Thanks to a reader for the heads up. The picture of what it will look like seems pretty amazing. I thought I read on the Columbia Heights News Forum that someone said a 7-11 will go into the retail slot. I have no confirmation on that at all. Has anyone else heard that?
John was a bit prolific last week as he was fully rested from a holiday overseas. Below, he tells us a bit about the plans for a proposed new hotel in Adams Morgan.
Without wishing to re-ignite the debate over gentrification, Euclid Street between Columbia and 16th perfectly encapsulates the socio/economic/demographic changes occurring in DC.
A brand new Harris Teeter grocery store and upscale condominiums have opened on blocks where violent crime is a serious concern.
All this makes a rumor that a boutique hotel is slated to open in the vicinity all the more intriguing.
According to reports from Hotel Chatter and the Washington Business Journal, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, at Euclid and Champlain streets NW will be converted into a 150 room “Edition” hotel – a Marriott brand.
According to the development plans, the Euclid Street entrance will become a lobby leading to hotel’s grand ballroom (currently the church’s second-floor sanctuary.) The sanctuary’s balcony will become another gathering spot, and a 9,000-square-foot space on the first floor will become a restaurant and bar.
The guest rooms, pool and other amenities will be built on a parking lot behind the church and on property that houses the Washington City Paper.
Whether or not this plan ever comes to fruition, it is interesting to consider how much demand there would be for a hotel at that location, and the impact of such a hotel on the neighborhood as a whole.
We’ve focused a lot on the past on where the Central Union Mission will relocate. But what I’ve missed is what will become of the current location at 14th and R. Anyone know what development is slated to occur there?
“I’ve been thinking a lot about some of the most recent (for want of a better word) gentrification-related posts on PoP, and kicking some of the issues (which one of my friends calls DC’s “Clash Of Civilizations”) around with some e mail buddies.
Last night, I was reading an interview with former Montgomery County politician Doug Duncan in the new “Washingtonian.” He works at the U of Maryland these days. When discussing his frustrations with PG County, he used the phrase “culture of low expectations.”
I think that phrase describes a lot of what newer residents of this city are coming up against. Years and years of familial and/or governmental dysfunction create what I see as a kind of poverty of the spirit, as well as deep seated self hatred.
Also keep in mind that government and monuments notwithstanding, this is really a small Southern city to the core. Certain aspirations are considered uppity (going out of town for college, for instance). Hell, my barber was nearly apologizing to me because she is now working with a nutritionist and doing yoga…. She was whispering, as if she’d shot someone.. That is the DC a lot of people don’t know. But this kind of thinking contributes to the aforementioned ” clash.”
Can a black woman (my barber) do yoga and take care of herself and not be considered an outcast? Good question…
These sketchy reflections are, at best, opinions/observations. I am not a hater, as I have said on PoP. In fact, I’m one of the people with a fair amount of disposable income, no kids-etc. Custom made for the changes so many of your readers want.
Of course, I neither belong to the young’uns coming into the city, or the knuckleheads (who see me as a sell out-bitch, what have you) In fact, I am looking into jobs outside of DC. It’s time for some proverbial new music.
I cant say I love DC- my 50 years here notwithstanding-but I think that many of your readers ( and you) are a big part of this city’s future. I hope someone wants to stay and make it better. It is truly crippled now.
Like I said, I’m just thinking out loud. Sorry this is so dang long. Long as a delay on the Red Line.”
It always makes me profoundly sad when I hear about good people moving out of the city. What’s your reaction to the above?
A reader writes: “Have you seen the huge architectural model of the Columbia Heights “public realm” plan for streetscape improvements yet? It’s located inside the lobby of the BB&T Bank inside the Kenyon Square building, just outside the Columbia Heights Metro station. It’s a large model showing all the buildings in central Columbia Heights, with the proposed changes to the streets, sidewalks, and the design of the triangular plaza.”
For some reason the folks at BB&T Bank won’t let anyone take photos of the model. Fortunately, I was able to track down some PDF images that look pretty sweet. I didn’t know that a fountain will be going in! Nice. Anyway if you can’t see the image clearly as click below on “CH Streetscape” for a PDF version. Looks good, yeah?
On a side note, it looks like they put in some more bicycle locking stations:
More images of the planned streetscape after the jump. (more…)
Here’s some new construction on H Street behind Union Station. I have to say I think it looks phenomenal. I like how they built around the existing structure. I think it blends quite nicely. What do you think – thumbs up or down?
I thought this was pretty wild mostly because all the workers seemed to be Chinese (certainly Asian). I’d never seen a construction site manned by all Chinese (Asians). And then I saw these letters surrounding the work site.
Anyone know anything about China Construction? Just curious. I may be thinking too deeply on this one…
It’s a sweet section on Porter Street so hopefully it’ll look good when completed.
For the expats: Not sure if you can tell from this photo but the exterior is starting to get filled in. On the bottom of the photo, it looks like it will be a beige brick. Man, I can’t wait until this if finished…
For those who are able to support YES! Organic Market’s liquor license head to the ANC meeting:
Draft Agenda for Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Meeting location:
MPD Patrol Services Bldg (& Boys and Girls Club)
801 Shepherd Street NW, Community Room
6:30 pm – 8:45 pm
1. ANC 4C – Motion to support the Emergency Legislation Bill B17-0907, Amendment to the Full Service Grocery Amendment Act of 2006. (Pertains to the proposed supermarket in SMD 4C07 at 4100 Georgia Avenue NW within the single-member district of Commissioner Shanel Anthony)
Looks like a building with a bit of a modern touch is going up. I know it’s not quite finished yet but do you think it fits in with the surrounding buildings on Harvard?