Columbia Heights

Dear PoPville – Laundry in Columbia Heights? + Laundromat at 11th and Rhode Island Ave, NW to Reopen in 2-3 weeks

By Prince Of Petworth


11th and Rhode Island St, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been using the Good Buy Laundromat at 11th and Lamont for a little over two years. I’ve generally had good experiences there, but since the management changed several months ago, the wash prices have nearly tripled (from as low as $0.75 to $2 or more per load). At the same time, all of the top-load machines have been unplugged and labeled “out of order” — presumably because their coin slots can only accommodate four quarters. On top of all of that, the place is only open until 7 p.m. during certain times of year.

Can anyone recommend a laundromat in the area that is either cheaper or open later? The place on Park between 13th and 14th seems to have some of the same issues. Alternatively, does anyone want to invite me over to use their washing machine?”

Back in April ’11 we learned that the one at 11th and Rhode Island Ave, NW had closed. When I walked by last weekend, it was completely gutted. Some workmen said that it should reopen as a new laundromat in the next 2-3 weeks. Though that’s obviously not particularly close to Columbia Heights and I’m not sure how much it will cost. I’d recommend looking into the Cardozo-Shaw Laundromat at 2710 11th St, NW. Does anyone know how much that one costs? Know of other low cost options?

The 5pm Post – Apartment Therapy Design Evening

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“Apartment Therapy Design Evening

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW, Top Floor

Tuesday, August 30th, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Mark your calendars for the DC Apartment Therapy End-of-Summer Social and design roundtable featuring fabulous interior designers Alex Sanchez, Eric Kole, and Zoe Feldman!

With recent tradeshows in Las Vegas, New York, and soon-to-be Paris, the end of summer often brings a glimpse into the future of design. New trends emerge and quickly make their way to design magazines, blogs, and television shows around the world. So, what are the latest decorating trends? How will we see them used? Are they even relevant to how we live? Join us for a discussion with some of DC’s brightest design stars as we tackle these questions and more!

RSVP: here.

Brief Update on New Tryst/Diner Coming to 11th and Monroe St, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Since we had a brief update on the taqueria coming to 11th and Lamont St, NW earlier in the week I’ve gotten a number of emails asking for updates on the new Tryst/Diner spot coming to 11th and Monroe St, NW. Last we heard there were fears that up to 1/4 of a thousand patrons would ruin the quality of life on 11th Street. Those fears were not shared with the ABC board – they have been awarded their liquor license and while they obviously won’t be serving 24/7 the plans are still to remain open 24/7.

They are waiting on full building permits which they expect to get any day now after which full construction will start. If they are able to start construction in September then we should see an opening in mid-January.

While permit’s were filed under the name Margot’s Chair a final name has not yet been selected.

As soon as more info becomes available I’ll be sure to share it.

The 5pm Post – Volunteer for Columbia Heights Day Festival, Saturday, Aug. 27

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

From an email:

“Hi Folks-

The 5th Annual Columbia Heights Day Festival is now less than two weeks away, and we need your help! Community volunteers at the festival are critical in order make it a success. Join us in serving your neighborhood and having fun at the same time. Sign up today and learn more at our pre-festival volunteer meeting and party at the Wonderland on August 25 at 7:00 pm.

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas on Saturday, August 27:

Set Up: Responsible for setting up tents, tables, chairs, signs prior to the event. (Recommended for those early risers.) You must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Info Booth: Responsible for checking in volunteers and providing information to attendees. You will be the welcome committee for the festival.

Water and First Aid: Responsible for providing water and first aid to the volunteers and performers.

Performance Stages: Responsible for assisting performers, sound producer and managers with equipment and coordination.

Kids’ Zone: Responsible for supervising children’s games, activities, inflatable equipment etc.

Volunteer Floater: Responsible for various tasks, as assigned.

Vendor Relations: Responsible for assisting vendors with questions and coordination of their assigned booths.

Break Down/Clean up: Responsible for leaving the festival grounds and surrounding area cleaner than when the festival began. Responsible for removing tents, tables, chairs, signs, and supplies. You must be able to lift 50 pounds.

After Party: Responsible for checking attendees into the pub crawl or overseeing the concluding raffle

If you are interested in any of these positions contact me at [email protected]. We are looking for people to cover 2-hour shifts on Saturday, August 27. We really need your help, and we would appreciate the extra hands to make this festival a success!

Thanks,
Ania”

Schedule for Columbia Heights Day after the jump. (more…)

Update (3) on New Taqueria Coming to 11th and Lamont St, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been getting tons of emails from folks asking for an update on 3313 11th St, NW. For those not familiar with the project we last had an update in May ’11. At the a reader wrote in:

“Update on the vacant yellow building on 11th & Lamont (3313 11th St, NW). Jackie Greenbaum of Jackie’s and Sidebar in Silver Spring is bringing a funky Mexican cuisine to Columbia Heights. Even though the space is only 800 Sq Ft feet, it will have 24 seats downstairs, 30 seats rooftop and 20 seats outside. The menu will be simple as the kitchen will be small. Jackie also mention that there will always be a $5 margarita and plates will range from $2 to $15. She is also interested in utilizing the public gardens behind the building for restaurant use. All permits have been acquired and the building will start in the next couple of weeks with an opening some time in July or early August.”

Well obviously they won’t be opening up this month. But I’m happy to report that they were awarded their liquor license in April. Since that time design revisions have been worked on the space. It is expected for construction to begin very shortly. If all goes well they plan on opening by the end of the year.

Dear PoP – Warning to Women of Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user a.w.miller

“Dear PoP,

Just a warning to women riding the metro and exiting at Columbia Heights. This evening at 10:30pm I was riding up the escalator and in front of me was a 5’5” Hispanic male in his 20’s with no facial hair, a backpack, and a smart phone. In front of him was a woman wearing a short blue dress. Near the top of the escalator, I heard the woman exclaim “what are you doing!?” and we all quickly realized he was taking up-skirt photos of her with his phone.

Inspired by some of the recent stories on PoP of people helping out their neighbors, I chased the man for about half a block down Irving street, screaming “Stop!” (my husband was with me.) The look on his face when he realized I was chasing him was priceless. The photo-creeper was much faster than me and I lost him in the dark, but at least I gave him a really good scare. I then told a police officer I saw standing outside the CVS. So, women exiting at Columbia Heights metro: if you’re wearing a skirt, pay very close attention to who is standing behind you.”

UPDATE from the husband of the victim:

“First off, thank you to the couple that chased after the man. She immediately called 911 to report the incident and gave a similar description: Hispanic man, probably early to mid 20s, around 5’5″, short dark hair, and white t-shirt. When she turned to ask what he was doing, his eyes were bloodshot and he sort of smirked. That was all she saw besides the couple chasing him down Irving towards 13th Street.

The police responded to our house within 10 minutes of getting off the phone with 911 and immediately put out a lookout in the area for someone matching that description. Although we know it’s unlikely anything will come of the report, we definitely appreciate the help of both our neighbors and the police.”

Police Situation Closes Streets, Forces Building Evacuation Last Night at 1515 Ogden St NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Lots of people have been inquiring what happened last night. A reader sends in the video above and writes:

“By the time it was 3:30am, several hours had already passed with the residents of 1515 ogden st nw displaced from their apartment building. not sure exactly what happened, as police were less than communicative. i saw about 100 people outside, sitting, standing, laying down, trying to put their children to sleep.

According to Sargent Boteler, there was a person in the building with guns, and the cops needed just 15 more minutes, and then the residents could go back in (after the cops got both the person and the guns out of the building).

I took these videos around 3:30. by the time i left, 30 minutes after Srgnt Boteler said “15 more minutes”, the people were still outside. i was one of the lucky ones, since i could access my home.”


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