Development

End of the Day – Good News, Bad News and Worse News

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by odradek23

Back in June Nichole wrote about the Hines Redevelopment Proposals for the 7th and Pennsylvania SE, redevelopment of the Hine Jr. High site. The Mayor issued a press release announcing Stanton-EastBanc as the winner. The press release says:

“Stanton-EastBanc’s proposal calls for about 510,000 square feet of total development at the site. It will include more than 200,000 square feet of office space – about 62,000 square feet set aside to move the nonprofit International Relief and Development and its 200 employees from Virginia to a new headquarters in the District. The project is also set to include about 150 apartments, 60,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail and restaurants, consolidation of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s operations and 150 parking spaces.

Stanton-EastBanc did not request any subsidy from the District for the project. The project could break ground as soon as 2011.”

Now for the Bad News:

Back in August we looked at the proposed development of the Giant and surrounding area on Wisconsin Ave by Newark St. City Desk reports:

“Work at the Friendship Shopping Center site will now be delayed – again. Sharon Robinson, a consultant to the project, said the appeal, while not unexpected, “is subject to a judicial process that will likely take two years or more to complete.” But Giant doesn’t have plans to back down; it “remains committed to the project.””

And sorry to end on this but it is worse news:

WJLA news reports:

“A man was stabbed in front of an apartment building in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood Monday night, authorities say. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the 2600 block of Adams Mill Road NW.”

They say the man stabbed in the stomach is expected to survive and the assailant has not yet been caught.

Dear PoP – What are the Central Union Mission Plans?

By Prince Of Petworth


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“Dear PoP,

Do you have any details on this project mentioned below? I think we need to know what exactly Central Union Mission is planning. Building a shelter or more subsidized housing in Columbia Heights or Petworth is a step in the wrong direction. I think now is the time for some community action to make sure the thoughts of the community are heard.”

ANC1A Special Public Meeting
Wednesday, September 16th
7PM
Location: TBA

Agenda

Official Business
Official Business is limited to 5 minutes of presentation (unless extended by the commission) followed by questions from the commission and audience until a motion to close discussion is passed, followed by an official ANC vote.

ANC1A will consider the BZA Application for the Central Union Mission’s affordable housing project on Georgia Avenue.

Case Number : 17717
Case Name : Application of Central Union Mission
Case Summary : (Special Exceptions) pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3104.1, for a special exception to allow the construction of a mixed-use building with community-based residential facility and ground floor retail (totaling in excess of 12,000 sq. ft. of land area) pursuant to subsection 1329.2(b) (ZC Case No. 06-48), in the GA/C-3-A District at premises 3506-3512 Georgia Avenue, N.W. and 714 Newton Place, N.W. (Square 2895, Lots 825, 826, 830 and 831).
ANC : 1A08

Last we heard about this in April 2008 the Central Union Mission was not coming to Georgia Ave. At the time Council Member Graham wrote:

“We have re-defined the project to include real progress for lower Georgia Avenue. Instead of a 170-bed men’s shelter on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, there will now be mixed-income housing.”

So it seems that mixed-income housing would be a fine fit for that location. I had concerns with a 170-bed shelter but I have no problem with mixed-income housing. What do you guys think? Anyone have more specific plans?

Dear PoP – What’s the Construction at Georgia and Newton

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Do you know what the construction at Georgia and Newton might be? They are using a backhoe and completely digging up this corner plot. It would be nice to have something cool built in that location instead of just a fenced off empty plot.”

This is going to be a senior center. It was stalled back in June of ’08 but appears to finally be back on track.

Dear PoP – Cool Old Facade Demolished at 14th and Belmont, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

There used to be a large, historic apartment building shell near 14th and Belmont, behind the demolished former strip mall. Clearly it took a lot of effort and money to preserve the facade of this building, (possibly it was gutted by fire – I don’t really know). But it’s now it’s been demolished. Any word on what the plan for that building shell was, and what is coming to this intersection now? With both the apartment shell and the strip mall gone, this has become a very sizeable vacant lot in a good location. But I’m sad that the old facade won’t be part of the new development.”

Wow that is crazy. The facade was there for so long I thought for sure it’d be preserved. Here’s what it looked like (back left hand side of photo below):

Anyone have the scoop here? Think the facade should’ve been preserved?

Shiloh Baptist Church to Sell Two Run Down Properties in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

DCist reported yesterday saying:

“The church membership voted last Wednesday to move forward with plans to sell its properties at 1600 8th Street NW and 1543 8th Street NW, with the hope that the sales will generate enough capital to begin long-discussed plans to renovate a string of units in the 1500 block of 9th Street NW. Plans for the Shiloh-owned 9th Street properties include a senior citizen center and/or housing, and a youth learning center.”

The Washington Post followed up today saying:

“Last week’s decision by members of Shiloh Baptist Church, at Ninth and P streets NW, could remove a stumbling block to the rebirth of the blighted neighborhood around the Washington Convention Center. Neighbors have complained for years that seven crumbling buildings that the church owns along Eighth and Ninth streets were attracting drug users and adding to a sense of decay in the area.”

These properties have long been a blight on the Shaw neighborhood. While I admire the church’s desire to build affordable housing, the fact that they weren’t actually doing it, means that this was the right move for them and for the revival of that block. What do you think – does this signify that the last stumbling block to the revival of this section of Shaw has been removed?

Details on New Restaurants From Owners of Local 16

By Prince Of Petworth

Above is the location we spoke about located at 1832 14th Street, NW. It will tentatively be named Table 14.

Above is the spot next to Columbia Heights Coffee that we spoke about here. It will tentatively be named Barrio.

Wow, I got an email/press release with tons of details:

The new restaurants announced by Local 16 will be located at 1832 14th St. NW and 3418 11th St. NW; both locations will be open by spring of 2010. Owners for announced locations include: Aman Ayoubi, restaurateur and owner of Local 16 and co-owner of 18th Street Lounge and Josephine; Eric Gronning of Gronning Architects, the design firm behind CommonWealth, Cork, Hank’s Oyster Bar and Marvin; and Doug Whipple of Whipple Farm. Much of the produce for each location will come from owner Whipple’s farm in Rixeyville, Va., and a network of other farmers.

Whipple Farms, a 160-acre, biodynamic farm nestled in the Virginia Piedmont region, is not only partnering in the new restaurant ventures on 14th and 11th Streets, but also supplies Local 16 and other area restaurants with locally and biodynamically grown heirloom vegetables. Local 16 has been providing financial support to expand the farm’s operations.

Executive Chef Eric McKamey will continue his role at Local 16, in addition to overseeing the menu and kitchen operations at the new restaurants.

“Eric has been a wonderful addition to Local 16,” said Local 16 owner Aman Ayoubi. “For such a young age, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge as well as an obvious talent for creating incredible and comforting dishes based on his new-old take on cuisine.”

“Working with such amazing, quality ingredients is, in and of itself, an inspiration,” said Chef McKamey. “Dedication to local food sourcing and the fostering relationships with local growers and farmers is a cause I take very seriously.”

One restaurant, tentatively named Table 14 (1832 14th St. NW), is scheduled to open in early 2010. This location will offer three distinct experiences on each of its floors. The main level is conceived as a farm-to-table restaurant serving modern American cuisine with an Italian influence. This level spans 2,000 square feet with plans for 60 table seats, 15 bar seats, 12 cocktail/counter seats and 16 outdoor seats. Interior will utilize existing textures and historical elements of the building. Features will include a two-story atrium space and an open kitchen.

The second floor will feature a large yakitori grill and bar. It will be designed as a light-filled space overlooking a green roof and garden space. It will feature a bar and table seating with a balcony overlooking 14th Street. The third floor will be a flexible special events space offering views of 14th Street and a small roof deck.

Barrio (3418 11th St. NW), also tentatively named, is slated to open at the end of 2009. It will feature the same consortium of owners in addition to Lori Robertson, a Washington D.C. journalist. The establishment will serve as an affordable, comfortable neighborhood spot, offering a selection of Latin-influenced and American food. The menu will be small with a focus on home-style cooking and vibrant flavors.

“We are very excited about the upcoming openings,” said Ayoubi. “These two eclectic neighborhoods — 14th Street and Columbia Heights — and the wonderful people who live there have been an inspiration to us. We hope the Washington community receives much enjoyment [from the restaurants] for many years to come.”

Biographies after the jump. How do these spots sound to you? (more…)

Work Starts at Great Old House at 4th and Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


4th and Florida Ave, NW

I’ve been getting a few emails about this great old property that we’ve looked at in the past. It seems the same person sent me a question that was also sent to DC Metrocentric. They report:

“The building itself dates back to 1898 and the work you may have noticed going on over the last few days is to bring the stone work and windows into compliance with Historic District requirements.”

The detail really is incredible:

It’ll be great to see it restored.

At Last the Identity of the Parcel Next to Marvin Revealed! 14th Street Bakery and Wine Bar

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to an alert reader for sending me the heads up:

“Now, this is really exciting news! It looks like the empty lot next to Marvin that’s being built on is going to be a Bakery/Wine Bar.”

I love good Monday morning news. And it is from the owners of Marvin and Gibson (ESL Development LLC):

They’re forming quite the force on 14th Street. That’s three spots in a row not to mention Patty Boom Boom around the corner on U Street.

Here are the rest of the details:

Do you think a bakery and wine bar is a good combination?

9th and T Street Eyesore Gets Remodeled (From Wayan)

By Prince Of Petworth

Wayan writes:

“Not sure if you’ve seen this, but the eyesore at 9th and T is now under construction. About damn time! Its been vacant for years (I want to say a decade).”

This house has tons of potential. This is great news. I’m dying to know what it’s gonna look like. I’ll post updated photos as progress occurs.

Park Place Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Above Petworth Metro) Plus Some Details on Retail Revealed!

By Prince Of Petworth

Mrs. Peron Williams right (whose husband was an ANC rep who strongly supported this development) and Muriel Bowser cutting the ribbon along with CM Graham, Mayor Fenty and Chris Donatelli

On Wednesday the new building, Park Place, above the Petworth metro was officially unveiled. It brought out quite the representation from the DC government. In addition to Mayor Fenty, Council members Bowser, Graham and Kwame Brown were in attendance.

Some highlights from the remarks. Mayor Fenty said the day signaled that “economic development on Georgia Avenue had finally arrived”. He continued, “the days when stagnation reigned on Georgia Avenue are over”. And he gave a lot of praise and recognition to the Donatelli (the developers) family for their vision. “Donatelli is not afraid to invest in neighborhoods that other people have written off”.

Ward 4 Council member Muriel Bowser said, “My breath was literally taken away when I stepped onto this roof”. She continued, “This is just the start for things to come on Georgia Ave”. She also noted that this project captured the best of green development as it clusters people above the metro with easy access to commute to work. Bowser also lauded the community for their involvement in supporting this project.  Before the community got involved this space was slated to become a municipal property.

Ward 1 Council member Jim Graham said, “Who would’ve thought that we would have this kind of building at Georgia and New Hampshire? The neighborhood knew that this building could be here, that’s who knew”. Graham also noted that the project had “the benefits of transit oriented development in the best sense”.

Sadly, I passed out a bit from the blaring sun when Council member Kwame Brown said a few words. But he basically echoed the previous comments. I revived a bit when Chris Donatelli took the mic and started mentioning the coming retail. (Some info I found out after the official remarks.) There will be a cafe/coffee spot, 2 sit down restaurants (one from Gillian Clark formerly of Colorado Kitchen and the other possibly a Thai/Sushi spot). He said the retail may resemble some of the spots on U Street (in the Ellington building) as some of those folks are considering opening up second or third spots in Petworth. There are also discussions to bring a wine store in most likelihood the folks behind D’vines. There will be 8 retail spots in total.

Given the current state of the economy, I think we are very lucky that this project was completed. The place looks pretty amazing. It really sinks in when you hear Mayor Fenty say, “I remember the day when new development hadn’t been built on Georgia Ave. in like 80 years”.

As promised after the jump you can find some photos from inside along with a pricing sheet. (more…)

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