Adams Morgan

New Hotel To Open In Adams Morgan? by John

By Prince Of Petworth

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.

18th Street Streetscape Project – Changes Coming Our Way by John

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. note: John does a phenomenal and thorough job detailing the changes coming to 18th Street. It’s hard to imagine what it will look like when completed. Do you think it’ll be an improvement?

Most residents agree that the sidewalks and intersections in Adams Morgan could do with a facelift.

On 18th Street the sidewalks themselves are too narrow to accommodate the crowds, especially over the weekends and particularly after the smoking ban banished tobacco aficionados to the sidewalks.

The intersections at Columbia and 18th and at Florida and 18th are generally considered pedestrian unfriendly to the point of danger with “slip roads” allowing cars to come from seemingly all directions and confusing even those walkers who try to obey traffic laws. (These “law-abiding” pedestrians can become fewer and further between as the night progresses and drinks are consumed).

Although the strip of 18th between Florida and Columbia is often derided as the locale of choice for “bridge and tunnel/VA frat boys/suburbanite interlopers” (feel free to add to this list of disparaging generalizations), the area is an important nightlife destination for Washington, DC and more importantly, the neighborhood is home to thousands of residents, many of whom do not own cars and rely on bikes, buses and pedestrian power to get around.

While most agree on the need for improvements, there remains a great deal of debate over what these improvements should ultimately look like and how the work should be carried out. Story by John continues with lots of details after the jump. (more…)

Judging New Condos

By Prince Of Petworth

DSCN2253, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This one is located at 2426 Ontario Road. You like the look? Here’s their Web site for the curious.

Judging Buildings

By Prince Of Petworth

Can’t believe I haven’t asked about this one before. So what do you guys think about Felix in Adams Morgan? Actually in addition to the architecture what about the place itself? Any fans out there?

Reader Request: What is the Potter’s House

By Prince Of Petworth

They actually have a really good Web site. It says:

“The Potter’s House is Washington’s original church coffeehouse with a bookstore, art gallery, restaurant, discussion center, entertainment venue, catering service, and gift shop. We offer community, hospitality, and a listening ear to all who enter. We are thankful for all of the wonderful people with whom God has blessed us through the years. We want to consistently share the vision that we are all clay in the Potter’s hands.”

There were a lot of religious books but there were also “normal” books as well like The Kite Runner and Suite Francaise. There was also a band there and new art was getting hung on the wall. I’m not particularly religious myself, nor am I of the Church going persuasion but I felt completely fine looking around. They also had a very reasonably priced Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menu. And there is free wireless available. Of additional note, they also have a Friday night benefit concert series beginning at 7pm with a $15 suggested donation. You can find more info on the concert series here. Potter’s House is located at 1658 Columbia Road, NW and a flyer I picked up says “all ages, races, creeds, sexes & orientations welcome!”.

Pictures of the inside after the jump. (more…)

Another Cool Contrast Photo

By Prince Of Petworth

I know I’ve shown a different angle of that cylindrical building in the past but I think it could be one of the most amazing new buildings I’ve seen in DC. So I think I may have two more angles left…

And it looks like it may have the coolest roof deck in DC as well…

What’s The Scoop on Napolean in Adams Morgan?

By Prince Of Petworth

Looks like they have a great outdoor dining area here. What’s the scoop here? Is this a brunch place, a restaurant, a bar or all of the above? What’s the scene? Is it high falutin? How’s the food? Anyone strongly recommend it?

Who Knew?

By Prince Of Petworth

Wow, pizza box recycling, that’s awesome. I hope they don’t just take the boxes and put new slices of pizza in them. Ha, ha, I’m idiot but I told I’ve drunk quite a few Budweisers at this point… Seriously that is pretty cool that they recycle. Cue pizza wars in 3, 2, 1 go!

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