Columbia Heights

Good Deal or Not? Gotta Love The View Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This converted Rowhome is located at 1303 Clifton Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“New 4 unit conversion. LAST unit available! Modern kitchens w/ granite cntrs, custom cabs, SS apps, bamboo hdwds. Beautiful slate baths, spacious walk in closets. Great size BRs, pre wired sound w/ IPOD docking stations. Great location! Spectacular views of entire city! Just a few blocks to metro, U St Corridor & Columbia Heights dev (Target, etc). Come check them out!”

More info and photos can be found here.

I love this location because it is right near that part of 13th Street where you have an amazing view of downtown and the monuments. It is also very close to the building we judged yesterday.

A reader writes:

“I used to live next door (the white house on the left, looking at the photo) in a really nice condo conversion. When I lived there (2006-2007) the house next door was incredibly scary. It was falling down in terrible repair, and we used to joke about the one guy who lived there, who was bizarre beyond words. He never talked to anyone, and we took to calling him Boo Radley. Once our neighbors on the top floor told us they could see his roof, where he was keeping rows and rows of 5 gallon buckets filled with dirt that he would tend, but he’d take them inside before we could see what sprouted in them. We were actually worried their weight would cave the roof in.

Not long after I moved out (end of 07), I walked by and saw a sign had gone up by a contractor. They spent about a year quite literally gutting the entire house, and now they look like really sweet condo conversions. $499 is kind of brutal, but some of them have outdoor space, and they’re near the corner of Clifton & 13th, at the top of Cardozo which has the sweet view of the Capitol building and Washington monument, where everyone watches the fireworks. My upstairs neighbor there had his condo on the market, with similar specs as these new ones, for over a year at about $450K, with multiple price drops, until he gave up had to rent it out. I’m curious how this building will do.”

The asking price is $499,000. What’s the premium for an amazing view? What do you think of the condo itself?

Good Deal or Not? What I Thought Was Going To Be House Porn But Is Actually A Shell Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 3457 Holmead Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“This is a 2 unit Victorian shell. Plans have been completed to include an upper level owners unit which is about 1,800 sq ft with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The other unit will be about 1,400 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. There is 2 car parking in the rear. Close to the new Giant, Tivoli Theater, Target and the Metro. This is a short sale documents on my web site.”

More info and photos can be found here.

Clearly the home has gotten some new paint and windows but I guess we should just assume that the inside is still a shell? I also think this is a pretty great location near the Giant grocery store but still relatively quiet. The asking price has also dropped $100k and is now being offered at $499,900. So when fixed up don’t you think it could be some potential house porn? What would make the price a good deal for this shell?

It’s Official – Columbia Heights Gets an Unofficial Dog Park at 11th and Park

By Prince Of Petworth

Last Friday I wrote about the coming dog park at 17th and S Street, NW. In the comments section a reader wrote:

“For a variety of reasons, the Park Road space will not be an “official” dog park anytime in the immediate future (if ever). However, dog owners may note the improved layout of the space (there should be gates going in to fill those two spaces in the fence at some point) which happens to be conducive to use by dogs, and should feel free to congregate, informally, accordingly. Hopefully, regular users will take an interest in keeping the space clean, tidy, and green.”

I spoke with some folks today that confirmed the above comment. The space is owned by Metro and the gate will be intentionally unlocked so that folks can bring their dogs there. MPD won’t bother you because it is Metro land but I agree with the original commenter that it will be up to the community to keep the space clean. I think Councilman Graham probably deserves a fair share of credit as he did quite a bit to make this an official park but it seems to me an unofficial park should be just as good. From what I understand it’s good to go right now. So for folks with dogs be sure to write me and let me know how it goes.

Random Reader Trivia

By Prince Of Petworth

“Since you often talk about Columbia Heights in your blog, i thought you might find it interesting that the 1951 version of “The day the earth stood still” takes place in Columbia Heights.

The spacemen stays at a bed and breakfast. When the army approached this address, the spacemen escaped in a taxi. once the army realized their mistake, the officer got on the radio and said that the spacemen was in a taxi heading north on 14th st from Harvard. Also there is a 14th st nw street sign so its the right quadrant. unfortunately, 14th st ends in a ‘T” w/ Harvard so its fake, but still cool.”

Now I’m going to have to go rent it!  What do you think is the best DC based film?

Good Deal or Not? Stone’s Throw From Wonderland Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1025 Kenyon St., NW:


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The Web site says:

“Energy Efficiency & Green Features
Energy Efficient, Metro Accessible, and more….
3 Bedrooms — 1 Full Bath — 1 Half Bath — Garage Parking — Outdoor Patio space”

More info and photos found here.

Back in September a similar house a few doors down sold very quickly for around $380,000. This home is asking $425,000. This particular home does seem to be getting a complete renovation but do you think it can sell for more than it’s neighbor did back in September?

Nevin Kelly Gallery Opens Up In Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

As mentioned a few weeks ago, the Nevin Kelly gallery has moved into the Highland Park apartment building at 1400 Irving Street, NW, #132. They had an opening last Saturday that I checked out. At first it’s a bit odd because the gallery is in a converted apartment. So there’s a kitchen and living room etc. But the key here is the art itself. And one of the benefits of being in this unit is that there are two levels so there’s plenty of wall space to exhibit the pieces. And Nevin (pictured above) really has some cool stuff. Another great thing about this opening was that I bumped into local blogger Mr. T in DC (pictured below) who was a super nice guy.

Warning From MPD 3rd District to Columbia Heights Residents

By Prince Of Petworth

A number of readers have sent me the following warning the 3DSubstation Listserv:

I find it to be my responsibility to alert you of a new trend (Home Invasion) within the Washington region that could pose a threat to the Columbia Heights Neighborhood. The common method of operation is that someone unexpectedly either knocks or bangs on your door. Upon opening the door to ascertain what the emergency is, they rush in and announce a robbery. I ask that if your front door is not equipped with a peep hole or similar device that you have one installed. If you feel uncomfortable with a person at your door please call 911 and advise them you have someone at your door and that they are trying to get in.

Also, with the cold weather upon us and there are many fraudulent methods that people use to get into your residence. Most of these criminals will engage you in a conversation about you utilities and ask to come into your home for a no fee inspection. Once inside they steal items from your residence without your knowledge. I urge everyone do not let anyone inside of your residence; just advise them that you are not interested. If you are please schedule an appointment with the main office and have them come out at your request. If they persist please call the police 911.

Edward Delgado
Inspector
Third District Sub Station

I wonder how many crimes like this have to occur before an email like this is sent out? It quite a disturbing thought. But, I suppose one can never be too careful.

Old Bi-Rite Building Update on 11th and Park

By Prince Of Petworth

It’s nearly gone. I think they’re still digging out the basement a bit. It’s wild to see this transformation.

For those that have missed some discussions on what the building will be you can read an old discussion here though be warned there are an insane amount of comments. And for those who forgot what it’s gonna look like here’s the artist rendition.

Good Deal or Not? Converted Rowhome – Condo Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1458 Fairmont Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“BACK ON THE MARKET! Contract fell thru. Entertain in style on the huge 8X16 deck of this bright and super clean condo in semi-detached boutique building. Super location on a quiet, tree-lined street just 2 blocks to heart of Col, Heights/Metro and 4 blocks to U Street Corridor/Metro. Low condo fees, fresh paint and hardwood floors and updated bathroom. Closing cost help available.”

More info and photos found here.

This condo has an interesting layout, not sure if you can tell from the photos. I kinda liked it though. Originally on the market for $419,900 the current price has dropped to $399,000. Sound reasonable? What do you think of the condo itself?

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