Columbia Heights

Two Women Assaulted in the 1300 block of Columbia Rd, NW – One Passed Away and One Arrest Made

By Prince Of Petworth

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced an arrest has been made in the homicide which occurred in the 1300 block of Columbia Road, Northwest.

On Thursday, July 31, 2014, at approximately 5:20 am, members from the Third District responded to a call for an aggravated assault in the 1300 block of Columbia Road, Northwest. Upon arrival, they located one adult female unconscious and unresponsive and another with non-life threatening injuries. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded and transported one victim to a local hospital. The decedent was subsequently transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.

The decedent has been identified as 54 year-old Tajuana Lynn Hooks.

On Thursday, July 31, 2014, at approximately 6:06 pm, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, members of the Homicide Branch arrested 30 year-old Keiva Hooks of Northwest, Washington, DC, charging her with Second Degree Murder While Armed in connection to this homicide.”

Maple Launching Saturday Brunch, Expansion Imminent in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

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From an email:

“Maple: Saturday Brunch Launches This Week; Expansion Imminent

The first mimosa is on us on Aug. 2 before noon.

Maple’s Saturday brunch begins Aug. 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. To celebrate the expanded brunch, those joining us before noon this Saturday can enjoy a complimentary mimosa with their meals. We will also open at 10 a.m. on Sundays, an hour earlier than usual.

The revamped menu includes baccala potato cakes (panko-crusted cod and potato cakes served with sunny-side-up eggs and a mixed green salad), Brioche French toast with blackberry compote and whipped mascarpone cream, and short-rib hash, inspired by our popular short-rib panino.

We’re also putting the finishing touches on our expanded space, which will more than double our current seating capacity. We expect to open the new back patio, with seating for 34, within two weeks. The opening of our expanded indoor dining space will follow, with seating for 24 plus an upstairs 20-seat private dining room with a balcony overlooking the back patio.”

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Check Out the Newly Restored Pool at Cardozo opening to the Public in October

By Prince Of Petworth

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Yesterday we learned that the Swimming Pool at Cardozo high school was completely restored and would open to the public in October. Thanks to DCPS for sending us these awesome photos of how it turned out. An awesome indoor complement to Banneker!

Ed. Note: Thanks to a twitter follower for tweeting us some historical photos of how it used to look.

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DC’s mobile wood-fired pizza, Timber Pizza Co, Launches

By Prince Of Petworth

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At the Columbia Heights Farmers Market last Saturday

Timber Pizza’s website says:

“The Timber guys serve authentic wood fired pizza using only the freshest local ingredients and incorporating new twists on traditional favorites. They can be found anywhere from local farmers markets to wineries/breweries and are available to cater your next private event.”

In addition to the Columbia Heights Farmers Market you can also find them at the USDA Farmers Market, Union Market Drive-In, Summer Series, New Vintage Jazz and Wine Festival – you can see all locations and times here.

Anyone take a taste?

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ThaiThanic II Closing in August Likely to be replaced by new Laotian restaurant Bangkok Golden

By Prince Of Petworth

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3462 14th Street, NW

Earlier this month I wondered where the new Laotian restaurant, Bangkok Golden, would be located in Columbia Heights. At that time a commenter suggested it would be Thaitanic II. And now another reader writes:

“Confirmed. ThaiThanic II is closing in August.”

It’s hard to remember but back in 2009 when ThaiThanic II first opened it was a very big deal. I will miss their 20oz of Dogfish Head beer for $4.25 and I wish the employees and owners the best of luck in the future.

Stay tuned for updates on the Laotian place as they get closer to opening.

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Swimming Pool at Cardozo high school completely restored, Opens to Public in October

By Prince Of Petworth

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From Council Member Jim Graham:

“We have another solid step forward in progress for Columbia Heights~~~~ something very special has now been finished is about to be used by the public.

And that is the swimming pool at Cardozo high school built in 1915 and shuttered for many years. It has now been completely restored! I recently visited to see the fine work that had been done.

I ask you–how many communities have a 100 year old pool back in service?

If you permit me a brief commercial message – the pool was not part of the planned restoration of Cardozo high school and was to be mothballed until such time as the money was available for rehabilitation.

I’m pleased to say that I was able to locate the million dollars that reversed that decision and made the pool restoration possible with the rest of the high school.

Special word of thanks to Mayor Vincent Gray, Alan Lew our City Administrator and Brian Hanlon the director of the Department of General Services. And of course all the people who worked on this

Community use will begin in October– I’m told– with both early morning and evening swim hours”

Ed. Note: Thanks to a twitter follower for tweeting us some historical photos of how it used to look.

Hilltop Bar and Restaurant still Coming to Sherman Ave – A Sneak Peek Inside

By Prince Of Petworth

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2737 Sherman Avenue, NW at Girard

“Dear PoPville,

Do you have any news on Hilltop Bar on Sherman Ave.? I haven’t seen any movement and a bunch of us here in the neighborhood were pretty excited about this new bar. Is it dead? I hope not.”

I am happy to report that the Hilltop Bar and Restaurant is alive and well! There have been some permitting delays but lots of progress has been made. They are now about to start work on a huge kitchen to be located in the basement which will take about 2 months to complete. After that they will likely have a zoning hearing in September and if all goes well they hope to open sometime in October.  A peek inside to prove the progress:

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Also standby for a sidewalk cafe too:

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Wonderland’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration this Sunday

By Prince Of Petworth

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From owners Matthew and Rose:

“Dear Popville.

Do you remember 2004 – when it was radical to have a smoke-free upstairs bar and dance floor?

The good times roll on in the beer garden this Sunday: the Wonderland Ballroom celebrates it’s 10th anniversary! Sunday, Aug. 3rd, 2014.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! to PoP, the Popville readers, and all the Wonder Family for your support and love over the years. Hope you can come celebrate with us! Hope to see you on Sunday.

Cheers, the Wonderland Ballroom.”

Ed. Note: Amazing – can’t believe it’s already 10 years – congrats!!! Here’s a reminder of how the space looked in 2004:

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11th and Kenyon St, NW in 2004 courtesy Wonderland Ballroom

Nice Looking Pop Up in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

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1300 block of Kenyon St, NW

Thanks to all who’ve sent emails about this pop up on Kenyon Street in Columbia Heights. MW sends the photo above and writes:

“An interesting example of a pop-up that seems to be extremely well done, 1300 block of Kenyon Street NW. Note adaptive reuse of original turret. Very thoughtful, and respectful of the neighborhood fabric.”

Here’s a couple of closer up photos I took over the weekend:

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