Trattu is located at 1823 Jefferson Place, NW:
I’ve been curious about this place because it is located on a very small street in southern Dupont Circle. That and I love Italian food. I’m even more intrigued after checking out their web site. Check out the menu and celebrity section here. So any fans out there?
Thanks to a reader for sending the word on this cool space. I was lucky enough to run into owner, Lisa Fricano, who told me she was “holding out for something special” on the retail space. She’d love to see it turn into a bookstore or an art space. And what’s super cool is that she is a big fan of the history of the building. She told me it was once a disco in the 70s called “The Jerk”. Too cool. Building on her love of history she has placed historic pictures and items in the front window.
I also love the copper:
You can pick up a postcard of the spot that has a picture from 1931 on the front and a poem about the building on the back:
A hardworking gal in her prime
Times a comeback for 2009,
Her vacant-eyed slumber
Didn’t soften her lumber,
And her penny is now worth a dime.
Much lamented by those who had seen her,
While around her Shaw’s main streets got cleaner,
She drew on reserve,
To renew and preserve,
Her unconventional, centered demeanor.
Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)
This is one of the freshest things I’ve heard in a while. From an email from one of the owners:
“My partner and I are moving an historic 1940’s diner from New York to Washington, DC tomorrow. We bought a Silk City Diner, manufactured by Paterson Vehicle Company in 1947, that has been in upstate New York ever since it was put into service.
The nation’s capital currently has no true diners that I’m aware of; that is, historic modular diner buildings manufactured during 1930-60. So, we’re bringing one to DC by moving it from New York.
It will arrive sometime tomorrow. Unfortunately, I cannot give a specific time of arrival yet due to the nature of highway transportation of oversized loads.
The diner will be located in the Trinidad neighborhood of DC, at the site of a former used car lot shut down by Mayor Fenty in November 2008 (1050 Bladensburg Rd NE). It will be located across the street from Jimmy Valentine’s and 2 blocks or so from the H street bars/restaurants. The initial hours (once we open) will be from 6am-10pm (we think), but we’ll be open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.”
Pretty sweet, yeah? More photos after the jump. (more…)
This may be a tough one but I just thought this was a totally random sight. Your captions in the comments and winner announced Friday. Good luck!
There is a huge hole in the middle of the city near the George Washington University campus. I mean it is huge. I’m dying to know what it’s slated to become. You can’t miss it but you’ll find it at the corner of 23rd and I Streets, NW. Anyone know what the story is here?
Updated from Wikipedia:
“Square 54 Redevelopment is a complex of high-rise buildings located in Washington, D.C., United States. The complex will serve as mixed-use, two buildings will be used for residential use, while the third building will serve as an office-building. The complex will be completed with three buildings, Square 54 Residential I, Square 54 Residential II, and Square 54 Office. Square 54 Residential I is expected to rise 48 metres (160 ft), featuring 14 floors.[1][2] Square 54 Residential II is expected to rise 44 metres (140 ft), featuring 12 floors.[3][4] Finally, Square 54 Office, is expected to rise 45 metres (150 ft), featuring 11 floors.[5][6] Construction of every building will be completed in 2010. Each building will be designed by the architect, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.”
This one has a pretty cool back story. The owner tells me, it was inspired by some stained glass seen in an old church up in New Hampshire. Very cool.
I think someone mentioned this yesterday, so here is the community garden located at the corner of Taylor and 14th Streets, NW. It is called Twin Oaks and is currently all filled up. Though chatting with one of the owners of a plot, I learned that there is waiting list available. He mentioned the National Parks service but I couldn’t find a waiting list for it. Anyone know how to get on the waiting list?
This is my gutter. The weed grew up and around it in two days. I just find it amazing how fast weeds can grow and how they are able to wrap around obstacles in their way. While I think it is terribly annoying, I also think it’s pretty extraordinary.
Just thought this one had a bit of an unusual shape. Looks good though.
I think this is actually a bed and breakfast today. You can see it’s located on the corner of New Hampshire and Swann Streets, NW. No doubt, it’s pretty sweet whatever its function.