This condo is located at 1320 13th Street, NW and was completed around 2003, I think. What do you think of the alternating brick and blue windows? Is it worthy of the name the Icon?
|
Author: Prince Of Petworth
|
“PoP – wanted to bring to your attention this article in today’s Examiner. http://www.dcexaminer.com/
A few months ago PoP featured this building and there was some discussion about it. I live down the street and Jim Graham called me earlier this week to tell me pretty much the same info that is in this article.”
Yup, we discussed this building located at 1483 Newton St, NW back in April. According to the Examiner:
“The District agreed to pay triple the assessed value for a dilapidated apartment building in Columbia Heights that the government plans to preserve as affordable housing, infuriating one D.C. leader who described the structure as little more than a shell.
But Neil Albert, D.C.’s deputy mayor for planning and economic development, put a temporary, last-second hold on the deal Tuesday after The Examiner raised questions about the price tag.
“We’re taking a closer look in the office to make sure that the price and the appraisal adds up, given the current market conditions,” said Sean Madigan, Albert’s spokesman.
The Department of Housing and Community Development struck a deal to pay $3.1 million for a vacant 32-unit building at 1483 Newton St. NW that was recently valued by the city’s tax office at nearly $1.1 million. Another appraisal, this one performed for DHCD, put the market value at roughly $2.9 million.”
Now I have a crazy opinion here. I think this building has been vacant and an eyesore for so long that, well, frankly, spend $3.1 million for it! I know, we shouldn’t waste our valuable taxpayer money. But you know what sometimes it worth it to just get the ball rolling. It sucks being taken advantage of but hell we lose money all the time (just think about the huge DC real estate tax scandal). And if I lived across the street from this building I’d be so tired of the stagnation. I know this is not going to be a popular opinion. Dang, this isn’t a very compelling argument. I haven’t even convinced myself. I’m just frustrated. I know the city shouldn’t throw money away and I’m glad they’re looking into the matter. But dang it would be nice to see this side of Newton fixed up. That’s all I’m saying.
|
This home is located at 1430 Taylor Street, NW:
The flier says:
“Sophisticated, high-end renov of 1920s TH on lovely tree-lined st, steps to Rock Creek Park, Metro, shops & restaurants! Stylish granite/SS kit w/ breakfast rm & sunrm, sep DR, modern LR w/ custom staircase & FP, sunny master ste w/ dressing rm, 3BR + fam rm, Ann Sacks tile bath, fin bsmnt workrm, PKNG, deep gardens, patio, HWF, designer lighting & fixtures, & more!”
More info and tons of photos here.
Ok, folks were a bit disappointed with yesterday’s GDoN but check out the pictures on this house. I’m not a huge fan of the staircase but otherwise this seems like a really nice reno. I also like this block because it is really close to Rock Creek Parkway. I guess one of the drawbacks is that it is not super close to a metro. It’s been on the market for 117 days and the asking price is $649,000. To me that doesn’t seem insane for a nice reno. What do you think it can actually sell for? What do you think of the renovation itself?
|
Has anyone had a chance to check out the recently opened Posto located at 1515 14th St. NW. You can see their menu here. Sound good?
|
Ed. Note: A long time ago I too admitted my love for Ruby Tuesday. I’m glad to have some company.
There is a Columbia Heights delicacy that’s located at the corner of 14th and Monroe. No it’s not a torta, huevos rancheros, or anything off the fresh fruit stand around that area. It’s “Mayonnaise Broccoli.” Or at least that’s what I call it. Its broccoli, soaked in mayonnaise, and mixed with shredded cheese and bacon. In other words, it’s amazing. Where can you find this – and other delicious offerings? At the Ruby Tuesday salad bar, the severely underrated and underappreciated food fare – that I can attest is rather tasty.
Yes I said it. I am a big fan of the Ruby Tuesday salad bar. I write about food and review restaurants for publications, check the DC food blogs on a daily basis, reference the Washington Post food critic by his first name (and I’ve never met Tom), and follow the DC restaurant scene as if it’s celebrity gossip. And still I’m not afraid to profess my love for the inexpensive, immediately gratifying, and tasty salad bar from Ruby Tuesday. I call all PoP readers to give it at least one try before you judge.
Why? Besides for having all of your necessary vegetables, Ruby Tuesday’s salad bar also has some creative additions. Not only does it feature the adored Mayonnaise Broccoli, there’s also slightly-goopy-but-very-edible Potato Salad and some pickled veggie concoction that isn’t bad. Secondly, it’s instant food. A very good plus for anyone who’s braved the Columbia Heights crowded lunch and dinner scene on the weekends. The service at Ruby Tuesday is always nice, efficient, never pushy, and doesn’t furrow their brow when I ask for a 6th refill on my diet coke. Personally I think good weekend brunch/lunch service is hard to find in the area.
And lastly – there are 65 things you can put on your salad. SIXTY FIVE. Paving the way for some incredible salad creativity. My favorite? Not exactly what the doctor ordered. Spinach salad with chickpeas, carrots, too much blue cheese, even more bacon, drowned in honey mustard dressing and topped with enough croutons to make a loaf of bread. And of course a separate plate for the Mayonnaise Broccoli.
So don’t knock it till you try it. Next time the there’s a wait at The Heights or Tonic, give Ruby a try. Who’s with me?
|
Wow, a reader sent a link from a City-Data Forum listing all(?) of DC’s gangs and crews. I had no idea there were so many. The reader writes:
“Yikes, it’s scary to think there are so many in our midst and the city doesn’t do more to crack down on it.”
I’d like to think the city does a lot to crack down on them but in reality how can you crack down on so many? I’m guessing it’s what we’ve talked about dozens of times – improving schools, improving parental responsibility, etc. It’s obviously a much bigger issue than simply law enforcement. I saw a great documentary on PBS about crews from the south side of Chicago and how the crews really became a substitute for the lack of family structure to a certain degree. I don’t publish this list as a scare tactic, rather I think it’s important to realize just how big this problem is (even if only half of these names are legit.)
Another reader sent in an article from the NY Times discussing how NYPD had successfully cut crime in tough precincts.
Read it here.
A different reader also wrote in suggesting another perspective might be interesting from this article, The Cost of Fearing Strangers:
Read it here.
After the jump find the full list of DC crews taken from the City-Data Forum. I obviously don’t know if they are all legit but some of them I, sadly, recognize. Think this gigantic list is legit? Does it even matter or for the most part are these crews harmless? (more…)
|
photo by Lauren Ashley
Never say PoP doesn’t support the Unions! It seems these tips may be a bit obvious but you tell me. Number 4 is my favorite. Personally, I’d say if you are within 5 miles from your destination it’d be easier to just take a nice walk. From an email:
ATU Local 689, the transit union comprising of more than 10,000 Metro bus drivers, rail operators, administrators and technicians, is encouraging DC residents and Metro riders to become travel ambassadors during this historic Inaugural event come January 20th.
ATU Local 689’s Nine Tips for Inaugural Metro Travel
1. Begin your travel day with a smile and a positive attitude! You’re about to witness history!
2. Expect crowds and crowded trains. The District is expected to host between 2-4 million people for the inaugural celebration. Be patient, as there will be delays.
3. Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes and pack lightly. Even if you decide to take the Metro to inaugural activities, be prepared to walk. Also, the warmer and more comfortable you are, the more helpful and friendly you can be to visitors.
4. A simple and polite “excuse me” always works. Try these friendly phrases – “Excuse me, please stand to the right on the escalator” or “Excuse me, I’m attempting to board the train.”
5. Be as helpful as possible. We are residents and Metro riders that know how things work. Let’s share the knowledge to keep things moving smoothly!
6. Be aware of your surroundings by keeping the ear buds of your music player at a level where you can hear announcements and you won’t disturb your fellow passengers.
7. Buy your Metro cards or load up your SmartTrip before January 20th. You’ll be glad you planned ahead!
8. Local ATU members are at your service to help in any way possible. Feel free to direct tourists to the Metro kiosks for any problems or concerns.
9. There will be an unusually high number of riders so please move quickly into the Metro car when the Metro stops and into the center of the car to allow more people to safely board the train.
|
Last time they announced free yogurt I somehow screwed up the dates around Christmas time so I double confirmed this one with the owner.
From an email:
“Tangysweet, Penn Quarter, will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, January 8, 2009 by offering complimentary frozen yogurt throughout the day. Tangysweet is open daily from 11am to 11pm.
DC’s original tart frozen yogurt store has set up shop at the corner of 7th St. and E St., NW (675 E St., NW, entrance on 7th) one block from the Verizon Center and will tantalize customers with combinations of its classic, green tea and pomegranate yogurt with the freshest fruit toppings, like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, as well as, crunchy cereal toppings.”
|
Thanks to a reader for sending. This one is of Florida Ave and 9th Street from 1958. There are quite a few more here at the DDOT Web site.
|
This one is on the side of a building that houses a Yoga shop. So the artist isn’t simply insane…