Columbia Heights

New Mediterranean Lounge, Zeba Bar & Grill, Coming to 3423 14th Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

This is the basement space that was supposed to become Dave’s Tavern below Quiet Mind Yoga. As you can tell from the title, Dave’s Tavern is no longer in the works. However, I did speak to the owner, David, who had good news. The space is now going to become a Mediterranean Lounge called, Zeba Bar & Grill. The space will be more like a bar with some dining options like shish kabob. I imagine it will be a Red Derby type set up (meaning more of a bar with some food options). David expects the space to open in 3 or 4 months. Stay tuned for updates as the build out progresses.

New Classes at BloomBars, Cheap Rehearsal Space and lots of bands coming soon!

By Prince Of Petworth

It’s been a while since I checked in on BloomBars located at 3222 11th St, NW (between Wonderland and Room 11). They’ve got a great new Web site and lots of new classes. From an email:

“I wanted to give you a few BloomBars updates, and I’m hoping you can help get the word out about our new class offerings, Yoga (Saturday10am), Samba (Thursdays7pm), and Belly Dancing (Mondays6:45pm, starting April 26th). All are welcome and suggested donations range from $5 to $10. All the info is on our website and event calendar.

Recently, we started a cool thing called Open Rehearsal where local bands can have rehearsal space at a discounted rate $15p/h, if they allow the public to come in and be flies on the wall.

We also got a lot of great traveling bands coming in from all across the country and globe in the next couple months. With the beautiful weather and wide doors open, we want our neighbors to take full advantage…and we really need their support.”

Good Deal or Not? Under $200k Edition (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1321 Fairmont Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Beautiful & Bright Efficiency Condo in GREAT LOCATION! Freshly painted and cleaned! Shelving System Conveys! 3.5 blocks to Metro, Safeway & More. Abt 4 Blocks to DC USA! LOW Condo Fee! 45-90-day process from ratification to closing, per BoA, with their Equator online program!”

You can find more info and photos here.

Thanks to a reader for sending because this seems like an amazing deal. It’s yours for $161,000 (with a $179 condo fee).

I’m gonna guess that this will be snapped up fairly quickly. I’ve been looking for a pied a terre in Columbia Heights…

Dear PoP – What’s Up With Columbia Heights Streetscape?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from PoPville resident

“Dear PoP,

do you know what is going on with the sidewalk expansion/ road narrowing along 14th st and specifically at the park rd and monroe st intersections. i’ve noticed that they’ve really widened the sidewalks (a bit too much) and taken away a lot of road. on the eat side of monroe at 14th st, its barely wide enough for 2 vehicles to pass and the sidewalk morphs into the road. and i noticed today that they are doing some similar on park rd. they put some curb down and right now it looks like it will only be one lane wide. the curb may not be placed yet so i could be wrong but definitely for the past 2 weeks its been mostly one lane running westbound. am i just seeing things? do you have any info about the final plan? the “columbia heights streetscape” website wasn’t much help.”

Personally, I’m all for widened sidewalks. I know some were widened on Park Road to meet ADA requirements. Does anyone know if 14th St will be one or two lanes when all construction is completed? Following is the most recent info from DDOT:

DDOT Roadway Reconstruction on 14th Street in Columbia Heights
Single Lane of Traffic Maintained in Both Directions
Final Phase Scheduled for Completion in Mid-Summer 2010

Full press release after the jump. (more…)

Building Rehabbed and Units for sale on Girard St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Looks like they are redoing a building at 1461 Girard St NW, between 14th and 15th.
I talked to the broker this weekend and sounds like they have 9 units, with 1 and 2 bedrooms. 2 bedrooms are 1000 + sq ft, 1 bath and in the $400s. They had a model unit open this weekend and hope to have the project wrapped in a month or so.

It’s an UrbanLand Company project they’re calling “The Chelsea”.

Nice to see these vacant buildings getting fixed up. Do you think it is a positive or a negative that this building sits across from the Girard Park?

CM Graham’s Office Responds to “Re-zoning for new Buildings on Harvard between 11 & 13th, NW”

By Prince Of Petworth

Tuesday’s discussion sparked many comments about the possibility of development on this lot. I received word from CM Graham’s office late Tuesday afternoon. I’ve been told that they will get back to me with more details Wed. afternoon. But in the meantime to clear up some people’s concerns, following is a brief update from CM Graham’s Communications Director Brian DeBose:

“This project has been a dream of the Carlos Rosario group, for about 5 years. Nothing has come of it to this point. This is a preliminary early first step. The school’s lease gives them some management control and authority over the use of the land. They have retained Holland and Knight [law firm]. And it is Holland and Knight who sent out the notice, but they have to by law make clear that the city owns the property.”

In other words, the original letter was not sent by the city but was sent by the law firm hired by the Rosario group. I will be following the proposed development of this site very closely. Should any meetings be scheduled or more details be released I’ll be sure to update.

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option

By Prince Of Petworth

This apartment is located at 13th and Fairmont Streets, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“2 bdr/ 1.5 ba apartment in stately, renovated Columbia Heights Victorian available for rent in April.

Includes:

*Beautiful hardwood floors throughout

*Large bay windows overlooking quiet street

*Chef’s kitchen features granite countertops, custom-built wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and marble/granite floors

* In-unit washer/dryer

* Ample in-unit storage

* Energy efficient appliances – “green”, environmentally friendly renovation”

Ed. Note: When I post 2 bedroom apartments I’m just assuming that folks will move in with a roomate. Do you think $2400 sounds realistic for this one?

Dear PoP – “Re-zoning for new Buildings on Harvard between 11 & 13th, NW”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

The residents of 13th street between Girard and Harvard just got a letter from the City saying that they are planning on building a 5-story high residential building…they reference “affordable housing”…where the parking lot of the Carlos Rosario school is. They have to re-zone to do so, as it is currently zoned for homes no higher than 3 stories, etc. It hasn’t yet been cleared by the zoning board…but since the city is behind it, it likely will. I’m not exactly sure this neighborhood needs more high rise affordable housing complexes…”

The letter says:

“The public benefits and amenities of the project include, among other things, senior housing, affordable housing, expanded programs of the Carlos Rosario School, which focuses on adult eduction for the immigrant population of the city.

You can read the full letter here – Notice of Intent to File a Zoning Application 4-6.

If movement occurs on this lot – do you think senior and affordable housing would be a good fit?

Good Deal or Not? “federal style home lovingly renovated” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1020 Park Road, NW:


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The flier says:

“Welcome to this spacious and light filled federal style home lovingly renovated by current owners! 4 br, 2.5 ba owners unit features original woodwork, pocket doors, chefs kitchen with pass-through to family room, 3rd floor Master Suite with walk-in closet & spacious bathroom. Formal dining and living room, 2 decks perfect for entertaining & 2 car OSP. 1 BR/1BA in-law suite rented for $1650”

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

This is a reader request but I’ve had my eye on this one as well. I actually checked this one out personally over the weekend. It is pretty killer with some serious character. Having said that, I’m not sure I’d drop close to a million for this location. What do you think of the house itself? Do you think it’ll go for $949,000?

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