In real life, hipchickindc is actually the not-so-hip Suzanne Des Marais, an associate broker with Urban Pace. Voted one of the best real estate agents in DC by the Washington City Paper Readers’ Choice Poll in 2009, Suzanne is currently Chair of the DC Public Policy Committee for the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® and is President Elect of the Washington, DC Association of REALTORS®. She lives (and sells a lot of houses) in Bloomingdale, but works all over DC, with everyone from first time buyers to highly regarded developers.

Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 2359 Ashmead Pl NW

Original List Price: $845,000.

List Price at Contract: $845,000.

List Date: 03/26/2010

Days on Market: 7

Settled Sales Price: $950,000.

Settlement Date: 05/17/2010

Seller Subsidy: $0.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: Conventional

Original GDoN is: here.

Listing is: >here. To see pics, click on the listing, then click on the main pic and scroll on the arrows.

My very favorite kinds of houses are those with, shall we say, “possibility”. This sentiment seems to be shared by commenters on the original Good Deal or Not (GDoN) post, many of whom drooled over this one. This house has not only the location thing going for it, and of course, it’s humongous, but perhaps more importantly, it has that elusive indescribable thing that people sometimes refer to as character. (Not insignificant is that it is reported to be located within the Oyster school district, where Michelle Rhee’s kids attend). Clearly a grand house in its day, I truly hope that the new owner does restoration in the process of renovation.

There was some discussion as to whether the property will remain a single family or will it be converted to multiple units. The agent who represented the purchaser was Anthony Bozzi of CityLights Realty Group. I’m hoping that Anthony will check in here and give us the scoop.


POSH was located at 1828 18th St, NW on the first floor above Ansonia Wines. They opened back in Oct. ’09. I’m hearing that the first two floors is being taken over by a real estate agency though Ansonia Wines will remain in the basement level. POSH is planning on moving to H St, NE though an exact location has not been announced yet. They are also having a final liquidation sale on Sat. from 10am – 2pm. I wish them luck on their H St, NE location.


Thanks to a friend of mine for sending the word. He writes:

“There were a couple guys moving stuff out and I asked them if it had closed.. they said ‘yes’ it had. I asked if the knew what was going in and they said ‘no’.”

Evolve was/is located at 1817 Columbia Rd NW. They had pretty good reviews on Yelp. Their Web site is still functioning and their phone works but the message for the phone says something about another company not Evolve. Anyone else notice if they have closed or not? Seems strange to me because they have renewal permits up in the windows. I’ll be sure to update as more info becomes available.

Any fans of Evolve out there? Know the scoop?


Some folks really loved Laundromutt so hopefully the new place will be just as good. They write in a press release:

The Fur-Get Me Not Dog Wash is located at 1722 Florida Avenue, Washington, DC 20009. Current hours of operation are: Fridays 11AM-5PM, Saturdays and Sundays 9AM-6PM. Call 202.387.MUTT(6888), 202.319.PETS(7387) or visit the Fur-Get Me Not website.

Clean Dogs, Family Fun and A Good Cause:
On June 26, continuing in the tradition of the LaundroMutt’s charitable roots, Fur-Get Me Not Dog Wash will hold a charity event in conjunction with its Grand Opening Celebration. Come on in!! Let us do all the work AND help out a great cause! We’ll wash your dog for you from 9am-noon and 100% of the dog wash proceeds will benefit Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Can’t make it that morning then stop by anytime from noon-6pm to try it out yourself and 50% of all you wash proceeds will benefit Homeward
Trails Animal Rescue.

The Grand Opening Celebration will also include an adoption event, refreshments and fun for the whole family.

Please join us for this exciting event that benefits a great cause!
Date: Saturday, June 26
Time: 9AM-12PM – We Wash, 100% proceeds benefit Homeward Trails
12PM-6pm – You Wash, 50% proceeds benefit Homeward Trails
Location: Fur-Get Me Not Dog Wash
1722 Florida Avenue, Washington, DC


This rental is located at 2359 Ontario Rd, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Meridian Apartments is located in the historic Adams Morgan/Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. One bedroom available May 5…spacious unit, hardwood floors, new cabinets. The building is located on a charming block and ALL utilities are included in the rent (heat,, hot water and electric). All you pay is the rent!”

I think this one might be a deal. Does $1,000 sound reasonable for this 1 bedroom?


“Dear PoP,

What happened to the Maggie Moo’s on 18th street in AdMo? Say it ain’t so! Is it going to be nothing but Fro Yo all summer?”

Yeah this was a big shock to me as it is such a large retail space. And don’t forget this closes the Soup Man as well…

Do you guys think that frozen yogurt has hastened the death of DC’s ice cream stores? Well, there’s still many gelato options


This rental is located at 1930 Columbia RD. NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“This studio has been wonderful for me- close to restaurants, tryst, my yoga studio and a nice walk to campus. The view (east facing) is the best thing. One entire wall is windows with a view of the capitol building and downtown. The building is safe and people are friendly. It is available Aug. 1st, and they might do one month free.”

Does $1295 sound reasonable for this studio?


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