Columbia Heights

Ellwood Thompson’s Grocery Store Update

By Prince Of Petworth

A few readers have been asking for an update on the status of the Ellwood Thompson’s arrival to the DC USA mall in Columbia Heights. I’m happy to report that a source has alerted me to the fact that their permits have officially been submitted to the DC government. So this is a step in the right direction. However, my other sources tell me that there is still a long road ahead before the store opens its doors. Sadly I don’t have a timeline but I promise to keep updating as developments are made. If I had to guess I would think an arrival in 2011 is more likely than a 2010 arrival. Perhaps a new sign is in order… But overall I think this is good news because it is some tangible evidence to show us that the deal is not dead.

You can read a previous statement from the owner of Ellwood Thompson’s here.

Good Deal or Not? “Gracious entry” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 2803 11th Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Totally charming bayfront Victorian in Columbia Heights. 3 BR’s and 2 FB’s. Gracious entry and grand staircase. Generous room sizes. Separate dining room. Updated table space kitchen. Excellent condition with great character and lots of period details. Beautiful hardwood floors and high ceilings. Fenced rear patio. Walk to Columbia Heights Metro and Target.”

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

Well 11th and 13th Streets, NW are some of my favorites streets so I was really looking forward to take a peek inside this one. It’s got some great bones though I was sad to see the fireplaces closes up. What do you think of the house itself? Does $629,000 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/2bath?

Meet Uzikee Nelson – One of DC’s Greatest Artists

By Prince Of Petworth

I never know who I’ll meet on my walks… I’ve been admiring Mr. Nelson’s work for years now (as long time readers of this blog will recognize.) So I was taking a photo a mail slot on the 1400 block of Belmont Street, NW (just east of Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park):

and I had immediately recognized Mr. Nelson’s small piece in the front of this house:

But I had never noticed the mail slot before. At any rate as I’m admiring the pieces and taking some photographs a neighbor came over and asked me if I’d like to meet the artist. Mr. Nelson was sitting on the stoop right next to me. I was totally starstruck. Mr. Nelson could not have been nicer. We chatted a bit about his art and the neighborhood. I tried to get him to tell me which was his favorite sculpture in the city but like asking a parent to pick a favorite child he declined to place one above the others.

I consider Mr. Nelson to be a legend. It was truly an honor to have met him. Our city is a much more beautiful place with the addition of his sculptures.

Above is a sculpture from Belmont a bit closer to 14th Street, NW. After the jump is more detail about Mr. Nelson’s background and art from his Web site. (more…)

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option

By Prince Of Petworth

This apartment is located at 3540 Rock Creek Church Rd NW:


View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“This beautiful one bedroom condo is located in Columbia Heights, NW, Washington DC; including: Hardwood floors, full granite countertops kitchen, Stainless Steel appliances (dishwasher, gas stove/oven, microwave, fridge), Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom, marble floor with stainless steel fixtures, washer & dryer in unit, and cable/internet ready. Private off-street parking space AVAILABLE and negotiable. Utilities; Gas, water, and garbage fee included in rent. Condo is walking distance to two DC metro stations (Green line only 2 blocks away), Metro bus (in front of the building), and only 5 to 10 minutes by car to Down Town DC. PERFECT LOCATION…”

Does $1750 sound reasonable for a 1 bedroom in this location?

Dear PoP – What’s This Mystery Building? Paul Robeson School of Growth and Development

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I hope you or your readers can help me solve a mystery. I live a block from the Paul Robeson School of Growth and Development on Spring Road in Columbia Heights/Petworth. I believe it used to serve children with fairly intense social and emotional disabilities, but in the 4+ years I’ve lived nearby, I’ve never seen anyone enter or exit. None of my neighbors know anything about it, and I haven’t been able to find any recent information online. What’s the scoop? Is the school still open?”

Dang, I know we talked about this once back in the day but I can’t seem to find it. Anyone remember what the is the situation with these buildings?

Not be mistaken with the nearby former Jewish home for the aged.

New Alero Restaurant Coming to Columbia Heights in the Tivoli on 14th St. in Old Rumberos Spot

By Prince Of Petworth

Wow, this is huge news. Alero currently has three locations in Cleveland Park, Dupont and in U Street. The space where Alero is moving into was formerly the home of Rumberos which after some confusion actually did close in Sept. ’09.

I called the U Street Alero location and they confirmed to me that indeed they will be opening another location in the Tivoli at 3345 14th St, NW. They hope to open some time in April. Thanks to a reader for the tip and stay tuned for more details as they become available. In the meantime you can see their current menus here. Think this is a good fit for the location?

The Crest Condos Coming to 3517 13th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I wanted to share a rendering I received of The Crest condos coming to 3517 13th St, NW. It is nice to see this building start to get some love. When completed there will be 9 units. Here’s what it looks like now:

Ed. Note: Urban Pace, an advertiser with PoP, represents sales for The Crest.

Do You Dig the New Sidewalks in Columbia Heights?

By Prince Of Petworth

I think they look pretty sweet. Certainly better than the previous concrete. And somebody mentioned in the comments last week about the abrupt stoppage just short of Newton:

Mark me down on the side that thinks it should be completed all the way to the corner.

Scuttlebutt: Columbia Heights Vacant Building Sold? 11th and Monroe Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

The photo above is from the corner of 11th and Monroe Streets, NW (across from the park and CH Coffee). This building has quite a sordid history. Bottom line is that it has been vacant for years. A reader says they have heard the building has been sold. I checked in with some connected folks in the neighborhood and they have heard the same thing. Unfortunately the original tip I received only contained a first name so I haven’t been able to confirm this rumor as fact. If it does turn out to be true this will be a tremendous development for the neighborhood.

View More Stories