On the Columbia Heights Listserv I’ve received a number of notices of packages being stolen. Below is a sampling:

“Fed Ex envelope taken from my mailbox with valuable content.” (1300 block of Monroe)

“I also had a package stolen from 700 block of Harvard … gotta get signature delivery/do not drop instructions for everything now I guess.”

From the 1300 block of Euclid (the following has been slightly edited):

“A middle-aged woman in a blue knit cap came up the walk with a box of pills in her hand and walked to the buzzer confidently. She dialed a number on the intercom, let it ring, and stood out of line of the camera. We then asked her if she knew someone in the building or if she was dialing someone in particular. She told us she was here to deliver pills (in a MTWThFSSu box) to Mr. Baker. We told her that there was no Mr. Baker in the building, and that she may be looking for someone else in another building next door or two doors down. She talked to us, not leaving the front stoop.

We explained that we had had packages stolen from the building, and that she fit the description of the person who was seen stealing packages in the neighborhood, and that if she didn’t leave the area we would call the police. At that point, she walked down the steps to the building next door (east), but kept going (east) to the next building as the street was busy.

We tried to snap a picture as she left and we have a picture of her back, but not of her face, and it is not very clear.

This is a reminder to keep an eye out for her, and to request that couriers deliver directly to your door and out of sight, rather than leave them at the table in the lobby.”

If you don’t have a lobby, what do you guys do when packages get delivered? A friend of mine always has them delivered to work.


Remember how psyched we were to hear about the new restaurant, Pho 14 located on Park Road just west of 14th Street?

Well, I was able to attend a soft opening for friends and family Sunday night and it was freaking phenomenal! Holy cow. All of the excitement and anticipation was worth it. It is so good. I had the Tai Gau (beef pho) which comes with onion, chives, cilantro and noodles. I’m not sure if you can tell from the photo but it comes in a nice big bowl and I was stuffed about half way through. There are 19 types of Pho that cost $8.95 for a large and $7.95 for a regular bowl.

I started out with a spring roll which was nice and fresh and comes with shrimp, pork, noodles, lettuce and a Hosin dipping sauce.

To top it off I had an iced coffee that was also really tasty.

The restaurant itself was quite comfortable with regular tables and chairs as well as a bar. So when will it be open to the public? The plan is this Thursday, March 19th but this is pending some final inspections. I will update as soon as it become final.

Full disclosure: since this was a practice opening for family and friends, I did not pay. This in no way influenced my description of how delicious everything was.


These condos are located at 2543 13th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Incredible 2-level contemporary townhouse condo in HOT Columbia Heights! Features include bamboo flooring, gas f/p, pocket doors, recessed lighting, exposed brick, open layout, balcony off of master BR, 2 patios, Kohler fixtures, and MORE! Low fees! Almost 1600 sqft! Close to metro! Needs finishing touches and repairs. SOLD STRICTLY AS IS!!”

More info and photos found here.

I first noted this condo because of their prison like doors. But now looking at the photos it looks like they did a good job. Both units have 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. I’ve never heard of that before. Unit #1 is offered at $499,000. Unit #2 is offered at $599,000. I’m a little concerned that it says being sold “as is”. Do you think the price reflects that?


“why hasn’t anyone covered the shooting on Belmont St NW between 13th and 14th that occurred on Sunday afternoon? I haven’t seen it on my google reader, on which I read DCist, PoP, and the Post.”

I have received this question from a number of readers. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t post about it. I have mentioned in the past that I don’t like to overwhelm readers with crime stories because I think it skews the actual reality of certain neighborhoods. Having said that, since it was a shooting on a Sunday afternoon, I should’ve posted about it. To be honest, I found out about it after I had already done my postings for that evening. But since so many folks have inquired, here is a belated update.

From a Councilmember Jim Graham email:

“MPD officers (who were in the area on patrol) chased a juvenile suspect and grabbed him after shots were fired on the 1300 block of Belmont, about 7:15 PM Sunday night. An adult male was shot in the arm and taken to the hospital. He was conscious and breathing. Police also seized a 40 caliber handgun in the area of where the youth was running.”

However a reader followed up with a time correction:

“it was 4:45. I know because my roommate was having a conversation about the time when the shots were fired.”

It’s pretty terrifying that youths are shooting 40 caliber handguns (or any handguns for that matter). I apologize for the belated post.


This house is located at 3822 10th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“1925 Wardman rowhouse with completely updated systems, original heart of pine hardwood floors. granite counters and slate floors in kitchen and breakfast nook, slate floors continue in basement mudroom and utility room.

What the Owner Loves: 1 1/2 blocks from Metro stop, one block from Safeway supermarket. Clean, safe neighborhood.”

More info and interestingly only photos of the outside found here.

UPDATE:  Interior photos can be seen here.

This is an interesting house it has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths but it’s curious that there are not internal photos. But assuming it is updated like it says do you think $595,000 sounds reasonable?


“Near the northwest corner of 13th and Irving NW, there’s an air pump coming out of a rowhouse with a sign reading “Free Air for Bicycles”. Thought it was a cool neighborhood find if you haven’t already covered it.

The house is on 13th, next to the church that is located there for sale.”

Very cool. For those that missed it previously, here’s the church for sale.


“Hello PoP,

Have you ever done a post on that weird blue house?

It’s the only one in the area I’ve seen with a barbed wire prison motif.”

It’s funny I have noticed this house at the corner of Monroe and Holmead. I’ve never seen barbed wire around a residential house before. Sometimes I believe it’s better if I don’t think too deeply on these matters…


This house is located at 1336 Fairmont Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Gorgeous 1900 4 level renovated home, gourmet kitchen, beautiful mantles, stunning fret work and woodwork, master suite plus 7 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. Legal 1 bedroom/Den unit on the lower lever provides 5 full levels of living. Gated 2 car parking. Rental income supports nearly $300k of mortgage.”

More info and some amazing photos found here.

I love finding these incredible Columbia Heights Rowhomes for sale. This one seems to have it all, a sick renovation as well as original details. This house is gigantic but as with all house porn editions, I’m interested to hear what you think about the house itself. Do yourself a favor and make sure you check out the virtual tour. For the curious the asking price is $1,589,000.


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