Columbia Heights

Council Member Graham: Why is this Building Getting Torn Down?

By Prince Of Petworth

CM Graham writes in a message titled, Why is DC-HA Tearing down:

Old if not historic apartment building at 11th and Harvard? I know there is a good purpose coming—thye did tell me about that– and of course I know that the DC Housing Authority is highly independent of the DC government (a huge part of the problem)…

But why couldn’t the existing building have been used and preserved? Every time we tear up our historic fabric we must know that it cannot be reclaimed. I bet that building has been standing on that corner for 90 years.

Did DCHA consult with anyone on the demolition? Not me, I can tell you.

I am now asking DCHA Director Todman for an accounting of this. And, also, DCRA Director Majett whether all the demolition permits were in place.

We will be back to you.

We last spoke about this troubled building on June 1st. You can see what the building pre-demo looked like, here.

Columbia Heights – 2004 and 2011

By Prince Of Petworth


2004

“Dear PoP,

I thought your readers might be interested in a picture I took in November 2004 showing the area around 14th, Park and Kenyon in Columbia Heights. It was taken from upper deck of the Giant parking garage, under construction at the time. I’ve also included an image of the area as it looks today, from roughly the same vantage point.”

Meridian Yoga Opens up at 2401 15th St, NW Across from Meridian Hill Park

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

Meridian Yoga Studio announces its grand opening on June 12, 2011. Located at 2401 15th ST. NW, Washington, D.C., the newly renovated main studio of 800 square feed holds 40 participants and will feature vinyasa flow, hatha yoga, power yoga, ashtanga, restorative, pre-natal, pranayama and meditation classes, suiting all levels and interests. The entire facility is 17,000 square feet, housing showers, a gift shop and additional studio rooms to accommodate many more yoga programs for the community.

Owned and operated by the Art of Living Foundation, Meridian Yoga Studio, will feature some of D.C.’s best yoga instructors and continue its tradition of offering techniques to the community for reducing stress and increasing one’s health and happiness.

11th and Monroe St, NW Park Construction to Begin This Month?

By Prince Of Petworth

From ANC1A05:

“The park renovations will start this month. Permits have been pulled, and the Department of Parks and Recreation will hold its first of several meetings for the community on 16 June 2011, 6:30pm, at the Community Center located at 15th and Girard Streets, NW. Please come if you can. If any of you has seen the Upshur Street Park, it is beautiful, well-designed and executed, and the architect of that park is the same one for 11th & Monroe.”

The park at 11th and Monroe St, NW has long been referred to as the “drunk park” – hopefully a nice renovation will earn it a new nickname?

Do you think a proper renovation will change the reputation and attract children and families to the park?

“Beautiful vintage furniture from Housewerks Baltimore and Pine Mine” at the Dunes in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

You posted about the Dunes art space a couple of weeks ago. Just wanted to let you know about an awesome event that is going on Saturday and Sunday at The Dunes. Beautiful vintage furniture from Housewerks Baltimore and Pine Mine will be available for purchase. This event coincides with my fashion photography exhibit at The Dunes that is inspired by 1940’s vintage clothing and style. Come by if you are free! This is going to be a unique home furnishing shopping experience.”

Gotta go to Mo’s!

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

This is a pic of the line outside of the Modell’s store at DCUSA in Columbia Heights. 7:15 AM.

Gotta go to Mo’s! I guess. There was a guy in a wheelchair and a couple of lawn chairs in line, so who knows how long they were waiting.

The “grand opening” was today, at 8 I believe. I’m sure they have some grand opening sales going on, never bothered to look. I mean, I’m all for sporting good stores, but I wouldn’t wait in line, especially in this weather.”

Update on New Bar/Restaurant Moving into old CommonWealth Space in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was walking by the old Commonwealth space this weekend and noticed that all the Commonwealth insignia have been removed from the front fence and facade. Any word on when the new space will be open or a name?”

Back in Feb. ’11 we learned that CommonWealth was closing at 1400 Irving St NW near the Columbia Heights metro. Recently I’ve been getting many inquiries for an update like the query above. So here’s what I’ve learned.

The new name will be selected very soon and with one of the final options there could be a connection with the new name and the history of Columbia Heights. It is very likely that the new place will be open pretty soon around July 1st. I was able to take a quick tour and while you’ll recognize the CommonWealth space there has already been massive changes. The space has been completely opened up. The new bar/restaurant kinda reminded me of a smaller scale, more modern American Ice Company with the addition of some live music similar to like they have at Hill Country (in the basement a sorta country/southern/blue grass vibe.) Another similarity to Hill Country will be some bbq options on the menu though the complete menu will also offer some other southern specialties.

Sound like a good fit for Columbia Heights?

I’ll be sure to update as we get closer to July 1st.

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1321 Kenyon St, NW:


View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“Efficiency $963.00
Reduced Security Deposit
Heat & Hot Water Included/W/Rent
Laundry & Manager On-Site
Close to Shops & Restaurants”

I know I normally don’t post rentals that don’t have photos of the inside but I’m curious if any readers live in the building as the location is pretty great. $963 sound right?

Judging Restaurants – The Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Continuing with this week’s I can’t believe we haven’t judged them yet is The Heights located at 3115 14th St. NW in Columbia Heights. We once spoke about their famous bloody marys but I’m also curious what folks think specifically about the food including brunch options. You can see their menus here.

Dear PoP – Columbia Heights Assault and Home Invasion

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user julianne’s

“Dear PoP,

On Friday night at about 1 AM, our roommate returned to our Columbia Heights group house to find a stranger hanging out in the entrance to the basement apartment. After asking him to leave, our roommate was assaulted by the stranger and two other men who had been hiding behind him. They choked our roommate until he was unconscious, stole his keys, wallet, iPhone, and work Blackberry, opened the front door of our house, went into the first floor bedroom, stole a laptop, and left through the back door before anyone could report them to the cops. Fortunately our roommate recovered quickly and was not seriously injured, and no one was on the ground floor when the house was invaded. The incident is being investigated.

A few lessons learned:
-invest in security systems, like motion-activated floodlights and alarms
-don’t leave valuables in view, as home invaders are likely to grab the first thing they see
-always back up files and password protect your hard drive
-make sure you know the serial numbers of your electronic devices as well as any other information you can use to track them, and report them as stolen immediately
-change all your passwords right away if something like this happens
-our friends were asleep in the downstairs apartment, unaware there were strange men right outside their door; always lock the outside gate if you have one

PoP readers take note: just because a neighborhood is “gentrifying” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Be careful!”

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