schools

photo by Erin

Thanks to Nupe for passing on from US News and World Report:

“School Without Walls High School 2026-2027 Rankings

School Without Walls High School is ranked #5 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college. Read more about how we rank the Best High Schools.
All Rankings (more…)


1000 words

Speaking of smoked, as August winds down and the new school year is about to start on Monday – thanks to Hannah for sending this beautiful specimen from Columbia Heights.

***Last Christmas Tree in Town (definitely not the last) is brought to you by the Friends of Mizuta Masahide Society. Should we be blessed with any, please send your SEPTEMBER tree sightings to [email protected] and let me know where you saw it. Thanks!


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

718 Park Road NW #2
718 Park Road NW #2

It’s shaping up to be a busy weekend for open houses across DC, with plenty for buyers to explore—and a little extra activity to navigate around the National Mall with the race taking place this weekend. From a $370K upgraded condo in Columbia Heights and a newly price-improved Eckington rowhome with income potential, to mid-century architecture in Southwest and a nearly 4,800-square-foot showpiece in Mount Pleasant, there’s a wide range of homes opening their doors Saturday and Sunday. To see the full DC Open House list, click here.

  • 718 Park Rd NW #2 — $370,000 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. & Sun. 2-4PM — Marina Sorbie
    “Welcome to effortless city living in this beautifully upgraded condo, tucked away in an intimate 8-unit boutique building offering both modern style and peace of mind (major structural overhaul in 2008). Step inside to gorgeous white-oak hardwood floors and a bright, open layout. The heart of the home is a brilliantly redesigned kitchen maximizing every inch of space, complete with custom cabinetry equipped with custom organizational inserts, premium stainless-steel appliances, a gas range, gleaming granite countertops, and chic open shelving.

  • 133 U St NE — $849,900 — Eckington
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — David Bediz
    $50k PRICE IMPROVEMENT: “Welcome to 133 U St NE, a beautifully updated end-unit rowhome offering the perfect blend of modern living, flexible space, and income potential in the heart of Washington, DC. This unique property features two units, multiple private outdoor spaces, and a detached 2-car garage—an incredible find in the city. The upper residence offers a spacious and light-filled 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath layout with exposed brick, recessed lighting, crown molding, and an open floor plan designed for comfortable living and entertaining.”

  • 1001 L St NW #211 — $439,900 — Mt Vernon Sq.
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — Chris Sartwell
    “Fantastic one bedroom unit located in the heart of NW in Quincy Park. Walking distance to 3 metro stops, this freshly painted and all new flooring unit shows fantastic. Overlooking the building courtyard, the open concept main area includes in-unit washer and dryer, kitchen with all new appliances and granite counters, and new flooring throughout. The bedroom features a walk-in closet and new carpet.”

  • 319 I St SW #200 — $729,900 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sun. 11AM-1PM — Katherine Krevor
    $20k PRICE IMPROVEMENT: “Own a piece of the district’s mid-century history. Designed by pioneer architect Chloethiel Woodard Smith, she earned the reputation as one of the region’s finest architects in mid-century classic modern architecture. Similarly, Dan Kiley, landscape architect for the original master plan, is widely considered one of the most influential landscape designers of the 20th Century. This remodeled stunning spacious 3-level townhome has a 1 car garage and 3-bedrooms + den.”

  • 1701 16th St NW #211 — $519,000 — Dupont
    Open Sun. 1-3PM — Jason Skipworth
    “The Chastleton Cooperative is a restored 1920s Gothic Revival building in Dupont Circle that combines historic character with modern amenities, including “24/7 Front desk/Security,” a fitness center, courtyard, ballroom, rooftop deck, and professional on-site management. Residence #211 is a spacious 897-square-foot, two-bedroom home on the quiet courtyard side, featuring “beautifully refinished Oak hardwood floors,” an updated open kitchen with a large island, a king-size primary bedroom and more. 

    (more…)


Fort Dupont

“Saturday, August 22nd | 2pm – 7pm

GATES OPEN: 11 A.M.
Fort Dupont Park
Minnesota Ave SE”

Thanks to a reader for passing on from the official Chuck Brown Facebook page:

“Statement from the Chuck Brown Family about Chuck Brown Day:

The Brown family has decided that due to their marginalization over the past three years with regard to the planning and substance of Chuck Brown Day, which we notified DPR of on Feb 3rd of this year, we no longer support the Chuck Brown Day event and do not want it to continue unless a new director and project leadership is in place to ensure that our duty to protect the integrity of Chuck Brown’s legacy is respected, and that his family’s wishes are taken seriously at all times. We can no longer risk allowing the event’s organizer’s lack of communication, professionalism, and inability to abide by guidelines in contractual agreements to be interpreted as the family’s approval of the event and its management.”

Full release from DPR: (more…)


Dulles

From Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority:

“The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority board of directors Wednesday approved a $15.5 billion addition to its capital construction budget to fund the transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport.

The board action expands a construction program already underway at Dulles, which is the nation’s fastest-growing international gateway airport, to modernize the 60-year-old airport for the future. The additional funding increases Dulles’ forward-looking construction budget to $19.9 billion over 15 years.

The effort will be funded primarily through bonds issued by the Airports Authority and repaid through normal rates and charges to airline tenants, as well as authority-generated revenue. No taxpayer money is designated for the initiative, unless government grants are made available to cover a portion of the costs. (more…)


Bloomingdale

1720 1st Street, NW at Randolph Place, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Any word what’s coming of 1720 1st street nw? The market on the ground floor sat vacant for a while and a few weeks ago there was a dumpster and now there are blinds up!”

Anyone hear anything? STAY TUNED.


Columbia Heights

14th and Irving Street, NW

Great news about the Bouldering Project coming to Columbia Heights in DCUSA – Construction has finally started!! Thanks to T. for passing on the exciting update from the Bouldering Project:

“Inside Columbia Heights

Construction is underway at our second DC location in Columbia Heights!

Our in-house design team is excited to share a glimpse of what’s to come. Scroll to see a preview of some of our new bouldering, yoga & fitness, training, and youth spaces. (more…)


Dear PoPville

photo by Pablo Raw

“Dear PoPville,

Has anyone else noticed that Metro stations seem significantly hotter and more humid this summer than in years past?

I’ve lived in the District without a car for more than 10 years and have taken Metro regularly for my commute. I understand that stations can’t realistically be kept cold given their size and design, but this summer feels different. On most mornings, the stations seem hotter and more humid than the air outside. When I first moved to D.C., I was struck by how much more cooler the Metro stations were compared with the NYC Subway. Friends I’ve spoken with about this issue have noticed the same thing this year, but I’m curious whether others have as well. (more…)