Columbia Heights - PoPville

Dear PoP – Why are these Restrooms Locked?

Published March 25, 2011 at 2:30PM

“Dear PoP,

Took advantage of the lingering daylight and went for a walk in Malcolm X Park. Despite seeing human feces in a stairwell (I’ll spare you and the readers a picture) and having to leave a bench shortly after sitting because the area reeked of urine, the park’s restrooms are padlocked during open hours. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen them open (I could be wrong there). Is there a reason for this? They’re brand new–just constructed last year. It doesn’t seem to make sense that they’re locked up.”

Hmm, when I walked through the park last weekend the doors were open. Maybe they just close at dusk? Anyone know what time they close? The NPS Website says the park is open during daylight hours. I’m guessing the bathrooms must’ve just closed for the night when you stopped by.

GDoN Revisited by Hipchickindc – 1103 Harvard St NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 25, 2011 at 11:30AM | Updated December 2, 2011 at 5:07PM

Voted one of the best real estate agents in DC by the Washington City Paper Readers’ Choice Poll in 2009, hipchickindc aka the not-so-hip Suzanne Des Marais is the Principal Broker (DC) for Urban Pace, LLC. She lives (and sells a lot of houses) in Bloomingdale, but works all over DC, with everyone from first time buyers to highly regarded developers. 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: 1103 Harvard St NW
Legal Subdivision: Columbia Heights
Advertised Subdivision per Listing: Columbia Heights
Original List Price: $499,900.
List Price at Contract: $399,900.
Settled Price per Square Foot: $224.00
List Date: 11/16/2010
Days on Market: 70
Settled Sales Price: $320,000.
Settlement Date: 03/01/2011
Seller Subsidy: $0.
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? No
Type Of Financing: Conventional

Original Good Deal or Not post is: hereThe listing can be seen: here. To see pics, open the listing link, click on the main pic and scroll through.

We looked at a unit from this condo association about a year and a half ago. The Good Deal or Not Revisited (GDoN-R) can be seen here. This unit sold for $40,000. below that sale. The prices in this association appear to have come down in relation to several foreclosures in the past year. In any case, $224.00 per square foot for a renovated condo in this location, despite the siding, is a deal for someone who wants the amount of space. Typical price per square feet for updated condos in this area is more likely in the low $400’s/square foot.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoP – Peeping Tom/Sketchy Guy in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 25, 2011 at 11:00AM

Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

“Dear PoP,

I’m not sure who else to report this to (other than the cops) so I thought I should tell you so that the wider neighborhood would know. I live on the 3600 block of 11th St NW and tonight we had a second incidence of someone peeping in our window. We are in the basement unit of a row house, and thus the windows are pretty small. I don’t know for a fact that it is the same person who has done this first two weeks ago and then again tonight. The first time they attempted to get in through our gate, and then creeped through our yard and peeped in the window. This time, I only saw their face in the window, though not well enough to give a description because it was dark and I called the police.

The cops have been helpful and responsive each time, but it’s unnerving to have someone looking into your bedroom window after midnight, and also unsure if they have other motives.

MPD said they thought it might be someone drunk not going into the right house… but I’m not so sure about that.

They said I could cover up my windows more completely, but that would mean no natural light. He said many people use cardboard, just at night. We already have bars on our windows, so I don’t think there’s much of a chance he could get in through them, but it’s still creepy.

I wanted to report it so that if it has happened to anyone else we can know it’s a trend and also to keep people aware/solicit advice about security for basement apartments.”

Earlier in the week we discussed some security options here. And remember when the weather warms up please don’t forget to lock your lower level windows especially when you leave the house.

Unfortunately there have been some more disturbing reports, another reader writes:

“I was just wondering if anyone else has emailed you about a legitimately crazy guy that roams around Fairmont Street in between 11th and 13th? He’s a short (about 5’6-5’8), black male who is in his early to mid 30s. I’ve talked to some neighbors about him and they say he’s relatively innocuous, but I have my doubts. I’ve encountered him a few times and he just gives me the creeps. He tried to follow me home once and yelled things from his bike that are sexual, but at the same time don’t make a whole lot of sense (hence, the crazy hypothesis). There was also a time when he tried to follow me again and I just ran into my house as he watched me from not that far away. I get that he’s probably just crazy because he hasn’t caused me any physical harm (yet). At the same time, he could be capable of more and as a young woman, it’s hard not to feel vulnerable. Just thought that this may be worth posting to the blog as a kind of head’s up, etc.”

3605 14th St, NW Building Sells – New Owners Hope to Open a Fusion Restaurant

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 24, 2011 at 4:30PM | Updated December 2, 2011 at 5:07PM

More exciting news from upper 14th St, NW in Columbia Heights. I’m happy to share more good news that the building at 3605 14th St, NW has recently sold. I spoke with one of the new owners (who also lives in the neighborhood of Columbia Heights) and he hopes to open a restaurant/lounge in the space though plans are obviously in only the very early stages. Architects are currently being consulted. But if all goes well – the owners hope to open up a Fusion restaurant with “cross cultural cuisine” featuring a mix of Asian/Indian/Latin ingredients. Because a big renovation is required we are probably talking about an 18 month process. I’ll be sure to update when plans progress.

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The Scoop on New Restaurant/Bar Moving into Former Social Space in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 24, 2011 at 10:30AM | Updated December 2, 2011 at 5:07PM

A couple of days ago I shared some scuttlebutt that a new restaurant would be moving into the old Social space at 14th and Meridian Pl, NW. At the time I had very little info other than a “full service restaurant” would be coming. There has been a lot of speculation about Social since they abruptly closed back in Nov. ’10. While I think there will always be some mystery as to what happened – I’m happy to say that I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the new owners and we discussed his new plans for the space. I think this is gonna be a very very big win for the neighborhood.

The space is going to completely transformed. On the first floor is going to be a true neighborhood bar with a 70s Paul Newman/Steve McQueen movie theme with a particular emphasis on racing. Think Bullitt. For someone who’s favorite movie is Cool Hand Luke – I found this to be very welcome news.

From famous chase seen in Bullitt

In addition to the cool theme the first floor bar will lose the lounge feel and set up and look like a proper bar. There will be tvs for sports and very good happy hour deals. I’m told the happy hours will be huge and last from 3pm – 9pm with a variety of other specials everyday.

The second floor will be the dining space. It was described to me as an upscale diner. I was told, “think comfort food done very very well”. The chef has already signed on and comes from an established restaurant.

And more good news for those that live in the neighborhood – if you are a big fan of diner food you will be able to get it to go and if you live in Columbia Heights – they will deliver. [I’ll be sharing the menu in the coming weeks when it is finalized.]

I was told the new restaurant and bar will have three main focal points – happy hour, brunch, and an awesome outdoor space. The outdoor space will be completely re-landscaped both at street level and up top. There will be an outdoor bar added to the second floor patio area. In addition to other happy hour deals don’t be surprised to see a daiquiri happy hour for the 2nd floor patio. Additionally, I’m told a cool mural will be on its way as well.

The owner that I spoke with lives in the neighborhood – is excited to make this a welcoming place for all. The space is going to be reconfigured with new landscaping, new paint, new furniture, a new decor/theme, a new menu, new specials and hopes to open around May 1st.

I’ll be updating with more info as we get closer to that point.

Sound good?

Dear PoP – Press Conference Today About Alleged Chipotle Mistreatment in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 23, 2011 at 11:00AM | Updated December 2, 2011 at 5:07PM

Lots of readers have been writing in about the following press conference:

WASHINGTON– On Wednesday, March 23, fired workers will present management at the Columbia Heights Chipotle with a letter demanding that they treat their workers like they treat their product: with integrity. The workers, who were suddenly terminated from the Columbia Heights Chipotle, are demanding the payment they should have received had they been allowed time to attempt to resolve the paperwork issues cited by management as the cause for their termination.

Workers, advocates, and DC council members will participate in a press conference in front of the Chipotle restaurant in Columbia Heights. Councilmembers will also announce their intent to introduce legislation that protects the fundamental rights of all Washington’s workers.

WHAT:

Press conference to denounce Chipotle’s mistreatment of workers.
· Jim Graham, DC Council Member
· Michael Brown, DC Council Member
· Workers fired from Columbia Heights Chipotle
· Emily Tulli, employment policy attorney, National Immigration Law Center
· Community Leaders, advocates, and union representatives will be available to conduct interviews.

WHEN:

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
12 – 1 p.m. EST

WHERE:

Columbia Heights Chipotle
3113 14th Street NW
Washington, DC
Columbia Heights Metro (Green and Yellow lines)

BACKGROUND:

At the D.C. Columbia Heights Chipotle, a dozen workers were fired in one day — March 9th, 2011. They were taken into the back room during a 30 minute break and replaced with new employees before they could return to work their next shift. Many long-time workers — some who had worked at Chipotle for six years — were literally tossed out in the cold. They received no warning and no respect.

While it works to be an ethical company, Chipotle is setting a dangerously low standard for how it treats long-time employees. The workers were fired ostensibly due to errors found in their employment paperwork. These workers, many of whom had been loyal employees at DC-area Chipotle restaurants for years, were not given the opportunity to correct their paperwork, nor were they provided with notice that their termination was imminent. Mass firings have also taken place at the Woodley Park and Chinatown Chipotle restaurants, and firings at other area Chipotle restaurants are feared.

Revisiting the Pocket Park at 14th and Oak St, NW/What the Helen of Troy is This?

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 22, 2011 at 11:30AM

When we looked at the park early last week the fences were still up. I finally got a chance to see it without the fences and I now see what everyone was talking about. This does feel like an awful lot of concrete. But if the city/neighborhood can set up a mini crafts fair and/or music I still think it can be a useful space.

But I do have a question – what the helen of troy are these?

Scuttlebutt: Social to be Replaced by a New Restaurant in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 22, 2011 at 10:30AM | Updated December 2, 2011 at 5:07PM

“Dear PoP,

I noticed activity at Social in Columbia Heights this evening…any idea what is going on there?”

I got a lot of email along these lines last night. I received some scuttlebutt (from a very reliable source) but have little details. All I was told was that a new “full service restaurant” will be opening up in the space. I’m told that it will likely open in late April or early May. I’ll be sure to update when more details become available.

We last spoke about Social in Feb. ’11 located at 14th and Meridian Pl., NW in Columbia Heights.

Anyone else hear any details and/or scuttlebutt about the new restaurant?

DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) Coming to DCUSA in Columbia Heights?

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 20, 2011 at 10:22PM | Updated March 20, 2011 at 11:41PM

Props to the eagle eyes of The Heights Life for noticing that it looks like DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) is hiring for a new store coming to DCUSA in Columbia Heights, She writes:

Two job listings on CareerBuilding and Monster seems to confirm it. According to search results, DSW posted a notice for a store manager at new location at 3100 14th St. NW (ie. DCUSA) about three weeks ago.

From the DSW Website:

DSW is the shoe shopping destination for style-conscious women and men who appreciate value. With thousands of shoes, great prices, and an ever-changing inventory, the brand captures the imagination of shoe lovers nationwide. Encouraged by the award winning loyalty program DSW Rewards, these passionate shoppers return time and again to a treasure-filled environment they call “addictive.”

Any guesses on where the shoe store would go in DCUSA? Perhaps in the huge Ellwood Thompson’s space on Irving St, NW? Or that vacant space next to Senor Chicken on Park Rd, NW?

Any fans of the store? Think they are a good fit for the DCUSA Mall?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC