I mentioned yesterday that Bloomingdale hosted their First on 1st Artwalk this past Sat. Anyone else check it out? I won’t be able to get to all of them but I’ll try and highlight of pieces a couple each day. Above is some yarn art by m. gert barkovic and below is from my friend Sean Hennessey.


These condos are located at 161 Randolph Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“2BR/2.5 Baths Condos From $349K. 1200+ sqft. Also available Unit 02 2BR/2.5Baths for $425K on 2nd Floor. Two Master Suites. Luxury Baths, All Hrd Wd Flrs, Video Intercom, Exotic Moldings, Granite Kitchen with SSA. High Ceilings, W/ D, Elfa CLosets, Ceiling Fans, Tons of light. Ideally located close to Metro. Limited Parking.”

You can find more info here and more photos here.

I think we once looked at the outside of this building back in the day to judge the pop up. But what do you think of the inside? Does $349,900 sound reasonable for Unit 1? Or $424,900 for Unit 2? Unit 3 is already under contract for $449,900.



Photo by PoPville flickr user Scenic Artisan

Last week I broke the news that Rustik Tavern would be moving into Baraki’s proposed space at the corner of 1st and T St, NW. There was a small open house this past weekend and the folks who stopped by, during the artwalk on 1st (more on that later), could hardly contain their enthusiasm. Indeed the space does look super promising. Including the famed wood burning oven:

I understand that there are still some permits that need to be acquired but hopefully folks will be eating pizza and drinking draft beer in Bloomingdale before the summer ends. I’m told literally hundreds of folks stopped by to check out the space. For those who stopped by what’d you think of the initial feel?


The saga of Big Bear Cafe’s (1st and R St, NW) quest for a liquor license has captured the attention of most Bloomingdale residents. Meanwhile, nearby, another bar/restaurant has been quietly progressing. Build out at the corner of 1st and T St, NW has nearly been completed (I had to use an old photo above). For those who follow Bloomingdale news closely you may recall that a restaurant called Baraki was going to open up in this space. Baraki was even granted a liquor license.

And back in Jan. I told you about a proposed neighborhood bar called, Rustik. Rustik was hoping to open across the street at 1832 1st St, NW. Unfortunately that space didn’t work out but I recently learned that Rustik has negotiated with the owner of the retail space at 1st and T and that will be the new home to Rustik.

As I mentioned, Baraki, had already been granted a liquor license so Rustik will be able to have it transferred rather easily. Though, keep in mind Rustik will also be a restaurant featuring fire brick pizza. So keep your eyes peeled for the opening at the corner of 1st and T Streets, NW because they’re gonna be open a lot sooner than you think. I’m betting by the end of the month but as we’ve learned strange things can happen in Bloomindgale. I’m hesitant to say that the drought in Bloomingdale may soon be over, nevertheless, I’m looking forward to lifting a pint there very soon!

Update: There will be an “open house” this Sat. to help celebrate 1st on First art walk (August 7, 2010 – 12 to 4 PM.)


This condo is located at 1731 1st St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Larger than most row houses, this unit oozes space, style and luxury from every square foot. Three large bedrooms, 3 baths and a den complement a huge luxury kitchen, and an enviable location near Metro, Big Bear and Windows cafes, and easy access to all DC neighborhoods. This condo is not yet registered with D. C. ; owner can accept only reservation agreements at this time.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

What do you think of the reno itself? Unit #2 has gone under contract and was listed at $495,000. Should there be any concern that the condo is not yet registered? Unit #1 is going for $459,900, sound realistic?


At the ANC5 meeting Tues. evening @Edgewooddc tweets about the Firehouse located at 1626 North Capitol Street, NW:

“Restaurant consist of 3 levels.
lounge, banquet hall and restaurant.
Late night menu will go until 2am, they will also offer Sunday brunch.”

Stay tuned for a liquor license application.

Also of interest was a vote about the Big Bear Cafe’s alcohol application.

@Edgewooddc and @BloomingdaleDC both note just before 9:30 pm:

“ANC5C will not support the @BigBearCafe liquor license application at this time.”

I’ll admit this whole process is very confusing. I’ve been speaking to folks in the know who seem to believe that Big Bear Cafe (First and R Streets, NW) will be able to get a liquor license even without ANC5C approval. Obviously not ideal but my understanding is that the approval is not 100% necessary. I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot about this in the coming weeks. I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available. Does anyone know if ANC approval is 100% necessary?


This condo is located at 70 Rhode Island Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“Bright and sunny top floor in boutique 17 unit bldg. Wonderful use of space, wide open floor plan, extraordinary kitchen with custom glass tile backsplash, skylights, pantry. Great closet space, many windows, fireplace, large master bedroom, real 2nd bedroom, 2 full baths, located in thriving Bloomingdale, convenient to 3 Metros, cafes, farmer’s market & major commuter routes.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to see a renovated unit, though I think it came out looking good. What do you think of the renovation itself? Does $298,500 ($339 condo fee) sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2bath (777 square feet)?

A 1 bed/1.5 bath unit is currently under contract in this building for $299,000.


A reader sends in word and a photo of the aftermath above. He writes:

“This happened early this (Monday) morning. 3 houses are damaged. I watched the people in the house with the most damage set off fireworks from their roof deck for a few hours last night. Glad to hear everyone is ok. Red cross is on the scene.”

@dcfireems writes on twitter:

“RI Av NW – fire investigators believe fire originated on rooftop deck – cause – accidental (under investigation)- no inj – 18 displ”

@Alex20001 posted a shot of the fire on twitter:


Photo by twitter user Alex20001


This condo is located at 1839 1st St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Top Floor. 1083 sqft per 3rd party. 2 bedroom, 2 full bath Penthouse condo just 6 blocks to METRO. Features include hardwood floors, gas fireplace & Gourmet open kitchen with skylight & stainless steel appliances. Large fire escape landing used as balcony. Enormous Master Suite. Spacious 2nd Bed w/ office nook. Dedicated laundry room with washer/dryer.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

Ed. Note: I know the owner who made this request.

So what do you think of the condo itself? Does $389,555 ($257 condo fee) sound reasonable?


This home is located at 23 Randolph Pl, NW:


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The flier says:

“Gorgeous Renovated Colonial w/ offstreet Parking for 2! 100% renovated!! Beautiful custom kitchen w/ Marble Ctps, designer distressed cabinets, & millwork. Exposed brick, hdwd flrs throughout, large windows. 13′ Master ceilings w/ exposed brick. Custom Bthrm w/ glass shelves & marble tile. New Roof, New Windows, New HVAC, New Plumbing, New Electric. Everything brand new!”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

The reader writes:

“From talking to long time residents this house had been vacant for 20-40 years. After numerous “discussions” with DCRA to take care of things like couches/abandoned cars in the backyard, it is awesome to see this place restored! I am curious to see what your readers think.”

Wow, I think the renovation came out great. What do you guys think? I guess I’m just surprised there aren’t 2 full bathrooms. Do you think $519,999 sounds reasonable for this 3 bed/1.5 bath?


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