Development

Development at 14th and T, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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?

After A Very Long Time – Nehemiah Shopping Center Demolition Finally Happens!

By Prince Of Petworth

I know folks have been super curious to know about when this demolition on 14th near Chapin would occur. So enjoy the above photo.

Speaking of positive development it looks like the Columbia Heights Streetscape project will be starting soon.

That’s a pretty expensive project. But if it looks anything like the model below it is going to be super sweet. So let’s take bets now – when will the streetscape project be completed? 2009, 2010, 2011 or later?

Streetscape Columbia Heights-plaza

Clark Elementary School in Petworth To Get Developed

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by TravelinfoolNLove

I found this photo on flickr looking for Clark Elementary, though this one is actually in Flint, MI  I think it gets the point across.

So I know some folks are tired of getting asked what they’d like to see developed because they feel like they don’t see any results. Well, I actually feel quite differently. It takes an awful long time for certain development projects to occur and the input from the community can help entice certain businesses to commit.

I received word from a developer that Clark Elementary School located at 4501 7th Street, NW is up for disposition. It was suggested that I solicit suggestions from you guys. Like I said I think this is a great opportunity for us as this is a pretty large site which sits on 5.5 acres.

So what would you like to see here – another school, a park, ball fields, a coffee shop and restaurants/bars, affordable housing, market rate housing, or of course the famed chocolate shop? Put any suggestion you may have in the comments.

Developments at 14th and T

By Prince Of Petworth

I know I’m a little late to this one but I’m super curious to know your opinions. City Paper/City Desk broke the news on Friday:

“Sources close to the deal say that the earlier agreement to lease the space from the current owner fell through. Rather than let their dream die, Diner/Tryst/Open City owner Constantine Stavropoulos and DC-Improv and Riot Act comedy impresario John Xereas, along with a few others—including (Dave) Chappelle, a Xereas acquaintance who has D.C. roots—worked to get a deal together to buy the building. The bid is in the neighborhood of $9 million. The problem? They’re not the only ones interested.

Big-box furniture outfit Room & Board, based in Minneapolis, has also put in a bid for the building, according to a real estate source. Although the bid is said to be close to what the locals have offered to pay, the current owners put their trust in furniture. The Room & Board bid has been accepted, the source said, albeit with a 60-day window where it can be retracted.”

I was super psyched for a Tryst type spot to go in there but I’m not that familiar with Room & Board. So which would you rather see go into the spot? If the Room & Board does end up going in do you think it will be able to thrive in that location?

Development Watch – Georgia and Taylor

By Prince Of Petworth

Looking good. This is the spot where the YES! Organic market will be going. If you haven’t already please don’t forget to support their quest for a liquor license.

As written in a previous post:

“If you are unable to testify at the public roundtable (Tuesday, October 28, 2008, beginning at 2:00pm in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Av, NW), written statements are encouraged and will be made part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to Ms. Maria Puig-Monsen, Committee on Public Works and the Environment, Room 116, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20004, or electronically at [email protected], by 5:00pm on Tuesday, October 28, 2008.”

Sweet Spot Getting Developed

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve always loved this old Post Office located on T Street just west of 14th Street. I was super psyched to see it was for lease wondering what would become of it. The blog DC Metrocentric has a nice rendering of what it will look like. They say:

“The project will be adding an addition in the adjacent vacant lot and a second floor. The 6500 square foot project will be retail loft space with high ceilings and huge windows and according to New Legacy Partners there is interest from a bunch of different businesses including a restaurant, tea salon, art gallery and a pizza place.”

Think it’ll look good?

What Retail Would You Like To See At The 3800 Block of Georgia Avenue?

By Prince Of Petworth

So there are two vacant store fronts on this section of Georgia Avenue that is slated to have some new development (see rendition above). It has come to my attention that there is likely to be a restaurant in one spot but the retail for the other spot has not yet been chosen. So here is a phenomenal opportunity to make your suggestion known.

Would you like to see a bar along the lines of the old Temperance Hall or Red Derby here?

Would rather have another restaurant or deli?

Or would you like some other type of retail like a garden store, hardware store, clothing store, or some other type of retail that I haven’t mentioned?

It’s looking like this section of Georgia Ave. is going to be hopping!

Park Place Development Watch (Above Petworth Metro) Yup They’re Going Rental

By Prince Of Petworth

It’s so wild to see this project coming to completion. But as many have speculated it is true – they are becoming rentals and no longer condos. The list keeps growing. But on the other hand people have often been writing me about where to find good rentals in town so hopefully these projects will help fill that need.

I’m really looking forward to see what it looks like when all the red brick is filled in as well.

Kalia Hits Another ANC Meeting

By Prince Of Petworth

The Senior Citizens Club of 1200 Block Shepherd Street is collecting food for Thanksgiving boxes.  They are almost done but still need a few items.  Donations should be dropped off at 1229 Shepherd Street, NW to Ms. Shirley NO LATER THAN October 23, 2008.
Items they still need:

-30 Bags of Flour

-Cranberry Sauce

-Stuffing

-12 Bags of Sugar

-Dry Beans (any kind)

-Onions

-White Potatoes

Pedro Chavez is looking for the community’s support in his opening of Kikos, a restaurant that would reside on Quincy and Spring Road, East of 14th Street.  The place would be a rotisserie chicken restaurant that would seat about 50 and would also have delivery and pickup.  He said the food would also be on the healthy side and the establishment would be a family oriented one.  He hopes to open in December.  He needs your support.  More on Church parking, CVS, “Stinky” Safeway and 16th Street Heights Parks after the jump. (more…)

Judging New Buildings

By Prince Of Petworth

The Lacey being built over the Florida Grill on 11th street looks like the outside is nearly completed. I was told that 13 of the 26 units have already sold. The drawings on their Web site look pretty sweet. So now that the outside of the building is nearly complete what do you think? I’m digging the balconies.

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