History

No, The Magnificent Burger King in Van Ness Has Not Closed (for now)

By Prince Of Petworth

The greatest Burger King (left) in D.C., nay, the nation is located on Connecticut Avenue. Ever since Chick Fil A had plans on coming, which fell through, I’ve been getting emails asking about their status. And over the last few months I’d say every two weeks or so I’m getting emails/messages they have closed. The messages were likely sparked by an August 2018 Forest Hills Connection report: “The owner of the Burger King franchise at Van Ness has told local officials that the restaurant will likely be closing within months.”

And indeed the space does still appear for lease but much to my wife’s dismay, I eat here about once a week. And they are still kicking. I don’t love it to be honest but it is cheap and fast and I can’t stand waiting on the lines at Bread Furst, I got miles to walk!! Anyway, it hits the spot and apparently hits the spot for many others as well. All that is to say, they are still open. I promise I’ll report any updates if the space does get leased by someone else. Who would your dream leasee be for this space?

If you are not familiar with this Burger King, well, you are in for a surprise: (more…)

It’s a miracle – Iconic Duke Ellington Mural Returning to U Street

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by flickr user @mjb

The iconic Duke Ellington mural was removed from the True Reformer building at 12th and U St, NW back in May 2012. At that time we were told repair could take up to a year.  In 2013 we learned that:

“Local Artist Byron Peck would create a replica of his Duke Ellington mural on U Street. The Commission looked at all of the options for preservation. The structure behind the mural was eroding. The best option is a replica and Peck has agreed. The goal is to have an unveiling and installation by Duke Ellington’s birthday in April 2014.”

And after a few more years I had completely given up hope. Thanks to U Street Buzz for sending us word that they heard it was coming back.

I inquired as well and hear that “weather permitting” the mural should return sometime this April!! Fingers crossed and stay tuned.


12th and U Street, NW

“National Park Service Seeks Public Input on Proposed World War I Memorial”

By Prince Of Petworth

Snapshot from this animation represents the revised concept as reviewed and approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on July 19, 2018: elements of the design are still in progress. Additional agency reviews will occur toward ultimate design approval by the Commission of Fine Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission, and the National Park Service.” See full “animation here.

From the National Parks Service:

“The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking comments on the proposed enhancements to Pershing Park for the national World War I Memorial. The project, including a comparison of the two alternatives, is available online at http://go.nps.gov/WWI-DEA. The public comment period is open February 6 – 27, 2019. The comment period, which originally ended on January 18, has been extended due to the partial government shutdown.

The Draft Environmental Assessment describes how the proposed national World War I Memorial will enhance Pershing Park (located on Pennsylvania Avenue, between 14th Street NW & 15th Street NW) by constructing appropriate sculptural and commemorative elements, including landscaping. (more…)

“Mayor Bowser and UDC Celebrate New Institute of Policy, Politics, and History”

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and University of the District of Columbia President Ronald Mason, Jr. celebrated the launch of the new Institute of Politics, Policy, and History (IPPH). Mayor Bowser and President Ronald Mason, Jr. have asked former Mayor Sharon Pratt to lead the effort to build out the programming for IPPH and to ensure that the institute becomes a stand-alone, self-sustaining entity by October 2019.

“I have called on UDC, the business community, and District leaders to affirm a path to UDC’s ascendance as a first choice two-year and four-year institution for DC’s best and brightest, and I look forward to seeing how this institute plays a role in that work,” said Mayor Bowser. “Through the Institute of Politics, Policy, and History, we can tap into the experiences of our residents, leaders, and communities to give more Washingtonians the opportunity to participate in building a stronger and more inclusive Washington, DC.”

The new nonpartisan institute will provide students extracurricular opportunities to interact with respected practitioners of politics and public policy. In addition, IPPH will introduce students to careers in policy and politics–two economic engines of Washington, DC.

“As the public University in and for the District, we are honored to partner in the establishment of this Institute,” said President Mason. “It offers an opportunity for our students and faculty, as well as the citizens of this community and the nation, to study and celebrate the unique past, present and future of the nation’s capital.”

Through its curriculum, IPPH will provide a focus on the unique history of Washington, DC. The institute will harvest, showcase, and celebrate the many narratives and communities of the District, from the city’s founding through today, with a goal of making the data points within the DC Archives accessible and engaging to contemporary audiences. Additionally, IPPH will engage practitioners of politics and public policy as well as historians to examine the touchstone issues of the day, illuminated with insights from local and national history.

The institute will consist of five programs that will be developed and rolled out between the spring of 2019 and the fall of 2020: (more…)

DC History Center at the Carnegie Library opening “In a few months” and you know what that means?

By Prince Of Petworth


801 K Street, NW

The Apple flagship store can’t be far behind!!

From an email:

“In a few months, the Historical Society will open the new DC History Center at the Carnegie Library. The DC History Center is the permanent home to the Kiplinger Research Library, the DC History Center Store, and a host of public programs, workshops, and exhibits. It animates the local stories of Washington for students, teachers, and the public. Become a Member.”

STAY TUNED.

“Time to Consider Changing the Name of Woodrow Wilson High School”?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Phil

From an email:

“Time to Consider Changing the Name of Woodrow Wilson High School:
Forum and Community Conversation on President Wilson’s Impact on D.C.
February 12, 2019, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The D.C. History and Justice Collective and the Wilson High School Diversity Task Force invite Wilson students, teachers, staff, alumni and neighbors, and residents of all eight wards to join a forum and community conversation on President Woodrow Wilson’s segregationist legacy in Washington. Is it time to change the school’s name?

President Wilson brought Jim Crow practices to the federal government, firing and demoting black employees who had found a road to advancement in the federal civil service. His racist employment practices decimated the black middle class in Washington in the early 20th century and fired up the segregation in housing and education that has kept many in the black community separate and unequal to this day. (more…)

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