A Bit More Info on CommonWealth’s Replacement in Columbia Heights

Yesterday we learned that CommonWealth in Columbia Heights (1400 Irving St, NW) would be closing at the end of the month. At the time I said the space would be closed for 60 days for some renovations. And commenter Michael (from Pete’s next door) wrote:

“The gastropub is going to close for 60 days, and the operator of the Lou’s is going to take over the pub, put down hardwood floors, remove the “private dining room” that bisected the old CommonWealth, expand the bar, mainstream the menu (still pub food though).

As for Jamie Leeds, she’s done well at CommonWealth but is taking the resources from the sale of the business and investing into the building next door to Hank’s.”

On Wed. afternoon I spoke with Terry Cullen who in addition to running the nearby new sports bar Lou’s City Bar, will also be running the new venture that goes into the CommonWealth space. If all goes according to plan the space will reopen with a new name in early May. Cullen did confirm that Jaime Leeds will be concentrating on the Hank’s expansion in Dupont but will also consult a bit with Terry on the new space. As Michael noted yesterday the changes will not be drastic. Cullen said the pub will be a bit more Irish than English and will have an expanded bar area.

So in the end the space will be a warmer more open environment but won’t be terribly different from the CommonWealth gastropub feel.