Development

“D.C. United are one step closer to a permanent home.”

By Prince Of Petworth

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From DC United:

“D.C. United are one step closer to a permanent home. Today the District of Columbia and D.C. United released the following statement after the District filed for eminent domain to acquire site control at Buzzard Point in preparation for construction of a new soccer stadium:

“The District of Columbia and D.C. United are moving forward on a soccer stadium that will transform a neighborhood on the banks of the Anacostia and generate hundreds of new jobs for District residents. We have created the best deal for the District, its residents, D.C. United and its fans.”

It’s Official the Dupont YMCA Building Has Sold – Facility Closing Dec. 31st

By Prince Of Petworth

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1711 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

“Today, the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington approved the decision to enter into a purchase agreement for the YMCA National Capital facility, located at 1711 Rhode Island Avenue, NW. As part of the Y’s longtime mission to support families, kids and its community, the nonprofit’s volunteer board and staff leadership are reallocating its limited resources and restructuring operations to meet changing needs and emerging gaps. The Y will continue to have a strong presence in the District, and its primary focus is transitioning its staff, members and services, as well as maintaining community outreach programs.

“This was not an easy decision, but as a nonprofit organization with limited resources, the YMCA must continually evaluate community needs against available resources to strike the right balance in fulfilling our mission,” said Keith Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. “Our buildings may house us, but they do not define us. We have a tremendous opportunity to grow and broaden our reach, but in order to do so, we have to establish more appropriate and efficient models for service delivery.”

While the YMCA National Capital facility has served the downtown business district for 37 years, the needs of the community require that the Y evolve its approach to a community/ neighborhood-based model where it can serve more children and families. With more than 30 like-service providers within walking distance, membership at the YMCA National Capital has declined from a peak of 11,000 to today’s 3,400. As a result, the facility operates at an increasing financial deficit. The Y has invested more than $1.5 million in capital improvements in the building, but because the investments necessarily addressed inefficiencies of the facility and not aesthetics, they did not spur membership growth. After reviewing several proposals, the YMCA has selected a developer with which to move forward. The facility will close as a YMCA as of December 31, 2015. (more…)

First Look Inside The Shay in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

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From an email:

“I’m writing from Hudson & Crane, DC’s newest furniture, design, and lifestyle brand, in the heart of adams morgan/ u st corridor. You may have seen ads introducing The Shay luxury apartment community that has gone in at 9th and U st NW. We designed and installed the model apartment for them (as well as their lobby), which can be seen from The Brixton as well as Nellies.

The Shay has dozens of floorplans and hundreds of rooms to choose from in this interesting and asymmetrical building.  Likewise, having done design work for The Shay we are extending a promotion to all lessees at The Shay of 10% off of all furniture, lighting, and rugs with a signed lease through 2015 as well as 15% off of our design services through 2016 should a client wish to book those services with us. Attached are a few shots of our work in the model. The graffiti wall art was done by local artist Kelly Towles.

We just finalized a deal today to open up our SECOND location. It will actually be on the ground level in the retail space that is opening up under The Shay. Our spot will be facing 8th st, around the corner from the Lobby with a great line up of other restaurants and shops as well. Also, while our main showroom in Adams Morgan deals in furniture, decor, gifts, and interior design services, this new location will offer primarily gift and decor options to holiday shoppers.”

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Uh Oh – YMCA Dupont Building To Be Sold?

By Prince Of Petworth

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1711 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I learned to my dismay that the YMCA National Capital branch will be put up for sale (or is it already up for sale?). This was told to me by a reasonably strong source who was communicated this last week by management officially. They are seeking the big bucks for the location and trying to get over losses they had at the new Antony Bowen location (14th and V). They will let go eventually all of the hourly employee and move around the permanent staff.

This is quite shocking news since this is the only somewhat affordable community gym facility in downtown Washington, not to mention one of the very few swimming pool of a decent size… plus it offers the community some activities such as kids summer camp, and so on which will likely not be easily replaced…Also very weird since they closed the Potomac Branch on June 1. Seems that the Board is completely careless about community needs and instead of replacing the incompetent management and manage the place once and for all professionally, they’d rather cash in. I can’t believe it!”

Ed. Note: The 17th and Rhode Island Ave YMCA location were having a membership drive this weekend. When asked about a possible sale of the building – they said they hadn’t heard this news. Updates when/if more info becomes available.

UPDATE from the Board of Directors & staff leadership of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington:

“As part of our ongoing strategic planning process, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington has been reviewing its operations, services and resources including a comprehensive assessment of YMCA National Capital’s long-term feasibility and impact. We are in the process of reviewing proposals from multiple local real-estate developers interested in the redevelopment of this property.

As a non-profit organization with limited resources, the YMCA must continually evaluate community demographics and needs to strike the right balance in fulfilling our mission. Our buildings may house us, but they do not define us. We have a tremendous opportunity to grow and broaden our reach, but in order to do so, we have to establish more appropriate and efficient models for service delivery. To that end, we are actively looking for new sites in the District to open a family-centered YMCA. Our goal is to serve more people and to be a positive force in the District and beyond. The YMCA takes great pride in being a vital part of the community for 163 years.”

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“I guess this indicates that the Cloakroom is preparing some marketing for the club and is therefore planning to reopen sometime after all”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

As I’m sure you recall, the Gentleman’s Club at 5th and K St. NW, “the Cloakroom” (formerly Louis’ Rogue) has been closed since it partially collapsed last spring. Construction activity to repair the building has been intermittent and it hasn’t been clear if it would ever reopen.

However, I saw some curious activity going on behind the mural wall separating the remainder of the building from the street. It looked like some people were shooting glamour shots of young, scantily-clad women in construction worker outfits. Photos attached – I guess this indicates that the Cloakroom is preparing some marketing for the club and is therefore planning to reopen sometime after all.

PS: Credit to the young woman who toddled down into the construction pit in very high heels to do a lying down pose on the equipment.”


5th and K St, NW

Hotel Helix becoming Mason & Rook Hotel this Spring in Logan

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

From a press release:

“Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will open a new flagship 178-room hotel along Washington, D.C.’s lively 14th Street corridor in spring 2016. Kimpton’s Mason & Rook Hotel includes plans for a larger building footprint; a newly constructed 1,800 square foot ballroom; and guest rooms that will be some of the largest in the city. Intended to serve as a neighborhood hideaway to in-the-know guests, the hotel will embrace a sophisticated residential design and serve as an exclusive jumping off point to enjoy the District’s most popular bars, restaurants and boutiques.

Kimpton’s Mason & Rook Hotel will be located at 1430 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.

Hotel Helix will take reservations until Friday, October 16.”

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