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9th and O Street, NW

Back in March of last year we had heard that the Scripture Cathedral was purchased by developers. Not sure if that deal fell through but now I’m hearing that not only is the Church close to a new buyer but also other properties including the adjoining parking lot (pictured below), the two adjoining buildings on 9th as well as the air rights over the gas station on 9th. And perhaps of even greater interest – I hear the developer in negotiations is Roadside Development. This is the team that developed the nearby CityMarket at O project. If they are able to seal the deal this will be huge!

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Parking lot at 8th and O St, NW looking east toward 7th Street


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Rendering courtesy of EastBanc

From a press release:

“Washington, DC- EastBanc Inc.’s Squash on Fire has not even broken ground in DC’s West End, but is already blazing hot. EastBanc, the DC-based commercial and residential real estate development company, announced today that Squash on Fire has joint-ventured with Sports Club/LA and will oversee the management and development of the club’s squash training programs in DC. Internationally renowned world-class squash coach Amir Wagih has been retained to oversee the new Squash on Fire program. Wagih came to DC after a successful streak as the head coach of Egypt’s National Squash Team. During his tenure, he helped acquire 23 World Titles all while mentoring several Egyptian and Arab world champions. The DC facility will regularly host visiting coaches and champions in its programming such as international squash champions Dipika Pallikal (#12 in the World) of India and Nour El Sherbini (#13 in the World) and Nour El Tayeb (#20 in the World) both of Egypt. Wagih is the squash platform’s Head Coach while US Level II coach Fabien Sarran will be the Club Pro overseeing Squash on Fire at Sports Club/LA’s daily programming.

Following this recent announcement, Squash on Fire will debut its new training programs and clinics at West End’s Sports Club/LA effective immediately. Anthony Lanier, president of EastBanc and founder of Squash on Fire, is dedicated to bringing greater awareness of the underserved sport to the Washington community. To further his vision, he recently unveiled a new junior and adult squash training curriculum that offers individual and group instruction also available to the general public in a pay-and-play format.

“We believe that sports are a great equalizer, but understand that participants have to have a place to practice and grow,” says Lanier. “Through the development of a publicly accessible, cutting-edge facility in the heart of Washington, DC, Squash on Fire wants to change the face of squash by creating a venue where seasoned professionals, dedicated players and new enthusiasts can take the sport to the next level.”

This fall EastBanc will break ground on Squash on Fire — a $12 million, state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot indoor squash facility as an integral piece of the $200 million West End Library and Fire Station mixed-use residential project. When completed, Squash on Fire will include eight courts and a full-service restaurant situated atop of the newly renovated fire station.

Squash is growing in popularity and has seen an average 38 percent increase annually over the past five years for all age brackets especially in girl’s junior squash. However, existing supply of courts cannot fulfill the ever-increasing demand. Washington, DC is the fastest growing metropolitan city coast to coast in squash interest and participation. Squash on Fire will grow their brand in this emerging market and throughout the East Coast.

Looking to create the finest players in the country, Squash on Fire has designed a program that focuses on developing successful competitive players from early childhood through college as well as adult instruction for competitive and noncompetitive players.

“It’s been one year since launching our pilot program with Squash on Fire, and we’re excited to formalize the partnership,” says Ken Corbett, Sports Club/LA – Washington DC General Manager. “Together, we’ll set a new standard in the urban squash community.”

In its new facility, Squash on Fire Training Programs include:

Private Squash Training
Semi-Private Squash Training
Squash Clinics
Squash Leagues
On-Court Cardio Squash Classes
School/College Squash Team Training

Several times a year, Squash on Fire will also sponsor unique clinics, workshops and camps with guest coaches and players to enhance the experience. For those who want to train while soaking up the sun on the coast of Italy or hiking the countryside in Germany, the program also offers international training and competition. Bi-annually, Squash on Fire has international training programs lasting from a few days to several weeks. Not only can participants train while abroad, but also they have the option to compete in international tournaments.”

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23rd and L Street, NW today


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Rendering via Peeples 901 5th Street NW Presentation

From a press release:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced the selection of the team of Peebles Corporation and Walker Group to redevelop the land parcel located at the intersection of 5th Street and I Street NW in Ward 6. Peebles Corporation and Walker Group were chosen as the team’s Best and Final Offer (BAFO) provided the highest monetary value for the land and the most affordable housing units. The proposal also includes a hotel.

“We are thankful for the tremendous interest we received in this parcel and are pleased to announce a selection as we close out the solicitation process,” said Mayor Gray. “The Peebles Corporation and Walker Group will transform this valuable site into a thriving and productive asset that will serve the District of Columbia and beyond.”

The parcel is situated in the heart of the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood, three blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, within walking distance to Metro lines, and nearby to public amenities such as Union Station and the Verizon Center.

The Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) was issued by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) in April of 2013. DMPED received 10 responses and identified four shortlisted teams in December of 2013. Each shortlisted team submitted their Best and Final Offers in February 2014. As part of the first steps of the disposition process, the District will commence negotiations with the selected team over the next several weeks.”

5th & I The Peebles Corp Comm Presentation (PDF)


Seaton 1

“Dear PoPville,

Noticed today there is a new banner on the building on Seaton NW and North Capitol Street. I was previously told it would be ground floor retail and three condos above, but still not sure with the sign. It says 1700 SF of Commercial…… and the first floor is about that square footage, and it says THREE condos. I don’t think Condos are commercial? so it must be first floor retail of some sort open for lease. I suppose they could make two one bedrooms on the second floor, and a nice penthouse on the top floor? The design looks nice, will be good to see the architecture brought back to its old glory. ”

Seaton 2


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33 New York Ave, NE

From JBG:

“Hyatt Place – Washington DC/US Capitol is a new 200-room all-suites hotel opening in June 2014. Featuring lobby entrances on both New York Avenue NE and N Street NE, the design of the building will create a gateway presence for this portion of NOMA while cultivating a pedestrian-friendly, live-work-play neighborhood. Located two blocks from the NoMA Metro Station and less than a mile from Union Station, the Hyatt Place will feature meeting space, the signature Hyatt Place dining experience, a state‐of‐the‐art fitness facility, and an outdoor pool and terrace overlooking N Street. Many of the guestrooms will have spectacular views of the Capitol, Union Station and several of the monuments around the district. The building is striving for LEED Silver Certification.”

Like the way it turned out?

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looking east

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looking west toward North Capitol Street


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901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Rendering via Marriott Marquis Washington, DC

From a press release:

“Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) announces today the opening of the company’s 4,000th hotel: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. A remarkable milestone, this hotel–the capital’s largest–also signifies a homecoming for the Marriott family. Marriott Marquis Washington, DC opens today, 87 years after J. Willard Marriott and Alice S. Marriott opened a nine-seat root beer stand up the street from the hotel. Marriott Marquis Washington, DC is owned by Quadrangle Development, along with its partner Capstone, and is operated by Marriott International, Inc.

A landmark hotel for both the District and Marriott Hotels, the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC features striking high design—from an all-glass rooftop to a 56-foot steel sculpture centerpiece—and cutting-edge technology, from interactive TV’s in every guest room to a just-released Marriott Hotels mobile services app. Connected to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center via an underground concourse, the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC brings more than 105,000 square feet of meeting space, 1,175 rooms including 49 suites, and five signature dining experiences to its downtown Washington, DC neighborhood. Situated at 901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW and spanning almost an entire large city block, Marriott Marquis Washington, DC is one of only five Marriott Marquis properties in the country. (more…)


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“Dear PoPville,

Looks like the mega zipcar lot at 14 and Corcoran has closed. All the signage and vehicles are gone. Maybe the lot is finally going to be developed.”

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Rendering via Hickok Cole

Yup, this will be a new rental building with retail called The Corcoran at 14th:

“Residential: 34,000 sf
Retail: 4,000 sf
Parking: 15 spaces”

Disrictre says:

“1617 14th Street, NW
The Corcoran at 14th is a planned 40-50 unit, 7-story multi-family residential development including 4k SF of ground floor retail in the Logan/Dupont neighborhood of Washington DC. Included will be luxury two-story penthouse units with extended balconies and private terraces and 15 underground parking spaces.”

Ed. Note: This is also right next to the former Central Union Mission condo conversion construction.


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1063 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Sad news for Pleasure Place fans – in 2010 Pleasure Place closed in Dupont and now the Georgetown location has closed as well.

Also, some interesting developments across the canal from the closed Pleasure Place:

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1055 High’s website says:

“An all new exquisitely appointed boutique condominium building overlooking the C&O Canal in the heart of Georgetown. Seven exceptionally large residences above two unique stores.

Rooted in the architectural vernacular of the area, 1055 High’s historic-industrial aesthetic is balanced by a collection of modern finishes, features, and amenities. The property’s name is similarly contextual – High Street was the name of what is now Wisconsin Avenue until 1895, when Congress mandated that Georgetown’s street names be changed.

– 3,300-4,300 Square Feet in Size
– Expansive Private Terraces
– Separate service entrances in each residence
– Three to four bedroom residences
– Spa inspired bathrooms
– European chef-designed kitchens
– Walls of oversized windows with Lutron Mecho Shades
– Multiple exposures with canal, urban and garden views
Priced from $3MM to $5MM

You can see the floor plans here.

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