Columbia Heights

Scuttlebutt: Solimar International Sustainable Tourism Consulting Coming to Retail Space Above Meridian Pint at 11th and Park Rd, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

There’s been tons of scuttlebutt for this 2nd story space – most notably a return of Vegetate or a small gym. I’m hearing from multiple sources that it’s going to be home to Solimar International:

Solimar International is a sustainable tourism consulting and marketing firm with the mission of helping businesses, travelers, and destinations develop and connect to sustainable tourism experiences that support environmental conservation, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance the lives of local residents.

(Was it a) Good Deal or Not? “versatile layout” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1480 Harvard St, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Welcome to this grand brick end-unit townhome built in the Wardman style less than 2 blocks from Columbia H. metro and shopping! W/ 3,000 sq. ft. this versatile layout could be finished in its current configuration as a spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, w/ a walk-out basement & a detached one-car garage. The possibilities are fantastic, and the location can not be beat. .. Welcome and enjoy!!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

This 4 bed/2.5 bath went under contract in only 4 days. Asking was $549,000. Do you think it was bid up?

PoP Pre-Preview – Z Burger Coming to the Tivoli in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Oct. ’10 I shared some scuttlebutt that a Z Burger was coming to Columbia Heights in the old Mayorga/Nori Nori sushi spot in the Tivoli. The last interesting update came in March ’11 when I learned the former ticket booth space out front will be used to sell milk shakes.

Last weekend I was allowed to take a quick tour and share some photos. I’m told they’re now shooting to open in 3-4 weeks. And when you look at the photos you can tell why the renovations have been taking so long. I should say folks who remember Mayorga and Nori Nori will recognize one big change right away – they’ve closed off the second floor and created a huge open dining space:

I’ll be sure to update with an exact opening date once it’s finalized. After the jump check out a bunch more photos of how it looks on the inside. (more…)

More Info on Maple Italian Restaurant Coming to Columbia Heights and Red Rocks to Open Another Location on H St, NE?

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in late November I shared the news that Maple Italian restaurant was coming to 3418 11th St, NW next to Columbia Heights coffee. More info has been revealed from a new crowd sourcing website called Popularise:

We plan to name the restaurant after a beautiful piece of tiger maple that Eric will use to build our 20-foot-long bar. The sustainably harvested wood came from a tree that had fallen in a swamp. The growth rings and “tiger-streaks” give the wood a rich texture, and it will create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

New York’s many panini bars have perfected this concept, but D.C. is missing the yummy trend. We’d offer Italian panini, fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers, mortadella and goat cheese, but also more American, butcher-style sandwiches. Think short ribs and caramelized onion, or smoked chicken and cheddar. Our recent trip to Cochon Butcher in New Orleans convinced us we should expand the offerings beyond the traditional Italian standbys. Got a favorite combination? Tell us your idea.

Earlier this afternoon a bit more info was released via email:

Maple is the creation of architect Eric Gronning and journalist Lori Robertson. Gronning has been the architect for several successful Washington, D.C., restaurants, including Jack Rose, Marvin, Cork, Pizzeria Paradiso and the Palena expansion. He is also a licensed general contractor, specialty metal fabricator and furniture designer. He will be personally fabricating many components of Maple. Robertson, currently an editor with the website FactCheck.org, has been a journalist for 15 years, writing about politics, the media, travel and health issues.

And here’s the word on 1351 H St, NE. Vote appears split between Red Rocks and Durkl.

UIP Aquires 1346 Park Road NW (across from Columbia Heights Giant) Gut Reno Coming

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of UIP

From a press release:

Urban Investment Partners (UIP) has closed on its sixth acquisition of 2011 with the purchase of 1346 Park Road NW in Columbia Heights. An entity controlled by Someck Development and Northridge Capital sold the property to UIP for $3.7 million.

MAC Realty Advisors’ Andrew McAllister represented the seller of 1346 Park Road NW. “This transaction showcases UIP’s continued momentum in the urban space,” said McAllister, who represented this same seller in the sale of 1349 Kenyon Street, NW to UIP earlier this year.

UIP plans to invest $2.7 million on a full “gut” renovation of the historic structure, including new plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems as well as a new roof, windows, and condo-level finishes. UIP plans to add seven apartments on the cellar level for a new total of 28 units. The existing one-bedroom apartments will be remodeled to create new apartments with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The scope of work also includes opening up the balconies on the front of the building, restoring the original façade design, and eliminating previously added windows that are inconsistent with the original, historic exterior.

The seller planned but never implemented a restoration of the building, which has remained vacant for more than two years. UIP General Contracting, Inc. (UIPGC), a subsidiary of UIP, is performing the renovation work, which is expected to be completed by October of 2012. As with many UIP projects, prior residents will return to brand-new apartments at their old rents after the renovations have been completed.

Holy Cow, Jeanne d’Arc Got Her Sword Back!!!

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week a reader wrote in saying he noticed some workers were cleaning up the Jeanne d’Arc statue in Meridian Hill Park. I was eager to check it out as this is my favorite statue (in my favorite park) in the city. [Ed. Note: Check out a video of the dedication with President Harding in 1922 here.] I had always hoped the sword would be repaired one day. This summer I was blown away when I saw the very same Jeanne d’Arc statue with sword in tact in Paris. So when I stopped by the park this weekend to check out the cleaning, my jaw hit the ground. Behold:

Are you glad the sword was repaired?

After the jump a few alternative Jean D’arc shots before the sword was replaced (more…)

Update on Coffy Cafe Coming to Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear PoP,

Any new scoop on when Coffy Café in Columbia Heights is planning on opening?

I was wondering the same thing. Here’s an update the owner sent me last week:

Things are chugging along at Coffy! Right now we are painting, building out the counters, finishing the “rough-in” of plumbing and electrical and also finalizing the webpage www.coffycafe.com. We should be completing our first round of preliminary inspections next week. With any luck we will be finished with build-out in Mid-Dec and opening sometime in January.

Coffy Cafe is coming to 3310 14th St, NW across the street from the Tivoli (14th and Park Rd, NW)

Chuck Brown Concert Coming to Cardozo High School Dec. 9th

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr T in DC

From a press release:

Join us for Cardozo High School’s “Last Curtain Call,” a Concert with DC’s Chuck Brown and Cardozo‘s home grown original Marvin Gaye’s group that started on Cardozo’s stage in the 60’s, The Marquees. The concert will be in the Historical Cardozo Auditorium on December 9, 2011 from 8:00 until 11:00 p.m. to commemorate the modernization and closing of the 95 year old Historical School on the Hill until it opens again on August, 2013. Join us for our last event on the stage where Marvin Gaye started it all and Chuck Brown continues to keep it moving—a night of Rhythm and Blues and GOGO fun.

Tickets are just $25 in advance and $30 at the door and can be purchased at Cardozo High (1200 Clifton Street, NW –202-673-7385) and at the African American Civil War Museum (1925 Vermont Ave, NW – 202-667-2667).

THE EVENT SCHEDULE:

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. –Open Seating — Vendors, Food, CD’s, Meet our Guests

On the Stage Starting at 8:00 p.m.

The Cardozo High School Marching Band’s Tribute to Chuck and Marvin
Tribute to Marvin Gaye—The Original Marquees and Paul Waldron
Cardozo Thespians—If Marvin Gaye had Met Chuck Brown at

Cardozo…

Your browser may not support display of this image. Chuck Brown and the GOGO Sound

View More Stories