“Dear PoPville,
I’ve been watching the condominium conversion of the old Italian Embassy at 16th and Fuller in my neighborhood and an interesting detail appeared a couple months ago. On the side of the building facing Fuller there’s a window frame detail that wasn’t actually a window, and at the top there has always been a plastered over rectangle that looked like a hole that had been cut for an air conditioning unit. That rectangle had always been messily plastered over. A couple of months ago they cleaned up that little rectangle and it appeared to have writing in it so I took a couple photos (attached). It appears to be a dedication plaque in Latin, with the year 1925 written as MCMXXV.
Each side of the plaque is decorated with an object that looks like it was damaged, but it is pretty clearly the pre-WWII symbol of the Italian Fascist Party, the Fasces (bundle of rods) with an axhead attached. I’ve copied an image of the symbol from Wikipedia below.
Mussolini came to power in Italy in 1922 so this appears to be a symbolic detail to represent Mussolini’s fascist government.
I’m curious what the builder of this high-end condo is going to do with this plaque. It’s not as obviously offensive as a swastika, so I think they might consider an interpretive sign or plaque that explains it. It’s historically significant, and I think this building is in a historic district. I’m also curious what the translation of the Latin wording is.”
14th and Park Road, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending: “Chase is opening a branch in Columbia Heights. Perhaps the vacant Vitamin Shoppe store?”
The Washington Post story says:
“Seven of the 70 planned branches have already received regulatory approval. They include sites in the District’s Columbia Heights, Logan Circle and Georgetown neighborhoods, one branch near McPherson Square Metro station, one in the District’s Ward 7 east of the Anacostia River, one in Bethesda and two in Arlington.”
Previously we had heard that an Old Navy could be coming to DC USA. More recently I’ve heard a Gap, Gap Kids and/or a Michael’s crafting store. Stay Tuned. And since we’re talking about Columbia Heights retail yadda yadda yadda Wawa!!
This unit is located at 3534 10th Street, NW. The Bright MLS listing says:
“Charming Eastern Facing 1st floor Studio in the Alexander Condos!! Newly Renovated Granite Kit, SS Apps, HWD Floor, many Green features, contemporary bath w/ tile shower & dual flush toilet. This is in a fantastic location with access to transportation, Whole Foods, and much more! Just blocks to the metro, shops and restaurants.”
You can see more photos here.
This studio is going for $239,900 ($156 monthly fee.)
1328 Florida Ave, NW Photos courtesy Ivy Wild
From an email:
“Ivy Wild carries clean and organic skincare and makeup brands, including men’s skincare supplies. Many of the brands are also smaller, independent, women-owned businesses; many are highly eco-conscious and practice fair-trade and sustainable production.”
This rental is located at 1375 Fairmont St, NW. The Craigslist ad says:
“$1680 / 1br – 505ft2 – 1/BD 1/BA, Metro accessible, walk to Target, Giant, Trader Joe’s
Columbia Uptown
Welcome to Columbia Uptown Apartments! Conveniently located near the culturally diverse areas of U Street and Adams Morgan you are a short walk to the Columbia Heights Metro stop, and a variety of shopping and dining options. We’re pet friendly too! With beautifully renovated one and two bedroom options, we’re sure to have the perfect apartment for you to PLAY. LIVE. STAY.
Apartment Amenities: (more…)
via google maps
From MPD:
“The Third District is currently investigating the sounds of gunshots in the 2900 block of 14th Street NW. Officers have located several shell casings, but at this time there have not been any shooting victims located. Officers and detectives on the scene continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or can anonymously text to 50411.”
Ed. Note: Look, I realize many people don’t like the abbreviation CoHi. Fine. I hear you. This event is a post about cleaning up the neighborhood. Nothing more, nothing less. If you must express some frustration – you may have at it here. Thanks for understanding. Violators will be dealt with promptly and harshly by order of the Prince of Petworth.
“Dear PoPville,
Several months ago I was in touch about Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, whose flagship event took place on Kingman Island in September. You very kindly shared info about it with your readers, and we ended up getting more than 500 volunteers to pick up 4000+ pounds of trash!
I was so inspired by the event (and appalled by all the trash I saw that same day all around Columbia Heights) that I decided to do a similar cleanup in the neighborhood.
Columbia Heights has a pretty serious trash problem. Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, straws, lids, and more line nearly every sidewalk. But on Saturday, April 21— the day before Earth Day– residents and friends will take to the streets and show the neighborhood (and the planet) a little love. Volunteers will go out in teams to pick up trash and litter at The Great CoHi Cleanup. Sign up to volunteer on Eventbrite and follow the Facebook page for news and updates leading up to the event. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; but bring a reusable water bottle and wear a green shirt if you have one!”
3226 11th Street, NW
Kent Boese, Candidate for DC Council Ward 1 • Chairperson of ANC1A, tweeted us the good Bad Saint news yesterday:
“Received notice that @badsaint_dc has applied for permit to have 10-seat outdoor sidewalk café. I look forward to supporting this application at May @ANC1A meeting.”
across the street at 11th and Lamont St, NW
And Elle asks:
“Odd Provisions building a patio? Could they become the Glen’s of 11th St??”
14th and Irving Street, NW
Whoa – massive update on that Wawa coming to Columbia Heights. A commenter wrote in the original post:
“I just spoke with my friend who work at pizza place next to five guys Columbia height metro station. His workplace along with other store there (five guys, potbelly, etc) will soon close and replaced by wawa.” (more…)
14th and Irving St, NW
Matt Singerman reports:
“Target I got hit with a bunch of fraudulent charges totaling close to $1200 after shopping at your store at 3100 14th St NW in DC. You may want to check your self-checkout machines!
PoPville beware credit card skimmers at Target!”
