robbing people of their iPhones and other items of value. The group took a Metro train on the night of Nov. 16, 2012, from the West Hyattsville, Md. station to the Gallery Place/Chinatown station in Northwest Washington. From there, they took another train to the Woodley Park Metro station to begin their crimes, the indictment states.

After leaving the Metro station, they crossed the Duke Ellington Bridge to the Adams Morgan area to find targets, the indictment alleges.

The indictment alleges that the group decided to target Mr. Griffin shortly after midnight, early Nov. 17, attacking him near a gas station in the 1800 block of Adams Mill Road NW. Cawthorne, who was carrying a gun, gave it to Maye, and Maye pointed it at Mr. Griffin, the indictment alleges. Mr. Griffin was robbed of his Helly Hansen coat and hat. The nine assailants then walked back toward the Woodley Park Metro station, intending to take a train back to West Hyattsville, the indictment states, and Jefferson was wearing Mr. Griffin’s coat.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

This rental is located at 2032 Belmont Road, NW:

View Larger Map

The listing says:

“Kalorama Penthouse big studio w/ lrg WIC & sep. dining rm – versatile layout in storied 1920s Valley Vista bldg. Beautiful views, lots of light, attended lobby, laundry in bldg. Tenant pays sep. electric. No dogs per bldg. Fab location btw Woodley & Dupont Metros.”

This studio is going for $1,525/Mo.

The entire row of retail on the 3000 block of Connecticut Ave NW is getting a facelift. Looking forward to see how this turns out. In the meantime – the businesses remain open:

2649 Connecticut Ave, NW

Cafe Paradiso has temporarily closed for renovations in Woodley Park. They’ll be reopening on Friday. You can see their menus here.

This house is located at 3232 Garfield Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The listing says:

“An outstandingly handsome fieldstone colonial in one of DC’s finest neighborhoods. Features include marble and wood floors, great flow, great proportions, and professionally designed gardens with a new pool, fountains, pergola which are accessed by many rooms in the house. An impressive concrete and stone retaining wall defines the property and ensures privacy. Total 7 bedrooms 4 full,4 half baths”

You can see a virtual tour here.

This 7 bedrooms 4 full,4 half baths is going for $4,125,000.

2601 Connecticut Ave, NW

Woodley Park’s new Ace hardware store is set to open tomorrow morning, when they get their final permit, in the former CVS space at 2601 Connecticut Ave, NW. From an email:

Woodley Park Ace Hardware is scheduled to open tomorrow, Thursday November 29, at 8AM. As an opening day special, we are offering 20% off your entire purchase as a way to say “Thanks!” to our new neighbors. Every transaction receives a bounceback coupon for 50% off any one item $15 or less. As an added bonus, you can enter for a chance to win a 12V DEWALT COMPACT DRILL, valued at $140! We are also giving away some goodies at the door, but quantities are limited so be sure to stop by early while supplies last!

Their facebook page now says:

“OOPS! Our store is stocked and ready to go, but we are waiting on our final permit. Store opening TBD! In the meantime, if you need some hardware you can check out our other stores”

This rental is located at 2818 Cathedral Avenue, NW:

View Larger Map

The listing says:

“An elegant,charming & classic residence in Garfield of Washington-simply a perfect place for joy of time.Stylishly and comprehensively renovated.Walking distance to international cuisines,shops,Rock Creek park,National Zoo,Metro. 3,387 SF of finely planned living area &basement-great for all activities,entreating quests & accommodating larger family. Multiple porches+terrace off kitchen.”

This 5 bed/4 bath is going for $9,800/Mo.

View Larger Map

From MPD:

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced an arrest has been made in the fatal stabbing which occurred in the 2700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, at approximately 1:17 am, units from the Second District and Metro Transit Police responded for a report of an aggravated assault inside the Woodley Park Metro Station located in the 2700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Upon arrival, they located two adult male victims, one of which was suffering from an apparent stab wound. Units from both agencies were able to quickly detain nine suspects. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived and transported both victims to a local hospital where the first victim succumbed to his injury and was pronounced dead. The second victim was admitted in stable condition.

The investigation revealed that the decedent was a victim of a robbery in the area of the 1800 block of Columbia Road, NW. After the robbery he, along with other individuals, proceeded to the Woodley Park Metro Station. Once inside, they encountered the suspects involved in the robbery. An altercation ensued and the suspects assaulted the decedent for a second time and robbed and assaulted the second victim. During this assault, the decedent was fatally stabbed.

The decedent is identified as 18 year-old Olijawon Griffin of Olney, Maryland.

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, nine arrests were made. Seven juvenile males were initially charged with aggravated assault, one juvenile male was charged with aggravated assault and robbery, and a 17 year-old male was charged with Murder Two while Armed in connection with the fatal stabbing of Olijawon Griffin.

In regards to the second victim who was transported to an area hospital and was admitted in stable condition, the 17 year-old male that was charged with Murder Two While Armed, has also been charged with Aggravated Assault and Robbery Force and Violence. The other eight juvenile males involved have also been charged with Aggravated Assault and Robbery Force and Violence.

How many murals that have recently been painted do you think will be around over 30 years from now? Can you guys think of any other murals older than this one? What do you think is the average lifespan of a mural?

2641 Connecticut Ave, NW

A few weeks ago, I noted Lebanese Taverna’s renovations were looking good in Woodley Park. They reopened Sunday night. You can see their menu here.

From a press release:

Upon entering the restaurant, guests will be enveloped in a stylish and spacious lounge area adjacent to a 13-seat bar. Situated at the back of the restaurant is floor-to-ceiling walnut grid wall housing internally lit Arabic lanterns. Behind this featured wall lies the Cedar Private Dining Room, named after the cedar trees of Lebanon. The space accommodates up to 56 guests, providing the perfect setting for business dinners and social gatherings.

Subtle touches of a Lebanese home have been infused throughout the restaurant’s décor. The architectural design includes rich earth tones of copper and brown, natural walnut wood panels, hand-laid country field stone wall accents, and three Egyptian hammered silver brass metal chandeliers hanging from the expansive arcades of the ceiling. Even the communal sinks by the bathrooms mimic a Turkish-style motif.

Much like the establishment, the menu stays true to its traditional roots offering signature items like the hommos — which, as stated in the 2012 Zagat Guide, “will ruin you for all other hummus” — while introducing new entrée options such as Chicken Shawarma Salad (mixed greens topped with feta cheese, olives and a generous portion of rotisserie grilled chicken tossed with Taverna dressing), and Fattoush Shawarma Salad (layers of assorted vegetables, pita chips and a large serving of rotisserie grilled beef and lamb mixed with pomegranate dressing). Other new items include the Chef’s Tasting Platter — a sampling of the nine most popular mezza — and the Halloumi Sandwich Platter, consisting of sautéed sheep’s milk cheese, pickles, olives, mint and a side of fries. All sandwiches, prepared with homemade bread, will now be featured on both the lunch and dinner menus. As always, Lebanese Taverna caters to dietary requests, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.

The DC establishment, which now seats 130 guests, was the catalyst to the growth of the 11-location restaurant collection. Originally opened in 1990, the 22-year-old site was the host to an array of neighbors, guests and dignitaries from around the globe.

According to Dany Abi-Najm, President of Lebanese Taverna Group, “My father (the patriarch of the business) always taught my siblings and me to greet each guest as if they were entering into our home. I look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”

Guests are invited to dine at Lebanese Taverna seven days a week. The restaurant will begin serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A Sunday brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., followed by dinner service from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.

View Larger Map

Dear PoPville,

Didn’t know if any readers had emailed in about the incident that occurred on the Calvert St bridge between Woodley Park and Adams Morgan this evening. I was trying to catch the circulator around 6:30 when someone indicated that the bridge was closed due to someone “trying to jump who was dangling off the side of the bridge”. Right around that time about 3 fire trucks and a handful of emergency vehicles were speeding toward the bridge from Adams Morgan. I walked to Columbia Heights instead of catching the bus, and returning home hours later (almost 11:30 PM) still saw police, and this time the street was completely shut off at Calvert and Lanier going toward the bridge. The officer said someone had tried to pull something but had been accosted, without giving further detail. There were still a ton of flashing lights in the vicinity of the bridge around 11:30. Does anyone know what happened? I hope if someone was trying to pull something, they are okay.. just a bizarre incident overall.

MPD tweeted:

“Units are on the scene Calvert street bridge with a person threatening to jump” which was thankfully resolved without incident. I haven’t heard any about any other incidents.

2641 Connecticut Ave, NW

Back in July Lebanese Taverna closed for a gut renovation in Woodley Park. Should be re-opening any day now.

If you peek in the window you can get an idea of how great the space is looking: