Columbia Heights

A Look Inside New Pop Up at 2317 15th Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

We judged this pop up a number of months ago (will have to add an updated photos soon) but the owner was nice enough to send a few photos. It looks amazing!

Thanks to the owners for being kind enough to share a peek. They also give a bit of background:

“We were very lucky to find a smart, green architect to guide us through this update, Rick Harlan Schneider, who specializes in earth-friendly modern design. His company is called iStudio: (www.istudioarchitects.com). He also works on community projects and is in the middle of designing a pretty cool public meeting center project with Takoma Park. He’s the real thing, not fake enviro–we were lucky to find him. He gave us good advice about use of materials, saving rain water, keeping down the chemical levels, proper disposal, re-use, etc., and we really love his design sense–simple and not overdone.”

Free Drink Samples (and Shoe Shines) at Room 11 Tonight 5:30-7:30

By Prince Of Petworth

Room 11, located at 11th and Lamont, is hosting an event sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin tonight. Here’s the details:

“The No Rush Hour Society Presents
A Hendrick’s Gin Happy Hour at
Room 11
3234 11th St NW (at Lamont St)
Washington, DC 20010
(4 blocks from the Columbia Heights Metro Stop on the Green Line)
From 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 16,
Join us for free samples of Hendrick’s, an iconoclastically produced small batch gin distilled in Ayreshire, Scotland.
Enjoy cocktails such as the Floradora and the Hendrick’s & Tonic as well as complimentary shoeshines courtesy of Hendrick’s Gin!”

Social to Add Brunch Service Starting Sunday

By Prince Of Petworth

Recently opened, Social, located at 14th and Meridian will soon be offering brunch. I’m always happy to hear about more brunch options. They will be “opening from 11-3pm Sunday, Bloody Mary menu and bottomless Mimosa.”

Ah Bloody Mary menu and bottomless Mimosa. Sweet, sweet words…

Good Deal or Not? Loft Edition (Reader/Owner Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 3039 16th Street, NW:


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The Craig’s List ad says:

“Incredible opportunity to live in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. This large 1 BR/ 2Bath w/ large 2nd floor loft (2nd BR) is a modern masterpiece with elevator opening directly into unit. Columbia Heights Metro, Harris Teeter, Gourmet Giant, Target, Washington Sports Club, Commonwealth Gastropub, Wonderland, and Red Rocks Pizza only scratch the surface of what lies steps away. Or if you prefer, a 5 min walk places you at the doorstep of Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo. Unit includes washer/dryer, gas cooking, central A/C, gas fireplace, exposed brick, LARGE storage room, and bright views of city scape. Public roof deck has unobstructed views of DC/MD/VA. Ask about option for unit to be equipped with 42″ flat screen TV, surround sound, AND HD projector w/ 8 ft theater screen in loft area. You’ll never want to leave this place!”

The reader writes:

“$2750/month w/ $100 monthly credit for on-time payment
$560,000 to purchase
or
Purchase Option — rent for year and apply entire years’ payment towards purchase price”

This is an interesting one since it is for sale or rent. How do the prices for those options sound? What are your thoughts on loft condos? A few more photos after the jump. (more…)

An Update on “Protest Benches” at 14th and Oak Streets, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

You can see the original post and more photos of the benches here. The person behind the benches sends an email of explanation:

“Dear PoP,
I see you posted some photos on your blog about an art project I recently installed at 14th, Oak and Ogden Streets. Contrary to your commentary “I’ve always known there were benches here but I never noticed the writing on them before,” benches have not been a part of the park for the past 2.5-3 years but had been a part of the park for decades before that. I installed these benches early August.

Thank you,
Sarah Tooley

———————————

For the installation Public Dialogues in Public Places, former neighborhood resident and artist Sarah Tooley interviewed 60 community members who live near or own a small business adjacent to the park at the intersections of 14th, Oak and Ogden Streets in Northwest, Washington, DC. She asked about their feelings and thoughts on their relationship to the park and community safety.

With the help of a Small Projects Grant from the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities she worked with a group of volunteers to paint and transcribe selected texts from the interviews onto the slats of seven brightly painted wooden benches. She met with the D.C Department of Parks and Recreation to create a Donation Agreement to allow for the public installation of the benches until renovation of the park begins.

Through the physical manifestation of the text painted on the benches privately expressed opinions are launches into the public realm. The differing views and experiences expressed lay side by side to confront and co-exists with the assumptions, stereotypes and lived realities of the people who choose to spend time in the park, who steer clear of it, or those who have felt pushed out.”

Reader Recounts His Experience with Police Activity on Irving St., NW Yesterday

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I thought I would write to you you and give you my account of the police activity that occurred yesterday afternoon on Irving street in between 14th and 15th streets. At around 4:45 PM I was walking east on the north side of Irving street after a ten hour work day at my office in Dupont. I was about 50 yards from the Five Guys when I heard someone yell, “Police! Stop!” I looked up and saw a man running full speed on the south side sidewalk with four or five street clothed police officers (the ones with the badges aroudn their neck) chasing after him. The suspect then ran across the street diagonally towards me. Realizing that I had an an angle on him I threw myself at him (kind of a hockey body check) and knocked the suspect onto the hood of a pickup truck. He then rolled off but by then the police had caught up and tackled him to the ground. The suspect had shoved his arm down the sewer drain and the Police kept yelling “drop it.” I heard a clanging sound from the sewer below and the cops pulled his hand out empty handed. One of the officers turned to me to say thanks and then got on his radio.

I didn’t stick around to see what he was suspected of as I was pretty freaked out at this point. On my walk home to 11th st I saw a lot more police cars on their way to the scene. Any idea what that was all about?”

Wow, that is insane. Props to you for helping out. I can imagine how scary that experience must have been. I think that is when instinct kicks in and you don’t really think about it, you just react. Obviously, I’m glad you didn’t get hurt. Folks have to remember to be careful though particularly if a weapon is involved. Reminds me a bit of this incident from the Columbia Heights metro where a reader helped break up an assault. But thanks again for your response, I’m glad the guy was caught.

Good Deal or Not? Converted Row House (Pop Up) Edition?

By Prince Of Petworth

These condos are located at 1449 Girard Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Spectacular new condos in Columbia Heights with unique bi-level layout. All new construction. 2 BR & 2 FB. Premium finishes. Gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Luxurious baths w/ travertine tiles. 2 private patios. In-unit W/ D, hardwood floors, low condo fees. Parking available. 3 blocks to Columbia Heights metro.”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

I always enjoy checking out the inside of buildings we’ve judged. I seem to recall folks weren’t huge fans of the outside. But having the opportunity to look inside is quite interesting. I happen to be a huge fan of exposed brick. I think these look pretty sweet. What do you guys think of the renovations? Others must like them as well because units 2 ($475k) and 3 ($469k) are already under contract. Unit 1 is still available for $445,000. Sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2 bath?

Good Deal or Not? “Phone Entry System” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 739 Newton Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“”The Prasada” Beautiful 2br-2ba Condominium With Gourmet Kitchen, SS Appliances, Granite Counters, Pre-wired High Speed Internet, MBR Jacuzzi Tub, Washer/Dryer, Phone Entry System, Stylish Lighting, Gleaming Hardwood Floors And Much More. 3 BLOCKS TO PETWORTH METRO!”

You can find more info and photos here.

The photos look pretty nice. I’m not sure if I’d highlight a “phone entry system” though… But seriously what do you think of the condo itself? Does $329,000 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2bath?

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