Photo by Melody Crosby, mural by Aniekan Udofia
Thanks to Melody of W Street HOA for sending:
“We commissioned Aniekan Udofia to create a mural for us. He is almost finished its a beautiful picture of Frederick Douglass. It is located on 2200 16th street on the corner of 16 and W on a store called DC Market.”
This column in written by Randy LiVorsi, of the District Residential Group. A DC resident for 16 years, he is licensed in DC and VA. Randy holds a Masters in Organizational Management and Development and is a certified project manager with a current PMP. Each month he will dig into all things DC area real estate. He is also a General in the KISS Army, so get ready to rock and real estate all night, and party every day!
With so many cranes across D.C., and the incredible amount of real estate development and opportunities happening, let’s dig into the 20020 zip code (Historic Anacostia, Hill Crest, Randle Heights and many others). We’ll see what’s there, what’s coming and how these developments are driving factors influencing that market.
If you’ve been or are considering purchasing, this should provide timely, valuable information. For 20020 sellers, this is pertinent information that affects the value of your home.
What’s already there?
Uniontown Bar and Grill plus other restaurants along MLK are showing that small local businesses can open and thrive.
Hive 2.0, a small business incubator, acts as home base for more than 55 entrepreneurs, and a lively arts district gives this area an established lively culture and strong base.
What’s coming will supercharge the area. Let’s take a look.
11th St. Bridge Park
Announced in 2014 and being built on the old pillars of the 11th St. Bridge, this expansive ‘bridge park’ will be roughly the size of 3 football fields placed back to back spanning the Anacostia River (connecting Wards 6 and Wards 7 & 8).
D.C.’s first ‘elevated public park’ this ambitious project is intended to be a green space used for residents on both sides of the river to explore healthy recreation, environmental education, entertainment (yes, concerts on a bridge ABOVE the river) and a shared platform for the arts.
Similar to the High Line in NYC, this is a green initiative repurposing the pylons with what looks to be a spectacular pedestrian park bridge.
The Wizards Training Center
Although located in adjacent zip code 20032, this project will bring benefits to not just its home zip, but the southern part of 20020.
Photo by PoPville flickr user bajidc
From DPR:
“DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has partnered with LimeBike for an exciting and unique series of FITDC bike rides through a few parks East of the River in Washington, D.C. with #BiketheDistrict: Petals & Pedals.
The next ride is Saturday, April 14th at Anacostia Recreation Center and will take riders through Anacostia Park. The final ride in the series takes place on Saturday, May 19th beginning at Malcolm X Opportunity Center.
The morning of each event, LimeBike pulls up at a DPR recreation center with a truckload of the fluorescent colored smart-bicycles for riders to use. LimeBike provides free access to their bikes for the day as well as free helmets for those in need. At the end of the 4-6 mile trek, bicyclists can leave the bike at the recreation center or leave the dockless bike wherever else they decide to go that day. Participants can alsoinstead bring their personal bikes to ride.
The kick-off event, held on March 31, brought riders to Kenilworth Recreation Center for a 6 mile ride through the scenic Anacostia Trial and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens to the Bladensburg Waterfront in Maryland and back. The riders were split into groups from beginner, moderate to advanced paced riders with bike pacers leading each group.
#BiketheDistrict: Petals & Pedals: (more…)
Photo by The Anacostia Watershed Society courtesy of 11th Street Bridge Park
From a press release:
“The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the fourth annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year we are throwing a birthday bash for the 100th Anniversary of Anacostia Park by celebrating the “Year of the Anacostia!” Held in Anacostia Park, this FREE event will encourage District residents and visitors from across the region to explore communities and parks east of the river. In 2017, the Anacostia River Festival attracted nearly 10,000 participants.
Anacostia River Festival
When: Sunday, April 15, 2018; 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: National Park Service’s Anacostia Park. Good Hope Road & Anacostia Drive SE
Who: FREE and open to the public.
For more information:bridgepark.org/ARF
“In 2018, the stars have aligned to mark the ‘Year of the Anacostia’ – celebrating the river as a stunning ecological and cultural resource for the entire city. Residents from across the DC region can discover this incredible natural resource at our fourth annual Anacostia River Festival.” said Scott Kratz, 11th Street Bridge Park Director.
The festival will feature art exhibitions, live music performances, hands-on activities and special biking activities. Visitors can participate in recycled art projects, fishing workshops, the annual bicycle parade, trail rides, bike tune-up stations, safety stations, lawn games, boating and other family-friendly activities re-engaging residents and visitors alike with the Anacostia River and historic Anacostia neighborhood. (more…)
via GoFundMe
Thanks to Jaime for alerting us to the Go Fund Me campaign for Capitol Hill Crab Cakes (1243 Good Hope Rd, SE):
“Family, I come to you humbled but not broken. Time is of the essence and we need your support TODAY.
Upon my return over the Holiday weekend, I entered my restaurant to prepare for the next business day. Shockingly, I found a caved in ceiling on the restaurant floor with gallons of water pouring in, flooding our entire kitchen and front dining area. A pipe burst has caused severe damage to our entire building, equipment, and materials. The landlord has placed the expensive repair bill solely on me. Due to the cost for the extensive water damage, we do not know when we will reopen. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Mayor Bowser announced that Starbucks has signed a letter of intent to become the anchor tenant at a new affordable housing development in Ward 8, bringing jobs and business to a long-vacant parcel in the heart of historic Anacostia. (more…)
All images courtesy of OMA+OLIN. Holy smokes!! Thanks to the folks from the 11th Street Bridge Park for sharing these amazing images. They note that they are “subject to change, but we’re making great progress!”
If they come remotely close to the renderings this is gonna be absolutely spectacular.
STAY TUNED.
More images courtesy OMA+OLIN after the jump. (more…)
Thanks to David Ross for sending:
“This mural is by Nils Westergard and is at corner of Shannon Place and V St. SE in Anacostia. Her name is Charneice Fox Richardson. She’s a DC filmmaker. She also lived in Anacostia as a kid. I wanted it to be of someone local.
It’s all part of a series I’m doing called, If Shannon Could Sing. The main street that runs through is called Shannon Place so it’s a play off of that name. It’ll be an art/music pop up at 1102 V St. SE. Many, many programs coming for the next few months in Anacostia. Exhibits, concerts (free and paid), movie series (free), food series.”
Ed. Note: Will post schedule for event series when it becomes available.
“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to spread the word about Check It, the first and only documented LGBTQ gang in America. They are located right here in DC. A documentary was made and is available on LouisCK.net for just $5. They opened a storefront in Anacostia (1920 MLK Ave SE) in June to pursue their dream of designing and selling fashion. Please let the community know to check them out and support their ventures into a better life.”
The movie’s about page says:
“At first glance, they seem unlikely gang-bangers. Some of the boys wear lipstick and mascara, some stilettos. They carry Louis Vuitton bags, but they also carry knives, brass knuckles and mace. As vulnerable gay and transgender youth, they’ve been shot, stabbed, and raped. (more…)
courtesy National Parks Service
From a press release:
“Skate, bike, run or hike your way into Anacostia Park along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail in celebration of National Trails Day. On June 3, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Anacostia Park will host a National Trails Day event that is fun for the whole family.
Start your excursion at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion in Anacostia Park (D.C.) or at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Bladensburg, Md. and enjoy “pit stops” along the way! With about 20 miles of scenic trail between both starting points, visitors that can make it to both ends and collect stamps or stickers from each pit stop win a FREE prize! (more…)