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Rendering via The Parks at Walter Reed

From the Mayor’s office:

“The Hines-Urban Atlantic-Triden team was selected based on the strength and compatibility of their plan with the Reuse and Small Area Plans; their approach and ability to provide quality community benefits; their breadth of development and financial experience on complicated sites; and their development and financing capability.”

From Walter Reed Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA):

“The Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) former campus is located on the north end of the District, between 16th Street and Georgia Avenue. This location is approximately six blocks from the the District boundary at Eastern Avenue and about two miles south of Downtown Silver Spring.

The LRA Site occupies 66.57 acres of the 110.1-acre former campus. The remaining 43.53 acres on the eastern portion of campus will be occupied by Department of State (DOS). The LRA site has frontage on all 4 sides: Fern Street on the north, Georgia Avenue on the east, Aspen Street on the South, and 16th Street on the west, making the site readily accessible to the adjacent neighborhoods.”

Big big news for Brightwood and north country – the Walter Reed Medical Center redevelopment winner is Hines/Urban Atlantic – The Parks at Walter Reed:

“When complete, Walter Reed will feature:

Retail – two viable, vibrant plans, one anchored by a large format retailer and one anchored by a smaller specialty grocer

Innovation Core – anchored by committed life science and health users – GW University, MIT professors, and Biotrial – supported by a Hyatt conference hotel

High Quality, Diverse Housing – serving a mix of incomes and households including a seniors village that facilitates aging-in-place

Creative Mixed Uses, Historic Programming & Open Space – drawing the community in through arts, history, and an impressive network of active and passive open spaces.”

Check out a video below of their retail plans (note the inclusion of Bloomingdale’s Boundary Stone):


shootings

From MPD:

“At approximately 10:30PM on October 31, 2013, MPD Fourth District units received a call for gunshots in the area of the 1200 block of Rock Creek Ford Road, Northwest. Units responded to the location and canvassed the area, but did not locate a victim. Shortly thereafter, an adult male victim arrived at a local area hospital suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and was treated for his injury.

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5th and Shepherd St, NW

Several hours later [2:09am], MPD’s Shotspotter gunshot detection system alerted Fourth District units to multiple gunshots in the 400 block of Shepherd Street, Northwest. Units responded to the location and discovered an unconscious adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported from the scene to a local area hospital.

There was no lookout provided for the suspects in either case.

Fourth District detectives are actively investigating both incidents. At this time, it is unknown whether these two incidents are related. Anyone with information regarding these cases is asked to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

The victim from the Shepherd Street case was pronounced. This case is being investigated by Detectives of the Homicide Branch. We continue to ask that 202-727-9099 is called if you have any information.”


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“Dear PoPville,

Overnight [October 11th] my sister’s friend’s bike got its two tires stripped on the 700 block of Hamilton Street, NW. It had been on the porch for almost two weeks no problems. In hindsight it was horrible idea to have it on the front porch for so long. If anybody has seen anything we would appreciate if you guys could call (786) 247-6179. Tips for handling this situation are appreciated as well. Is it worth filing a report with the Police?”


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From MPD:

“At approximately 3:00am, two adult males each sustained a non-life threatening apparent gunshot wound to their lower extremities in the 700 block of Somerset Pl., NW. Both were taken to an area hospital for treatment. There is no lookout available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.”


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From MPD:

“Shortly before 4 AM this morning, an MPD officer was operating the light tower in the 800 block of Jefferson Street, NW, when he heard the sounds of gunshots coming from the 600 block of Jefferson Street, NW. The officer notified the police dispatcher and then entered the area to investigate. A complainant was located in the area suffering from a non life-threatening gunshot wound. The complainant was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Multiple officers canvassed the area for the suspects and evidence, and a handgun was recovered from the scene.

Suspect 1 is described as a black male, dark complexioned, 5’6″ – 5’7″ tall, wearing a gray/white sweatshirt and armed with a black handgun.

Suspect 2 is described as a black male, 5’6″ – 5’7″ tall, wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. He was also armed with a black handgun.

The suspects were seen fleeing in a black Cadillac with Maryland tags.

Fourth District detectives are investigating the case. Anyone with information is urged to call 202-727-9099.”


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709 Kennedy Street, NW

Coffee Thursday concludes with…

“Dear PoPville,

Permits are posted and sheets of nice clean brown paper are pinned in the windows, but week after week there is no sign of activity at 709 Kennedy St NW, reportedly the future home of Culture Coffee. What’s wrong?”

I’m happy to say nothing is wrong and construction is progressing. The owner tells me that they are in the “final stages of building” and they hope to open in early November.


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From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide which occurred in the 900 block of Madison Street, Northwest.

On Saturday, September 14, 2013 at approximately 6:09 pm, police officers from the Fourth District responded to the 900 block of Madison Street, NW for the report of an Aggravated Assault. Upon their arrival, they located an adult male in an unconscious state. Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. The victim was diagnosed with multiple skull fractures.

On Monday, September 16, 2013, at approximately 4:40 pm, Mr. Olisemeka was pronounced dead.

The decedent is identified as 24 year-old Awele Olisemeka of Northwest, Washington, DC.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.”


From MPD:

“This evening [Friday] at approximately 10:40 PM, 4D units received 911 calls for a shooting victim and the sounds of gunshots at 7th and Tuckerman Street, Northwest. Shortly thereafter, 4D units located a female victim suffering from a non life-threatening gunshot wound in the 700 block of Tuckerman Street, Northwest. The individual was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.

Fourth District Detectives are currently investigating the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call 202-727-9099.”


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6230 Georgia Avenue, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending the update on Wapa Cafe:

“I just wanted to let you know that Wapa cafe is open! I am writing you this email from the cafe. As a customer, so far it’s great. Healthy menu options (breakfast, lunch/dinner) and great coffee. Most importantly free wifi for us that work from home! I just wanted to update you that it’s finally open (and the owner is very nice too!)”

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