Columbia Heights

An Update On Columbia Heights Retail/Restaurants/Etc. – Good News and Bad News Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

Well, I’ve finally tracked down the answers to a number of questions folks have been asking for a while. So here goes. In the space pictured above there’s going to be a local coffee shop yet to be named. It is going to be owned by a pair of brothers named Jim and Brian Sullivan. They intend to make it a very comfortable coffee house with the motif featuring Columbia Heights history. The goal is to open up in May. Let’s file this under good news.

The sushi restaurant, Sake Club is still a go but I didn’t get a targeted opening date. (Irving St.)

The Caribbean place, zinnia, is a no go. A replacement has not yet been named. (Irving St.)

The forever “coming soon”, Royal Blue, is no longer coming soon or coming at all. A replacement has yet to be named. (14th Street)

I don’t know how I missed this but apparently a Peruvian steak and chicken place is coming (Park Road).

Sadly, after a very short run Coco Libre has closed at Sherman and Harvard Streets. They write on their Web site:

“We would like to inform all of our customers and supporters that, unfortunately, we had to make the hard choice to close our shop at 786 Harvard Street. This is due to forces beyond our control. We anticipate moving to another location, so please check back to get an update on where to find us and our products. Thank you to the community and take care.” (Thanks to a reader for sending.)

So we got some good news and bad news. What are you happiest/saddest about? I’ll be sure to update when replacements are named.

Good Deal or Not? Bay Window Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This house is located at 1318 Girard Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Wonderful two unit semi-detached townhouse 2BR, 2.5BA plus den, great for your home buyer, or investor! Rent out the lower level self-contained unit with seperate entrances. Large yard has deck and patio. 2 Car parking! Walk to Metro, shops, Tivoli! Easy to show. A great house with many awesome features. Have friends, family members, the nanny or a renter live in the separate 1BR, 1BA apartment”

More info and photos found here.

Well, I’m a sucker for bay windows and vestibules and this one has both… It looks like the kitchen and bathrooms may need some updating but otherwise it seems like a pretty good looking house. Does the asking price of $615,000 seem reasonable? If not what’s a more realistic price?

No Quarters Accepted by Eric Nuzum

By Prince Of Petworth

PoP contributor Eric Nuzum envisions his breaking point.

Everyone has a breaking point. Everything is normal, then something so absolutely annoying happens that you lose your shit. For Bjork, it was being photographed after a long flight to Taiwan. For Johnny Depp, it’s slow hotel room service. Postal workers, that dude in the movie Network–we all have that point. Hell, Lou Dobbs has made a career out of being outraged every weeknight at exactly 7pm.

Though it has yet to happen, I know the precise thing that will someday drive me into a batshit crazy rage: watching people fumble through using the “Pay Here” machine in the DCUSA parking garage.

I think my intolerance comes from my own abilities to execute this simple task. In all humility, I’m like a kendo master of the “Pay Here” machine. Even with a bag in each hand, I can insert the ticket, insert my dollar, grab my ticket, and step aside–all in less than 18 seconds. If both hands are free and I have a dollar coin, I can get it done in less than 12.

Spend three minutes hanging around the P1 elevator lobby at DCUSA and I think you’ll agree that I am the exception.

Now, for those who plan to give me grief for driving from Petworth to DCUSA, let me remind you that we live in a city where driving a car (an occasionally necessary evil, admit it) is an exercise in misery. Journeying to the “come on in, there is plenty of space”-ness of DCUSA’s garage is cathartic. It’s worth a melted iceberg or two just to have the experience.

Admittedly, part of me understands why the “Pay Here” machine might blow a few minds, as the DCUSA garage sends out screwy signals from the minute you drive in. How can someone spend tens of millions of dollars on a garage, yet fail to consider that entering and exiting on the left might confuse people? DCUSA usually pays a security person to stand there all day, just to keep folks from entering through the exit ramp. At least that guy doesn’t need to worry about the waxing and waning of the economy.

When it comes time to settle up and head out, most people look at the “Pay Here” machine like it is quantum physics equation, like it’s an elaborate puzzle or riddle or something. Overwhelmed looks of confusion abound. However, in a world of complexity, the “Pay Here” machine is really one of the simplest, most straight ahead exchanges one could have all day.  Continues after the jump. (more…)

Tivoli North Banners Approved by ANC

By Prince Of Petworth

When I first posted about Tivoli North, I have to admit I had no idea it would be so controversial. An eagle eye reader spotted the following notice from today’s NW Current Newspaper under the ANC 4C meeting notes:

“voted 8-2, with Joseph Vaughan and Michael Yates dissenting, to allow the Tivoli North Business Association to install grant-financed banners on 14th Street between Spring and Shepherd streets in efforts to bring unity to the community. Commission chair Joseph Martin said the banners would help build civic pride. Vaughan said some businesses might not want to be called Tivoli North.”

This is not an official designation from the city but simply an initiative from the Tivoli North Business Association. Now that a bit of time has passed and the sponsor is known – do you think you’ll find the banners (name) offensive now knowing that the stated aim is to bring unity to the community along 14th Street?

Good Deal or Not? Owner Request – Rental Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

From Craig’s list ad:

Beautiful 1-bedroom (517 sq. feet) terrace level apartment, located 3 blocks from the Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro station (Green/Yellow lines). Newly renovated one year ago. Big windows give lots of light on a quiet street, close to all conveniences of the city. Gorgious hickory wood floors throughout, with stainless steel appliances (gas stove, dishwasher, large microwave). Central A/C, jacuzzi tub, garbage disposal. Washer & Dryer in unit. No pets, no smoking. 1 year lease preferred (renewable). Street parking is easy, and apartment is very walkable to the best of Columbia Heights! 3 blocks to Georgia Ave Metro, or 5 blocks to Columbia Heights station. 1 block to the Looking Glass Lounge bar and restaurant (previously Temperance Hall). 4 blocks to new Target, Best Buy, Giant Foods, Washington Sports Club, Starbucks. 5 blocks to Wonderland Ballroom. $1350/month, water included. Utility bill averages $50/month in summer and only $25/month in winter. 1 month security deposit and $20 application fee (for credit check) required.

The owner writes, “I just need to see if people think the rent is reasonable… it’s so hard to tell, especially considering that I’ve seen one bedrooms in the area go anywhere from $800-1800!”

So do you think $1350 sounds reasonable for a one bedroom rental in this location?

An interesting comparison is a group house listing from craig’s list also sent by a reader.

The are asking $570:

Our Columbia Heights group house is looking for a new housemate for a good-sized room with a private deck. Move in would be on March 1st. The house is 3 floors with 2.5 baths, separate living room, dining room, large kitchen, and large back deck that is perfect for grilling. Central air and heat, washer/dryer, dish washer/garbage disposal, and cable/wireless internet. Rent is $570 (plus a $525 security deposit). Utilities (electric, water, cable and internet) are not included and usually range from $60-$100 per month. We also have a housekeeper come clean once a month, which costs about $15 per person per month.

The house is a short walk to the Columbia Heights (10 minutes) and Georgia Ave (5 minutes) Metro stations. It is also very close to the Columbia Heights Giant, Target, Red Rocks, the Wonderland, the Looking Glass Lounge, and The Red Derby. Tennis courts, basketball courts, and softball fields are right around the corner, and Rock Creek Park and Adams Morgan are within walking distance.

The five other roommates (3 males, 2 females) are all young professionals who enjoy relaxing with each other in the house but also have their own separate lives. Our ideal roommate would be clean, respectful, and easy going.

Good Deal or Not? One of my Favorite Doors Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1001 Otis Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“Fabulous Renovated Columbia Heights Condo with amazing 2000 sq ft, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Gas Fireplace, Designer Kit with Granite and Stainless App, Gorgeous Baths, Braz Rosewood Floors, Loads of Windows, Grand Cupola in Master Suite, W/ D, Open and Inviting. Bonus Sunroom could be third BR. Lovely garden. Very Close to 2 Metro Stops incl brand new Col Hghts Shopping District with Target-Giant!”

More info and photos found here.

Woah, 2000 square feet! And a sunroom… So, do you think $569,000 sounds reasonable? As always what do you think of the condo itself. I am a huge fan of the door…

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Dang! Columbia Heights Coffee Not Expanding

By Prince Of Petworth

Well, sometimes if it’s too good to be true… This is actually quite sad. The owners of Columbia Heights Coffee, located on 11th Street between Park and Monroe, informed me this weekend that they will not be expanding after all. I feel really bad for them because they told me they had paid two years rent for nothing. It seems that the permitting process was just way too cumbersome. Oh well, at least the original spot will remain. For those curious the for rent sign says $1K per month.

Good Deal or Not? Stairs Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1116 Fairmont Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“This rowhome in the heart of the Columbia Heights / U Street Neighborhood boasts four bedrooms, three baths, separate dining room, living room, large gourmet kitchen with adjacent breakfast room, finished attic playroom / studio and a finished basement and 2 car GARAGE! Just steps 2 Metros, the U Street Corridor, new restaurants, bars, Target, DCUSA and the Tivoli Theater, enjoy DC at its finest.”

More info and a virtual tour found here.

This is an intersting one because it has 4 bedrooms at 2.5 bathrooms. And while I do dig the location I’m curious what you think of the price – $699,000. Good deal? What do you think of the house itself?

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