Columbia Heights

Shooting this morning at Columbia-Heights Metro

By Prince Of Petworth


View Larger Map

From the Washington Post:

“Shots have been fired near the intersection of 14th and Irving streets NW in Columbia Heights, disrupting rush hour along 14th Street and near the Columbia Heights metro station.

It is unclear whether anyone was hit or who fired the shots.”

Readers sent in word around 9am this morning. I’ll update when word is released from MPD. Anyone nearby when this happened?

UPDATE: A reader sends word on twitter:

“I was there right after. 5+ cop cars, bike cops & they had a kid (16 y.o.?) in custody & frisking. Air smelled of gunpowder.”

UPDATE from Council Member Graham:

“I want to provide information that I have received from MPD regarding the incident that occurred on the 3000 block of 14th St around 8:45 a.m. this morning.

MPD is in the very early stages of the investigation. But here is what I have been told.

A robbery occurred on the 2900 block of 13th St. NW. Moments later, Special Police Officers at Columbia Heights Village received information on the suspect. The suspect was seen on Columbia Heights Village property and pursuit of the suspect began. During the pursuit, shots were fired by Special Police on the 3000 block of 14th St.

Fortunately, there are no injuries. Both the robbery and the shots fired are under MPD investigation. And I am very concerned about shots being fired under any circumstance, but especially in a crowded area such as this.

If you have additional information please contact MPD or myself.”

UPDATE from MPD:

“This morning, a 17 year-old juvenile male attempted to rob a citizen at gunpoint in the 1300 block of Harvard Street, NW. The suspect tried to snatch the complainant’s purse but failed. He then fled the scene on foot. A witness that had observed the attack followed the suspect to the 1400 block of Columbia Road. The witness observed 2 Special Police Officers walking in the block and alerted them to the armed robbery suspect. The SPOs approached the suspect and ordered him to the ground. Instead, the suspect reached for his waistband. One of the SPOs drew his weapon and fired at the suspect. The shot did not take effect. The suspect continued to flee but was apprehended a short distance away at 14th & Irving Streets by the SPOs and an off-duty MPD officer.

Due to the seriousness of the offences, the suspect is being charged as an adult.”

Dear PoP – What’s Going on at 1430 Belmont St NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Any idea what is going on at 1430 Belmont ST NW near Meridian Hill Park? It looks pretty empty and there was a ton of garbage piled out front. It is a pretty building that has probably seen better days.”

Lots of folks asking what’s going on here. I’ve emailed CM Jim Graham’s office but haven’t heard back yet. Anyone know the scoop?

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located on the 700 Block of Fairmont Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“Industrial Hideway 1br Garden Apartment
700 Block of Fairmont Street, NW, Washington DC
1br/1ba Apartment with Back Porch and Garden
$1350 Per Month (Utilities Included: Electric – Gas – Wireless – No Bills)
May 1st Move-in. First Month Rent + Deposit.
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1 (Standup Shower)
Sq Footage 600+ (interior)
Pet Policy Nice Dog = Nice Home (Cats Too)

Location

700 Block of Fairmont. Columbia Heights Near Howard University. Five/Six Blocks to U Street. Six Blocks to Columbia Heights Center. Attention Gay Men: Town and Nellies is Five Blocks or A $5 Cab Ride. Fairmont Street is really quite attractive and the interior yards of Howard’s Campus are a delightful walk, as is a lap or two in the Banneker Pool. The street is great, the area on the rise. Access to the aparment from front or rear. There are steps to both entrances, but the view is awesome, as is the breeze as we are way above the swap.

Description

Spacious one bedroom apartment featuring new modern amenties (such as Central Air and Heat), but within a charming 1920s rowhouse. English basement entrance in front with a fully exposed 1st Floor Appearance in back. Both elevations open onto garden with the back being an ample amount of outdoor space for a small dog or rabbit. The yard is fenced. A sizeable porch extends from the rear and upper porches of house-porches can also be used within reason. The rear garage also features a pergola on the roof beyond the rear gate looking on to the funky uban view with DC in the back ground. An old horse trough gone fountain will be tinkling in the back ground.

The interior features include exposed brick, plaster-like walls (painted), with glazed concrete floors and black and white poreclain tile in the bathroom. We have been very green in the reuse and retrofiting of interesting old wood doors, sinks, and raw materials within the building. The layout includes a large open room for living and dining with a small vintage bathroom (newly installed/standup shower), a galley kitchen with new stainless-eque appliances/ white cabinets, and a separate bedroom accessed through double pocket doors (includes closet). All of the exterior apatures are glazed as to maximize lighting possibilities. Galley kitchen features new appliances W/D, oven/stovetop range, overhead microwave and ventilator, standard size fridge and obviously a sink with hose/spray nozzle and garbage disposal. Current tenant and upstairs roomate use some of the exterior rear yard for planting veggies, etc. The new occupant is more than welcome to partake in pleasure gardening. A pet or two is welcome, but we don’t want a Great Dane convention.

Features

-Living Room -Yard (front and back)
-Central Air Conditioning -W/D, Stove/Oven, Microwave -Porches to a futile point
-Central Heat -Running Water (LOL), Plumbing -Pergola
-Glazed Concrete -Exposed Brick -Garage for Extra Storage
-Pocket Doors -Industrial Vibe

One year lease. Security Deposit with Pet Fee Included. Fairmont Street is really nice, lots of young professionals and the general area is up and coming. Landlord is an urban minded preservationist with a sense of humor—www.curatorofshit.com. Equal Opportunity Employer, but Not The Public Housing Authority. Hard attitudes based on ugly buildings is welcome, but NOT in regards to RACE, RELIGION, SEX OR SEXUAL Prefernces. Street Parking is pretty easy even within the block. Alley parking may be available, but not within this row. Email for appointment.”

Now that’s an ad! Hahaha. Wow. $1350 sound reasonable for this 1 bedroom?

2922 Sherman Ave, NW Getting Renovated

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all the readers who sent in photos. Anyone know if 2922 Sherman Ave, NW is gonna be rentals or condos?

And nearby it looks like there is major work going on at the old Coco Libre space at the corner of Sherman and Harvard St, NW. We noticed some movement back in Dec. ’10 but has anyone heard if a new tenant is moving in?


View Larger Map

Zeba Bar and Grill Opening Soon at 3423 14th Street, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Almost a year ago we learned that Zeba Bar and Grill would be coming to 3423 14th St, NW in the lower level beneath Quiet Mind Yoga and It’s Vintage Darling. Recently I’ve been getting a lot of emails inquiring what was happening with the space. I’m happy to say I was able to chat with the owner briefly on Sun. afternoon and he believes the restaurant/bar should be open in about a month.

Final permits and inspections have been scheduled. The space was described to me as a bar with really good food rather than a restaurant that serves drinks. They will serve pizza, burgers, shish kabobs and other bar fare. I peeked my head inside and it looks 99.9% completed. I’ll be updating with more photos and info when the bar is closer to opening.

The 5pm Post – The Great American Square Dance Revival: II

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

We’ve got another DC Square Dance coming up on Saturday, April 2nd! Haters think it’s only for hicks or hipsters, but they’ve wrong ~ square dancing is a traditional music and dance form that has an important local history, done by blacks and whites alike (Howard University hosted square dances, known as ‘frolics’).

Our first event had over 220 people in attendance and the masses are clamoring for another great dance. This time we have the fantastic Jesse Milnes playing fiddle – Jesse grew up playing music in West Virginia, and currently plays with the Sweetback Sisters. He’ll be joined by local favorites Scott Prouty and Paul Brown (yes, the NPR reporter), with David Giusti and friends calling. Still a mere $5 cover, in the Saint Stephen’s auditorium (details below).

Here are all the details:

The DC Square Dance Collective presents another traditional Appalachian square dance!
Saturday April 2nd, 8:30 – 11:30 pm
Live music by the Possum Fever — Jesse Milnes on fiddle, Paul Brown on banjo, Scott Prouty on guitar, and possibly a mystery bass player!
Calling by David Giusti and friends
All ages welcome, no experience or partner needed
$5 cover
Sanctuary of Saint Stephen’s Church, 1525 Newton St. NW, Washington DC (Newton and 16th, short walk from Columbia Heights metro)
Website: www.dcsquaredance.com
Co-sponsored by Folklore Society of Greater Washington
Assisted by a grant from the Country Dance and Song Society

(Was it a) Good Deal or Not? “Smash top-to-bottom renovation” edition (originally owner request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 3649 11th St, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Smash top-to-bottom renovation of classic 1909 semi-detached TH on gorgeous corner lot with 3-car parking. Bay-front LR open to huge DR, large granite/SS kitchen, main level family room/bedroom with en suite bath, sunny deck, stunning master suite, 3 full BR suites plus separate 2BR 2BA basement rental with C of O! Walk to 2 Metros, shops, etc.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I swear I’m not gonna make every Friday a “Was it a” GDoN post. This one was requested by the owners but already went under contract before I got to post it. They got multiple offers and it went under contract in only 2 days! Wild.

Anyway, what do you think of the renovation? Are you surprised it went under contract this fast? The asking price for this 5 bed/5 bath was $729,000.

Dear PoPville – Should the Columbia Heights Fountain be Protected?

By Prince Of Petworth


fountain in Silver Spring

“Dear PoP,

Though I had issues with the Columbia Heights fountain in the beginning (because A. it’s a barren lot all winter long and B. I feel like a DC artist should have designed it), it’s nice to see people enjoying a frozen yogurt on the wall while children play in the water on a nice sunny day (just hope the water is sufficiently chlorinated). Now I don’t want to sound like a grumpy old man but my concern is with the team of teenagers that are forever skateboarding on it. Those are, in fact, porcelain tiles, and underneath those grates are the fountain heads. Once the tiles or fountain heads break and once the stone walls are chipped I can’t imagine the city replacing them any time soon. Here is a photo of the very similar fountain in Silver Spring- only difference it has this small chain fence going around it. Granted a skateboarder could easily move something like that, but combined with those metal bumpers on the steps maybe it could deter them? At least while the fountain is off.”

Do you guys think when the fountain is turned off that it needs to be protected like the one above?

Dear PoPville – Keys found on 42 bus heading north and Keep Your Eyes Peeled for a Black Purse in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Just found these keys on the floor of a 42 bus heading to Mt Pleasant. We are going to turn in to metro lost and found. Can you post the pic so the owner might be able to find their keys? Thanks!”


View Larger Map

“Dear PoP,

My purse was stolen last night while walking home at around 8pm on Park Rd between 13th and 11th, NW. Fortunately most of my valuables fell out after I and some wonderful neighbors chased the man around the block (not the smartest decision, I know, but many thanks to the kind strangers). Take this as yet another reminder to pay attention while walking. If people could keep an eye out for a black purse somewhere in the area, I have been working for several months on a blue and white baby blanket that should be in the purse. It is likely useless to the thief but the blanket is priceless to me and my friend’s newborn.”

Please email me [princeofpetworth(at)gmail] if you find the purse/blanket and I’ll put you in touch with the reader.

View More Stories