Columbia Heights

Social (Abruptly and Possibly Temporarily) Closes at 14th and Meridian Pl, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Many people have heard by now that Social, open since Aug. ’09, had closed yesterday. The question I have are why did they close and when will they reopen? I just got off the phone with one of the owners, AJ Guy, and while he couldn’t completely clear up the picture for me he was able to share a few more details.

Yesterday I was sent a number of emails (sorry for the delay I’ve been away from a computer) mostly seen on facebook saying that they closed due to “a dispute regarding taxes and the ownership group.” AJ said in no uncertain terms that they were not closed as a result of tax problems. They have closed because they “are doing a reassessment from top to bottom of our organization”. He continues, “We have every intention to re-open”.

I pressed him for a timeframe on when they may reopen but he was unable to give me one. If I were a betting man I’d say it will be closed closer to weeks rather than days and a possibility of months. To me it seems to depend whether the space will reopen with the same concept or completely new brand/concept. If they completely rebrand including new investors, this will obviously take more time. There are clearly a lot of decisions that need to be made by a lot of different people and all these variables are being discussed at this time. I have been promised to be kept in the loop on potential reopening dates, whether or not a new ownership team is put together, and whether or not a new concept emerges etc.

But the bottom line is that they have closed for the moment. And unfortunately it is not clear when they will reopen. I promise to update as more info becomes available. Personally, I was a big fan of the space and the people (including a great mix of patrons). I also like how their outdoor space developed (see photo above) and I think overall they were/are great members of the community. I hope they will soon return, as Social or another concept, to contribute to the progress being made on 14th St, NW north of Spring Road and to Columbia Heights in general.

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1321 Fairmont Street, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Partially furnished, sunny, top-floor, studio apartment on a quiet street.

Building is within a few short blocks of the Columbia Heights Metro Station, Target, Giant, and other shops and restaurants in Columbia Heights. This apartment is new (completed in late 2004), with hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ceiling fan, and central heat and A/C.

Furnishings include Murphy bed and side unit with bookshelves and drawers, as shown in picture, along with two barstools. Secure storage unit, shared laundry facilities, and secure bike room in basement.

Rent is $1400/month neg. and includes utilities and internet. Security deposit is one month’s rent. Street parking only. Sorry, no pets.”

Sweet, a murphy bed! Does $1400 sound reasonable for this studio?

Rendering for the Corner of 14th and Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


Rendering courtesy of R2L:Architects

From a R2L:Architects press release:

“Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B approved the recommendation of its Design Review Committee on November 4, 2010 to support the design concept of a proposed new development at 2221 14th Street, NW. The six-story, 30-unit apartment house with ground floor retail and one level underground parking garage will be located on the southeast corner of 14th Street, NW and Florida Avenue, NW. The owner is Douglas Development, and the architect is R2L:Architects, both of the District.

The concept design features a contemporary palette of glass, metal, brick and terra cotta panels. Angular projecting bay windows will provide views from the apartments down both the 14th Street and Florida Avenue corridors. On the ground floor, large glass shop windows could accommodate a café, restaurant or other retail establishment. The project is located within the Greater U Street Historic District, and will seek concept approval from the Historic Preservation Review Board later this month.”

Here’s what the corner looks like now:

A couple more renderings after the jump. (more…)

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Mt. Pleasant

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 3200 16th Street, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Spacious <600 sq ft. studio available December 1 move in. I am leaving this beautiful apt. due to a pay cut, I hate to leave its a great place! Space boasts full, galley kitchen, parkay wood floors, HUGE bedroom closet, large coat closet, AMAZING bathroom with gigantic tub with window, picture windows in bedroom over looking terra-cotta roof to Mt. Pleasant library. Located at 16th and Lamont in a 1938 art deco style bldg. the apt. is 1 blk. from Mt. Pleasant (Marx Cafe, Mt. Pleasant Martket on Sat., Tonic, Hellers Bakery, Best Way (cheapest grocery around), Columbia Heights (Target, Giant, Starbucks, Commonwealth Gastro Pub, Tynan, soon to be IHOP, etc), Adams Morgan (10 min walk), National Zoo and Rock Creek Park. Columbia Heights metro is 2 blks., S1,2,3,4,9 stops within 1 blk. as well as several other bus routes. The neighborhood is great and the unit is just wonderful. Application would need to be filled out with management, subject to approval, move in could be December 1, if not sooner. There is no security deposit required except a $250 non-refundable move in fee. Management covers water and heat, you are responsible for electric (mine runs about $25/mo)." Does $1185 sound reasonable for this studio?

DDOT Set to Start Reconstruction of Sherman Avenue

By Prince Of Petworth

From a DDOT press release on Friday:

Two Year Project Will Make Street Safer for Drivers, Cyclists and Pedestrians

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced plans are in place to start the reconstruction of Sherman Avenue, NW. Major streetscape improvements, that will reshape Sherman Avenue as a residential street, are planned between Park Road and Florida Avenue. Construction on this two-year project will start next week with water-main utility work.

The department has worked very closely with the community on the design to ensure the construction will:

* Make Sherman Avenue feel more residential rather than a commuter route by reducing vehicular lanes to one in each direction.
* Improve pedestrian safety by widening the sidewalks to make them ADA compliant, and upgrading the wheelchair ramps and crosswalk markings.
* Make Sherman Avenue more attractive by planting trees and shrubs along the corridor, upgrading street lights and upgrading traffic signals.

“When we talk about livable streets in the coming years, we will be able to point to Sherman Avenue as a great example,” said Director Klein. “It won’t be a barren raceway prioritizing just cars anymore. It will be a beautiful, tree-lined residential street with wide sidewalks, shorter crosswalks and bike lanes in both directions. It will be safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

DDOT will also completely reconstruct the roadway, upgrade the DC Water pipes and improve the drainage system along Sherman Avenue. The construction is expected to be completed in late 2012.

Good Deal or Not? Sorry I couldn’t Wait Until Wed. Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This house is located at 1300 Fairmont St, NW:


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The flier says:

“A multi-year restoration complete, we now present perhaps the most refined offering ever in Columbia Heights/U Street – The Fairmont House. 5 floors of luxury, one of the largest of its kind. Original woodwork, elegant kitchen & bathrooms, ample storage, privacy, & prestige. 3 secure parking spaces. Contact listing agent for history/features narrative.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

Um, let me just say it straight out. This is my new favorite house in Columbia Heights and possibly in all DC. Holy crow. A friend of mine sent me this last night and I couldn’t wait to share with you guys. What’s your favorite part? It’s yours for $1,599,000.

Punk Rock Flea Market this weekend in Columbia Heights/Mt. Pleasant

By Prince Of Petworth

Well this sounds pretty cool:

Doors Open:
Saturday, November 6, 2010 – 12:30pm
St Stephens Church 1525 Newton Street, NW

$3 suggested donation with no one turned away!

Got stuff to sell? Records/Clothes/Books/Crafts or Chain Wallets? Vendors interested in reserving space should contact [email protected] ASAP. Tables are $15.

Also! The Flea Market will double as a clothing drive for Martha’s Table (http://www.marthastable.or/outfitters.html)
If you’re interested in participating, please read below:

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Still, A Really Sad Sight

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader sends in word and the photo from the 1300 block of Monroe St, NW. The reader writes that this is the third attempt at an eviction.

It is not as crazy a scene as the one we saw at the end of Sept. at 11th and Otis St, NW but it is still heartbreaking. I know the tenant has responsibilities and of course needs to meet their financial obligations but I wish there was a less humiliating way to do an eviction. And I also respect the frustration that the landlord must feel. I’m not saying I have the answer, I’m just saying these scenes are always a sad sight.

SportsZone Hiring at DC USA in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

As first reported here back in August SportsZone will be coming to DC USA on the 14th St, NW side. They are hoping to open by the end of Nov. I just got word that they are now hiring. From an email:

Sports Zone is now accepting employee applications for Department Managers, Cashiers, and Full and Part Time Sales Associates for their new store currently under construction at DC USA, 3100 14th Street, N.W, Suite 113, Washington, DC 20010.

Many Sports Zone positions offer health and dental care, 401K, paid holidays, employee discounts, holiday gatherings, short and long term disability, paid vacation and sick time, bonuses, and training and development.

Interested candidates can either pick up and fill out employment applications at the nearest currently open Sports Zone Store located at 2301 Georgia Avenue, N.W, Washington, DC 20001 or apply with an online application at www.sprtszone.com.

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