Whether you’re a fan of the store itself or not, I think the building renovation looks really good.
Retail
Someone just mentioned to me how difficult it is to find card shops today. While this is mostly invitations and stationary I hadn’t realized The Written Word moved to 1926 17th St, NW. Previously Written Word was located in Dupont Circle then in Logan Circle at 1427 P St NW but that location closed May 1st. I’m glad to see they’ve found a new location.
So besides The Written Word, where are other good card shops around town (especially for birthdays and events like that)?
On May 6th we learned that Cafe Salsa had abruptly closed at 1712 14th Street, NW. Over the weekend Borderstan reported that Flowers on 14th was moving into the space from their current locale at 1718 14th St, NW.
Well that was quick. Now we just have to wait to see who moves into 1718…
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Thanks to a reader for sending word and snapping a few photos of this great development. The reader writes:
“I saw a Permit sign in the small retail space on Columbia Road right by the BB&T at 18th Street, NW – it used to be a locksmith shop. Well, the sign shows it be slated to become a garden supply shop. That would be pretty sweet. The C of O sign lists the operating name as Urban Sustainable and the retail type as Garden retail.”
Looks like this is 1787 Columbia Road, NW. I remember the locksmith because they used to have a sweet Dean Martin bobble head in the window. I look forward to checking out the garden store when they open!
UPDATE From their Web site:
“Urban Sustainable Supply is your one-stop shop for hydroponic and urban organic gardening. We carry complete hydroponic kits, hydroponic components, nutrients, gardening tools, High Intensity Dicharge lighting (high pressure sodium, metal halide), fluorescent grow lights, grow medias (soil, rockwool, hydroton, perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, etc) various diagnostic meters, home composting systems, 100% organic seed… virtually everything you need to turn your home, garden, or rooftop into a paradise urban sustainable gardening.”
Thanks to Kent for sending the word. I also heard that this CVS will open its doors May 21st. From a press release:
“What: Meet the regional managers of the new CVS.
Where: Park View school auditorium (3560 Warder Street, NW)
When: Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
Whether you have questions about the soon-to-open CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues or are just curious, CVS representatives will be in the neighborhood to meet, greet, and answer questions from the community.
Developer Robb LaKritz will also be on hand to speak about the project as well.”
“Dear PoP,
I previously wrote to you in July, 2009 seeking the advice of your readers on where to open a vintage furniture store. I am happy to announce that I opened Modern Mobler Saturday, 05/08 at 7313 Georgia Ave NW, in the Takoma (Park) area of DC, just north of Walter Reed near Silver Spring, MD.
The 1700 sq ft store will feature select items of Vintage and Mid Century / Danish Modern furnishings from my vast collection of over 4000 sq ft of current inventory. To start, Modern Mobler will be open Thursday through Sunday 11am – 7pm. I plan to take consignments in addition to purchasing furniture. I have already established a wide network of collectors, dealers and suppliers who will keep my inventory fresh & ever changing. Delivery will also be available.
Modern Mobler is very pleased to be part of the revitalization of Takoma Park & Georgia Ave. I want to thank you & your readers for their support. Please stop by and I look for forward to seeing everyone.
I plan to also be open this Wednesday from 11-7 for those who want to get a sneak-peak. The store sits between Angelico pizzeria and the Washington Humane Society. Of note, I will also be working with several local upholsterers to support more of a local ‘full-service’ green retail furnishings destination.”
Sounds great, best of luck to you!
Ever since CVS closed its store on Columbia Road and opened a new one next to the Safeway (also on Columbia Road) I’ve noticed something peculiar. The lights are always on in the old store. The store’s been closed for weeks!
Cork & Fork not to be mistaken with nearby Cork Market is having its grand opening May 8th. Cork & Fork is located right next to HomeMade Pizza at 1522 14th Street, NW. I was able to take a sneak peek Monday afternoon. The space looks great though there are a few finishing touches still coming (including more artwork and some more tables and chairs):
This is actually the third Cork & Fork (the other two are in Gainesville, VA and Bethesda, MD). I was most interested to learn that this is a family run business. The daughter, Antoinette Landragin, runs the Virginia store; the mother, Anna Landragin runs the Bethesda store; and the father, Dominique Landragin, will run the DC store.
Husband and wife team Dominique and Anna Landragin
Their wine selection “includes more than 700 brands from all regions of the wine-making world.” In addition to wine they also have a solid beer selection and will offer Brew Master classes as well as wine education classes. From Friday to Sunday they “will always have a bottle open” to taste. For the “Fork” part they are still concluding some final details but will ultimately offer cheese and meats.
For me the best part about this place is the family. Since I’m not an expert on wines I appreciate those who are knowledgeable but also patient with me. The Landragins could not have been nicer. I will have no problem asking them advice on what wine to choose for a particular dinner. I was pretty awed by Mr. Landragin’s background:
“Dominique is an internationally recognized award winning wine maker, viticulturist, vigneron (grape grower) and wine consultant. His family’s winemaking dates back to 1772 when his great-great-grandfather first made champagne. His grandfather was the manager of Veuve Clicquot vineyards in France. His father, Pierre Landragin, was the vineyard manager at Heidsieck Monopole. Dominique graduated from the Beaune Agricultural College, located in Burgundy, in the fields of viticulture and oenology.”
Despite that awesome background he came across as completely down to earth. The family even allowed me to practice speaking French with them, in fact the Mom wouldn’t let me speak English, and they didn’t make fun of all my numerous grammatical errors.
As info becomes available on special events or class information I’ll be sure to post. A couple more photos after the jump. (more…)
Rags to Riches is located on the second floor above the soon to open Point Chaud Creperie located at 1734 14th St, NW. I had a brief chat with owner Erica who described the store as a vintage store with a hip hop retro glam style. The store was previously located at 1404 H St, NE. While the store is still being filled up with merchandise, both men’s and women’s (though mostly women’s), it is already looking good.
A few more photos after the jump. (more…)
Sadly also not terribly exciting but the new renovation going on at the corner of the 13th and U Streets, NW is now sporting a ‘Coming Soon’ sign for Georgetown Valet drycleaners. I think they also have a spot near Eatonville on V Street just east of 14th.
Back in January we also learned that Boundless Yoga was also going into this space.
