Architecture

Judging Buildings – Third Church of Christ, 16th and I St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

The Post’s Jonathan O’Connell recently wrote an update:

“Builders planning to tear down a concrete church after a years-long feud over the historic value of D.C. buildings are moving forward in earnest after a major local developer bought into the property as a partner.”

The Third Church of Christ is located at 16th and I St, NW and was “ designed by the firm of architect I.M. Pei in 1971 and is one of a limited number of Washington examples of Brutalist architecture”.

More updates when/if demolition takes place.

Dear PoP – Church at 10th and V St, NW: Change of Plans?

By Prince Of Petworth

The saga of the old church at 10th and V St, NW continues. Thanks to a reader for sending in the latest:

“Dear PoP,

I’ve been following the progress on the church owned by Sorg & Associates at 10th and V St NW. While the arrival of the new dumpsters is encouraging I was wondering if anyone knows any details of the redevelopment plan.

I had read that Sorg planned to turn the church into office space, with 60+ condos to be built on the adjacent vacant lot.

Out of curiosity I checked out the building plan review status on DCRA’s page http://cpms.dcra.dc.gov/OBPAT/idjob_info.asp (Application B1009512). It appears that the owner has submitted new plans to build 3 apartment units (per the “Fire Review”)?

The church building seems much too large for 3 apartment units.

Any idea what the new plans might entail?”

Yeah, that would be three huge apartment units. Do you think they’ll be super luxury units or do you think the number is likely off?

What a Crazy Roof

By Prince Of Petworth

Have you ever seen a pitched roof like this before? This is def. the most severe angle I’ve ever seen on a rowhouse roof. Any speculation – is this like a quasi pop up?

This is Gonna Make a Sweet Before and After Photo

By Prince Of Petworth

This is from the 1300 block of 14th St, NW. The space that used to house Rollin Cycles and will become more apartments and retail on the ground floor. It is my dream that one day a bright-eyed blogger (or ‘journo-blogger’ as they’ll then be called) will discover this photo in 2049 and say, “holy shit”.

In the meantime – soak up the ‘before’…

And let’s hope they keep this classic transom:

Judging Additions – Brookland

By Prince Of Petworth

This Brookland addition is totally wild. Never in a million years did I expect to see it on this block because every single house was a brick row house. Having said that, I think it’s awesome. What do you think – thumbs up or down?

Couple more shots after the jump. (more…)

Judging Buildings/What the Helen of Troy is This?

By Prince Of Petworth

I was admiring this building from the Old Soldiers Home (by Rock Creek Church Rd and Webster St, NW) when I couldn’t figure out what was up with the watch tower up top. So first – is that a watch tower up top or some sort of gigantic chimney? Does it look like it was added at a later time to the structure? Any speculation on why something like that was added?

I still think it’s a pretty sweet building.

Couple more shots including a closeup after the jump. (more…)

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