Hipchickindc is a licensed real estate broker and a professional artist. Her official real estate bio is here and her art website is here. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 3624 New Hampshire Ave NW

Legal Subdivision: Columbia Heights
Advertised Subdivision per Listing: Columbia Heights

Original List Price: $515,000.
List Price at Contract: $515,000.
List Date: 07/09/2011
Days on Market: 13

Settled Sales Price: $505,000.

Settlement Date: 08/19/2011
Seller Subsidy: $7,000.
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? No
Type Of Financing: Conventional

Original Good Deal or Not post is: here

The 2008 GDoN Edition for this home can be seen
: here.

The listing can be seen: here. Pics can be seen by clicking through the arrows on the main pic after opening the listing link.

I believe this may be our first example of a home that has withstood not one, but two go arounds as a Good Deal or Not (GDoN) subject*. PoP noted that the listing description on the 2008 listing was nearly identical to the 2011 listing, which makes some sense, since it was the same agent. Same agent, however, it’s important to note that 2011 is a much different real estate climate than 2008. Subsequently, what looks like pretty much the same listing in 2008 was withdrawn after 35 days on the market and a price reduction to $504,000. In 2011, it’s not a surprise that a house this close to Metro, busy street or not, was under contract in less than two weeks.

Not even taking into consideration the decrease in active listing inventory in downtown DC since 2008, the immediate area has seen a significant increase in commercial development between 2008 and 2011. There are few pockets of DC left that are relatively close in to downtown and on top of Metro. The Georgia Avenue corridor has recently seen quite a bit of property purchased by developers, with numerous moderately priced condo projects planned or in process.

Continues after the jump. (more…)


Urban Turf speculates:

“3047 15th Street NW is particularly intriguing because it is zoned as R-5-B. Such zoning means the building could be used for residential purposes and that a developer could convert the building into a condo project.”

It’s yours for $8,950,000.

We judged the building back in Oct. ’08.

I’m also quite curious what will happen to the school? Will they combine with the uppers school campus? Whenever we’ve spoken about the school in the past – parents have been very happy with them. You can learn more about Capital City Public Charter School here.

Anyone have the inside scoop on why they are selling?

Ed. Note: This sale follows the July news of Maya Angelou Public Charter School sale at 9th and T St, NW for $9,500,000.


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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?


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.


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.



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…)


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.


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