Columbia Heights

BETA Martial Arts Academy Hopes to Rent Huge Retail Space in View 14 at 14th and Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the word. Back in Sept. ’09 we discussed some rumors that a more traditional gym was thinking about going into the View 14 retail space. However, even at that time the rumor was that the deal had fallen through. Now it looks like the BETA Academy is hoping to move into the space. The owner just released the following you tube video and hopes to raise the remaining funds necessary to make the move happen. BETA currently resides in the basement level of the Calvary Methodist Church at 14th and Columbia Rd, NW. You can see the excitement they feel about this potential move:

While the video is a bit long, there is also mention of a “high-end restaurant” that was going to go into part of the non-housing space. I’ll def. be keeping my eyes on progress on both fronts here. Stay tuned!

Comedy Night Fundraiser in Columbia Heights Feb. 23rd at the Tivoli

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

As you may know the Latin American Youth Center has been serving Colombia Heights at-risk youth for many years. This month LAYC is hosting a Comedy Night at the Tivoli’s Gala Theatre. The show will take place at GALA Theatre on Wednesday, February 23rd at 6pm. The comedians are all top shelf and have volunteered their time for our show. This event will be a great way to bring the community together for a hilarious night in support of a nonprofit that has helped the youth in Colombia Heights for so many years. The proceeds will help support LAYC youth programs. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased online here.

For more information please contact the Event Coordinator
Tatiana Miró Email: [email protected]

¡Muchísimas gracias Principe!”

Mikvah of the Millenium

By Prince Of Petworth

Continuing finding my roots day here at PoP, I’ve been dying do know why there were Jewish stars in the handrail of this building at 3601 14th St, NW in north Columbia Heights.

The Columbia Heights Heritage Trail solves another mystery for me:

For those not familiar with a Mikvah you can learn a bit more about it here.

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option – Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1445 Ogden Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Tivoli Gardens Apartments- Sorry NO PETS!

Professionally managed by Borger Management featuring – loads of natural sunlight, landscaping beautifully manicured, crispy hardwood flooring, on site laundry facility, walking distance to Columbia Heights metro, a few blocks from major grocery stores, Target, Marshalls, Best Buy, Chipotle, Panda Express, Starbucks, Adams Morgan, Downtown DC and Wisconsin Ave. (who needs a car with a location like this?)
We are located inside the heartbeat of the City!

Extremely low move-in fee $350 (no security deposit) application $45

41k income requirement!

Walk into this newly to completely renovation home and you will never want to leave. Some units have brand new hardwood flooring while others have perfectly refinished hardwoods. The kitchen has been completely re-done with granite counter tops, tile flooring, built in microwaves and a breakfast bar. If closet space is what you need…this home is for you. Rather it’s a studio, one bedroom or two bedrooms…we have you covered with plenty of closet space.

We offer all utilities paid except electric, free window treatments, A/C, cable ready, ceiling fans, on duty security, 24 hour emergency maintenance, on site management office, front desk service from 8am – 7pm Monday – Friday, and so much more.”

I’m assuming the $985 is for a studio – if so, sound reasonable?

El Rinconcito Launches Brunch + New Menu in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

My Mom Owns El Rinconcito Deportivo on 11th. St. NW. This Letter is in appreciation to you and the Columbia Heights Community. For Showing much support to the Restaurant. As you may Know we are a family runned Restaurant, that was first Established in 1997. Thanks to the support of our Patrons and Community, we have been able to maintain our Restaurant. We have recently begun new remodeling and changes in our Menu. We have maintained our old Menu, but enhanced it with New Savory Entrees. that would sure be pleasing to our growing clientele. My mother has partnered up with an old friend of the family, who has an extended background in the Culinary and Hospitality Industry. He Recently ended his contract with Clyde’s restaurant to partner with us. His main focus for their company was to Innovate Specials, Production, and held the title of Exec. Sous Chef. What more of a great opportunity to produce and maintain a better standard quality of food and service for the community.”

Great news. Back in Jan. ’09 we judged El Rinconcito Deportivo, located at 3226 11th St, NW (between Kenyon and Lamont near Wonderland, Bloombars, Room 11) to great fanfare.

I also noticed the new menu and stopped by to take a few photos.

Always great to hear of new brunch options!They also spruced up the inside and painted the space yellow. More photos including the new menu after the jump. (more…)

ARRA Greening Initiative Comes to Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Just walked by this long vacant place on Irving between 13th and 14th and noticed they’re spending some stimulus money on it. I’ve long wondered what the city had planned for it, but this doesn’t offer much insight.”

I also was pretty excited to see this sign at 1334 Irving St, NW. Anyone see these signs in front of any other dilapidated houses around town? Anyone know more about the plans for 1334 Irving?

Fri. Afternoon Rental Option – Row House in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 13th St. NW at Spring St. NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Renovated 3 BR, 1.5 BA rowhouse for rent in Columbia Heights. Hardwood floors throughout, exposed brick, back deck, all new stainless appliances, large capacity W/D.

The house is a short walk to Target shopping center, Giant, restaurants and just a few blocks from 11th St. restaurants/bars, coffee shop. Two blocks from downtown bus lines on both 14th and 11th.

Rent is $3050/month plus utilities. House will be available March 1. One-year lease required.

All three bedrooms offer ample space: Large master bedroom is 18′ x 15’8″. Second bedroom is 11’9″ x 10’7″. Unique third bedroom includes two rooms, an 8’9″ x 10’7″ room leading to a 7’2″ x 11 room. New window A/C units are provided throughout the house. There is a small, fenced-in backyard. Street parking is plentiful.

Dogs and cats welcome. No additional fee for pets.”

Does $3050 sound reasonable for this 3 bedroom row house?

Urban Investment Partners (UIP) Buys 1349 Kenyon St, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Wow UIP is on a roll. Right before the new year they announced that the apartments at 811 Quincy St, NW were purchased for $8.2 Million with a $4 million renovation set to begin. On Wed. afternoon I received the following press release about 1349 Kenyon St, NW:

Urban Investment Partners (UIP) of Washington, D.C., in partnership with Infinity Real Estate (IRE) of New York, NY has acquired the a 40-unit apartment building at 1349 Kenyon Street, N.W. in Washington, a half block from the Columbia Heights Metro station, for $4.5 million.

Under the District’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), the 1349 Kenyon Tenants’ Association and UIP reached an agreement that will preserve, improve, and protect the property as part of the District’s dwindling rental housing stock.

UIP will begin a $2 million renovation that will add five to seven apartments to the building’s terrace level. UIP will preserve the building’s 1925 facade while renovating, upgrading, repairing and restoring the building’s common areas, building systems, and individual apartments. UIP General Contracting, Inc., a subsidiary of UIP, will begin the work in the first quarter of 2011 and complete it by the end of the third quarter of the year.

Sticky Fingers to Appear on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars

By Prince Of Petworth

Sticky Fingers is located at 1370 Park Rd NW in Columbia Heights. Whenever I post about them it always evokes heated comments. I know people have burned out a bit on cupcake news but I think this is pretty cool. From Veg News Daily:

After Chloe Coscarelli won season one of Cupcake Wars, vegan bakers are back on season two, represented by Washington, DC-based shop Sticky Fingers Bakery. Sticky Fingers co-founder Doron Petersan says the show’s producers had the well-established bakery on their radar, and invited them to apply to be on the show.

Cupcake Wars airs on March 8 and will be a competition-filled hour.

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 14th and Meridian Pl, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Sunny and stylish(fully furnished (VERY high end)) 2Bd/2Ba in Columbia Heights with outdoor space. $2400 rent includes all utilities (water, electric (no gas), HD cable with Tivo & high speed wireless internet). Wall mounted high definition flat screen television in living room with built in speakers. Screened in balcony off master bedroom. Large capacity washer/dryer in unit. Full size dishwasher in kitchen. Off street parking is available in public lot (free) across street with AMPLE spaces.”

Does $2400 sound reasonable for this 2Bd/2Ba?

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