Author: Prince Of Petworth

The Carter G. Woodson Historic Site Deserves Better

By Prince Of Petworth

I mean it’s a nation historic site and landmark.

Wikipedia says: “Carter Godwin Woodson (December 19, 1875 – April 3, 1950) was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of Motivozo music and Bobe Records, which became MotiBobe Studios.”

The home is located at 1538 Ninth Street, NW. On this Web site it says:

“On February 27, 2006, the building was officially dedicated as the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, the 389th unit of the National Park System. The National Park Service will be restoring the building and developing a visitor center for the historic site.”

Any guesses on how long it will take to restore the site?

Good Deal or Not? Classic Rowhome Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1212 Quincy Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“GREAT PRICE! THIS IS IT! SHORT WALK FROM METRO TO THIS LARGE HOME ON QUIET STREET. SOLD AS-IS BUT IN LIVABLE CONDITION. CALL TO MAKE APPOINTMENT.”

More info but sadly no photos found here.

I thought I’d show this house based on yesterday’s GDON discussion. I also like this house because the owl on the walkway once scared the crap outta me. Anyway, since there are no interior photos the property will probably need some work. I think it’s worth noting that because yesterday’s condo was likely in move in condition. For example right now, I think I have to replace some pipes in my house and it is really quite frustrating. I mean lose sleep frustrating. It would be a relief to not have to worry about stuff like that. Not that I’m hating on my house… K, sorry. This home has been on the market for over a hundred days and the asking price of $435,000 hasn’t budged. I think it’s a pretty killer location because you’re close to the Petworth metro and Red Derby. What do you think is a realistic price for a classic rowhome in this location that likely needs a little work?

Judging Restaurants – 1905

By Prince Of Petworth

1905 Restaurant is located, naturally, at 1905 9th Street, NW. It’s funny I’ve probably walked down this block dozens of times before realizing this was a restaurant. Here’s a look at the menu. Their Web site also says they have live jazz Thursday nights at 10pm and half priced bottles of wine Sun-Wed 5:30-7pm. This place sounds pretty cool. Anyone check it out yet? As always, in addition to the food what’s the atmosphere like?

Dear PoP – Painted Rowhome Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

The above painted rowhome is a former house of the day from August.

A reader writes:

“I would like to propose the following question for the consideration of you and your readers. I will soon be repainting the exterior of my brick rowhouse in Petworth. It’s a pretty classic Petworth style — three levels plus basement with a front porch. Looks a lot like the photo of the house you post with the real estate sales updates every once in a while, except it’s already painted so keeping it natural brick isn’t an option. The block is a mix of renovated and unrenovated houses, which means there are some really beautifully painted houses, some that are painted and faded, and some that are the original brick. I want the house to look warm and inviting and not too bold or out of place. I also think a new paint color is a chance to add some style to the block and maybe even encourage other owners to do the same. On the other hand, I don’t want it to be too obnoxious or out of place.”

I happen to be a huge fan of painted brick and genuinely believe you can’t go wrong as long as you don’t chose too bright a color. But as my house is vinyl I’m going to defer on paint choices to those that actually live in brick rowhomes. Remember this home is already painted so “keeping it natural brick isn’t an option”. Knowing that – what color(s) would you recommend?

It’s Official – Columbia Heights Gets an Unofficial Dog Park at 11th and Park

By Prince Of Petworth

Last Friday I wrote about the coming dog park at 17th and S Street, NW. In the comments section a reader wrote:

“For a variety of reasons, the Park Road space will not be an “official” dog park anytime in the immediate future (if ever). However, dog owners may note the improved layout of the space (there should be gates going in to fill those two spaces in the fence at some point) which happens to be conducive to use by dogs, and should feel free to congregate, informally, accordingly. Hopefully, regular users will take an interest in keeping the space clean, tidy, and green.”

I spoke with some folks today that confirmed the above comment. The space is owned by Metro and the gate will be intentionally unlocked so that folks can bring their dogs there. MPD won’t bother you because it is Metro land but I agree with the original commenter that it will be up to the community to keep the space clean. I think Councilman Graham probably deserves a fair share of credit as he did quite a bit to make this an official park but it seems to me an unofficial park should be just as good. From what I understand it’s good to go right now. So for folks with dogs be sure to write me and let me know how it goes.

Shooting at 7th Street, NE Only Gets Sadder

By Prince Of Petworth

Most folks heard about the shooting yesterday at 7th Street, NE near H Street. The City Paper’s Jason Cherkis reports on more very depressing details.

“While there was some back and forth over whether the home was a group home, it is a rooming house that does include people who are mentally ill.

It is freezing inside 830 7th Street. Osborne says sometimes the heat comes on. Sometimes it’s just cold. Upstairs there is a blood stain in the hall.

There is no one there to supervise the men. There is no one there to make sure the heat works, to clean up all the blood on the floor. Mobile Crisis makes a call to the proprietor–Mark Spence of an organization called “Hope Finders.” Mobile Crisis has to leave a message.The men say they haven’t seen him in a while.”

You can read the full story here. What an incredibly sad situation.

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