17th and Columbia Road, NW

Last month I noted that it seemed like there were tons of spots for lease on 18th Street in Adams Morgan. Well, I found one that is particularly worth noting. It looks like it was in a former movie theater. I seem to remember most recently this spot was a huge dollar type store, right? The potential for this to turn into a cool spot is incredible. I know it’s a bit tougher because it’s on Columbia but imagine the possibilities. What do you think would be the best business that could go in here? I’m thinking a huge Tryst type spot with a comedy club (see below about 14th and T).


This seems like a nice special. CommonWealth is located at 1400 Irving St NW near the Columbia Heights Metro. They now have a “Stroller Special” which consists of:

“11:30am to 4pm
Monday-Friday

Kids under 6 enjoy a plate of cheese, pigs in a blanket, sliced fruit and chips.

Parents enjoy a free half-pint!”

So now that CommonWealth has been around for a while – what’s the word? Is it still super crowded? Have you discovered any meals that are solid? What’s the best beer?


Washington Business Journal is reporting the deal is near finalized. The winner? Room & Board Inc., a Minneapolis furniture chain that plans a 32,000-square-foot store. Ugh, we could of had a Tryst type spot and yoga and a comedy club. We coulda been contenders. Sadly that team couldn’t get the financing it needed to purchase the building fast enough. I’m glad something’s going into this spot but it is definitely a bit disappointing. The article quotes Jim Graham:

“It’s disappointing because we had some very good prospects for that building, you know, locally rooted businesses,” said Councilman Jim Graham, D-Ward 1. “I don’t know how Room & Board feels about being welcomed into a neighborhood. But they’ve got a lot of people angry.”

So are you angry?


This home is located at 1909 8th Street, NW.


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The flier says:

“Great price for a large home in U Street. Brick Row home 2 blocks f/metro & U street 3 bedroom 1 bath w/ basement. Large living and dining room VERY tall ceilings and lots of windows. Basement could be easily finished. Large rear deck and yard. Nice opportunity for someone to find a good deal in a good neighborhood.”

More info and photos found here.

I like the location but I’m a little hesitant because there is only one bathroom. What do you think – does $529,900 seem reasonable for a whole house at this location?


You’d never find this place if you didn’t know it was there. Or if you don’t have a passion for doors…

Corte Salon is located at 1019 U Street, NW and opened at this location the first week of September. You can spot a little sign on the door but from the street you’d have no idea there was such a nice place upstairs.

Their Web site says:

“At CORTE Salon, we strive to create an exclusive experience for our guests that is as unique as they are. Our mission is to provide every client with an outstanding experience in an elegant, serene and sophisticated environment.

We appreciate all of our guests and work hard to maintain our relationships with each of them.

Serving both women and men, CORTE Salon will provide a full line of individually tailored services from a group of highly skilled and diverse professionals. With such a diverse staff, clients will easily find someone who compliments their own style, background, and personality.

At the beginning of every appointment, we will talk with you and help you decide upon the best look and appropriate treatments. CORTE Salon offer the highest quality professional hair products and our staff will personalize a daily routine for you based on your individual preferences.

Over the next several months as we continue to grow, we will be adding such services as facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and massage.”

So if you’ve been looking for a Salon in the neighborhood you’ve now found it.


“Not to start another argument about the best Chinese in the city, but last night we tried to order from Great Wall Szechuan House and were told we live too far away. The woman on the phone did not seem moved by the fact that they did deliver to us just a few weeks ago. Now, we are too far. We actually live in Park View, closer to them than Petworth and I know they have delivered to Petworthians. Did we not tip well enough last time? Are they anti-Park View? Was I just hungry and frustrated?

I don’t want to miss my chance at enjoying their spicy eggplant on my couch…”

I think it probably depends on the night. Maybe they were super busy last night but not a couple of weeks ago. I definitely find ordering delivery a frustrating process. Kind of like catching a cab home. Seemingly a bit arbitrary for sure. Some cabbies have no problems taking me home and some bolt like they’ve seen the devil himself. As for your experience, I’d just try them again another night. If they still don’t deliver you may want to go down to the store itself and introduce yourself. Kill ’em with kindness.

What do you guys think – have you had experiences ordering delivery where they deliver one night but not the other?


I spotted this truck on 14th Street. I was admiring the fish when I spotted the Capitol Building in the upper right hand corner. Then I laughed. That’s all I have to say about that…


I am writing to inform you of a photography exhibition that my organization has put together featuring the works of Andrew Zimmermann, a local up-and-coming photographer. This event is taking place Friday, Nov. 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, 20004, right next to the historic Willard Hotel.  Below I have written the details of the show as well as some information about the artist. I have also attached a couple samples of Andrew’s work and a picture of him using his large format view camera. You can see some more pictures on his website at www.andrewzphotographs.com (click on the pictures to navigate). You should also visit Amico Artists’ website at www.amicoartists.com. The event is also listed on facebook under “Andrew Zimmermann Photo Show”. Amico Artists is a project of Campaign Digital, Inc., a new 501(c)(3) organization.

Andrew Zimmermann: Photographs
A Photographic Exhibition
November 21, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30
1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004
Nearest Metro Stops: Metro Center and McPherson Square

About the artist – after the jump. (more…)


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