This home is located at 3609 R Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“SPECTACULAR CONTEMPORARY 3BR/4BA IS THE MOST DRAMATIC EXAMPLE OF MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE IN DC. NEWLY CONSTRUCTED (2006), FINEST MATERIALS, BUILD-QUALITY & TECHNOLOGY, INCL. BRAZ. CHERRY HWF’S, GOURMET KIT, SPA BA’S, MSTR SUITE W/ 2 BALC. , SMART HOME CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MUSIC/ENT/SEC. PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED GARDEN W/ HOT-TUB, LL-AU-PAIR + 2-CAR GAR.”

More info found here and a must see virtual tour found here.

After last week’s GDoN house porn a few readers threw down the gauntlet and dared me to find one worthy of the title house porn. Well, I have answered and answered with vigor… Seriously, this house is so wild, I couldn’t believe I just stumbled upon it. It is interesting to note that it, and the next door neighbor, (see photo below) are two very modern houses within an old school block. But back to the house itself – what do you think of it both inside and out? What’s your favorite feature? It’s yours for $2,495,000.


Cafe Divan is located at 1834 Wisconsin Ave., NW. I love this corner building and feel like over the years I’ve seen a few restaurants come and go. Though I believe Cafe Divan has been in the space for a number of years now. So what’s the word – thumbs up or down? They even have a carry out menu


Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. Néstor writes, “This year, despite the rain, the race truly rocked!!!”.

Three more photos after the jump. Plus a bonus slide show from PoPville Flickr user Sanjay Suchak (more…)


Danny Harris is a DC-based photographer, DJ, and collector of stories. In September, he launched People’s District, a blog that tells a people’s history of DC by sharing the stories and images of its residents. Every day, People’s District presents a different Washingtonian sharing his or her insights on everything from Go Go music to homelessness to fashion to politics. You can read his previous columns here.

“I was born in Falls Church, then moved all over the country and then overseas and came back here for law school. I grew up around motorcycles. My Mom owns a Harley and I spent a lot of time around motorcycle clubs. When I was 16, I was living in Germany as an exchange student and went to Italy on a field trip. I was at the Spanish Steps in Rome and there was an attractive woman sitting on a Vespa. She is sort of a blur, but I remember the scooter. I guess that’s a bad sign! It was an early 1960’s burgundy Vespa with eight-inch wheels. It had a leopard print seat cover. From that point on, I wanted to get a Vespa.

“When I was in law school, I decided that DC would be a great place to have a scooter and I tracked down my first project, a 1985 Vespa. Within four months, I had six Vespas. Within a few years, I had 22. I would restore them and sell them to help pay for law school. I really love things with two wheels, that’s why I opened Modern Classics. The most important thing about Modern Classics is that we’re four people who are really passionate about scooters and motorcycles. We are the only full-service shop in Washington, DC so you can buy or fix bikes with us. Might as well keep the business in the city.”

“One of the things that I have noticed about being involved with scooters in DC is that a lot of the Vespa riders here seem to be more educated about scooters than in most other cities. DC is very white collar even though there are those of us, like me, who are blue collar by choice or circumstance. We have a lot of customers from places like The World Bank, people at embassies, and students. But, ridership in this city is really growing. I am constantly amazed by the people coming into my shop these days to buy scooters. I mean, big macho dudes like rugby and football players. You never would have seen that in DC fifteen years ago.

“Still, there’s been lots of times here when I have heard, ‘Get a real bike, you fag.’ But, I can tell you that if I take my motorcycle and go park it somewhere versus taking my Vespa out, the women love the Vespas. It draws a crowd. That’s not why I ride in DC, but it helps. Women tend to view it as metrosexual and guys who are insecure view it as homosexual. Sure, a Vespa doesn’t have the same testosterone level as a burly guy on a Harley, but some of us have to overcompensate and some of us under-compensate. But, I still think that it is really acceptable for anyone to ride a scooter in DC and people won’t judge you.”

Modern Classics is located at 955 V St. NE. Read more about motorcycles in DC from Kim at People’s District.


You may recognize this photo from Monday but a few readers have suggested it be used as a caption contest. So thanks again to the reader for sending this great shot. Your caption in the comments section and winner selected Friday.

Ed. Note: I received the new PoP t-shirts and coolest pet t-shirts today! There is an added benefit to winning one before the PoP 3 year anniversary party, Nov. 5th at Wonderland but more on that Thursday…


“Dear PoP,

My husband and I recently moved to near NE / H street and are working to improve our home. One obstacle we’ve run into is the light pole in the back alley. It currently sits in the middle of the property line, preventing full access to the backyard. Here is a picture. We cannot fully open the gate or park our car because of the limited width of the lot that the light pole creates.

I’ve contacted DC’s Dept. of Transportation, specifically someone in infrastructure project management. He was a very helpful individual, and moved along our request to have the light pole moved about 8ft (to the end of the property line). Unfortunately, the request was denied by his superiors. That means we’d have to pay the cost of moving the light pole instead of the city. The individual gave me a ballpark figure of around $5000 to move the light pole, and an additional $2800 if the light pole is old and should be replaced. Do you know, or do your readers have knowledge of another avenue that we can pursue? Do you think contacting our Alderman Tommy Wells might resolve this? We simply want the light pole moved about 8ft to the end of the property line, but don’t feel it’s just that we should have to front 100% of the costs; especially if the pole needs to be replaced.

Sincerely,
Chrystina”

Hmm, I can see that would be incredibly frustrating. This is something you should definitely bring to the attention of your Council Member’s office. However, I’m not sure he’ll be able to do anything about it. If the pole sits on city property and you bought the house this way then I’m not sure if the city will be obligated to move it. But I’m just guessing. We have some incredibly knowledgeable readers here so perhaps they’ll be able to give some specific advice. But most definitely approach your constituent services rep. from Wells’ office!


I sometimes forget about the arboretum. These shots from a reader have reminded me that I must go for a visit again soon! You can find info about visiting the arboretum here.


I know folks have explained that copper gutters are used from time to time but can someone remind why a whole roof would be done in copper? I can’t remember if it is for more than aesthetics?  It definitely looks great though.


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