Well, not exactly. Thanks to a reader for the tip. Sadly, I think it is just a section of Best Buy. I didn’t actually go into Best Buy because I am boycotting them due to their crazy return policy. How awesome would that have been to get a Apple Store in DCUSA?
The hot dog eating contest in the “public realm” in Columbia Heights was awesome. And a little disgusting. But it was super fun. There were tons of participants who were quite enthusiastic. There was a good crowd as well, I’d estimate around 75 or so give a take a few dozen. I only stayed for the first round because well, you can see from the pictures. Check it after the jump. (more…)
This is a very interesting house located at 3648 13th Street. The flier says:
“Total renovation of semi-detached row house to Mediterranean-style contemporary building with two fully seperate units and over 2,300 square feet. Ultra high-end finishes adorn this multi unit property with hard to find European tile with steel accents, steel fencing and steps, 2 granite kitchens with top of the line features. The self contained luxury apartment has front and back entrances 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, washer dryer, CAC. The upper unit is spacious with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, gas fireplace, Jacuzzi, walk in closet…1 car parking available under rear deck.”
I couldn’t find any pictures from inside but it sounds pretty nice. What interests me the most about this house is the two units. So I guess you buy the whole house and can rent out one of the units. How much do you think you could rent the 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom for? Anyway, it makes figuring out the price a bit more interesting. The price is $699,000. So good deal or not considering it is broken into two units?
For those who have been curious, my sources are telling me that Royal Blue (on 14th Street a few stores north of Starbucks) is in build out and will be open in October.
Additionally on the Columbia Heights restaurant scene I hear that Commonwealth (on Irving just west of 14th Street), the Gastropub by Jamie Leeds (founder of Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle area), is opening in early/mid August.
I can’t wait for Commonwealth to open! The indoor is supposed to look super cool and there will also be a nice outdoor section as well.
I finally got some more details about this awesome development. It turns out Temperance Hall/Looking Glass Lounge Manager, Dan Searing, is one of the partners in the wine bar slated to come to 11th Street and Lamont. My opinion of this section of 11th Street continues to soar. One day I’m going to open up a satellite office on 11th Street!
So I spoke to Dan this evening to get some more details about the as of yet unnamed wine bar. He is partnering with Ben Gilligan (of the band French Toast), Nick Pimentel (of Toolbox Design, Yellow Fever DJs, and Gypsy Eyes and Planaria record labels) and Paul Ruppert. They are currently in the process of applying for a liquor license and they are looking forward to working with the ANC and the community at large to ensure a smooth transition. They hope to open up sometime in the Fall. Inside will seat up to 20 folks and outside will be a garden area that will seat up to 25.
Dan will continue working at Looking Glass Lounge in a part-time capacity.
This is a phenomenal development. What an awesome place to compliment Red Rocks, Wonderland, Bloombars, and Columbia Heights Coffee. And don’t forget we still have Meridian Pint coming as well. Beautiful.
Well, I didn’t see Maureen Bunyan this time but I did see lots of folks having a great time at the show. Bloombars of course is the great new spot on 11th Street next to Wonderland that bills itself as an underground “spontaneous” scene for art and music. It is arguably the coolest new development in the entire city. Despite opening an hour late, a quick power outage and an annoying fire alarm blaring across the street the evening had the same great vibe as the previous performances. There is a wonderful diversity among the crowd and the music of course is terrific. I unfortunately only caught the opening act before having to leave. Did anyone catch the headliners? How was your experience?
Headliners Kissey Asplund (center) and Shantell Martin (right) (more…)
Wow, they already planted trees in the triangle (future) park at 14th and Park. I only hope the construction doesn’t negatively impact Julia’s Empanadas business. (more…)
Remember the super cool new addition to 11th Street? Bloombars located at 3222 11th Street (next to Wonderland) gave us a taste of sweetness before closing their doors. Well, if you missed it last time be sure to catch them this time. It is free (donations accepted) and there is a super cool vibe. You can read about last time here. And if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of famed WJLA anchor Maureen Bunyan.
Bloombars describes the featured singers:
“Kissey Asplund Profile:
Crowned an electro-soul funk queen by legendary BBC RadioOne DJ Giles Peterson, Kissey was one of just 20 of his 2008 WorldwideWinners. Since the release of her debut album, Plethora, this native of Sweden with Caribbean roots has been on an odyssey to funkafy the globe with her soulful vocals over a plethora of futuristic funky beats created by some of the hottest producer/DJs in Europe and the US. At her first Washington, DC appearance, Kissey is poised to continue her early bloom at the appropriately named BloomBars.
myspace.com/kisseyasplund
Shantell Martin Profile:
With Jamaican roots, Shantell Martin based herself in Tokyo a few years ago, where she found her art and illustration transcended the luminous light from a projector, the energy of live music, and what appears to be an interpretation of a musician’s aura on a screen serving as the stage backdrop. The result pushes the boundaries of live art as the audience is treated to not only the performance onstage, but the creation of performance art like nothing you’ve ever experienced.
shantellmartin.com”
It seems like ages since the beautification projects at 14th and Park have supposed to get started. Mayor Fenty had a press conference this morning and sent out the following press release. Do you think they’ll actually stick to this timetable? A public park and fountain does sound pretty sweet though, yeah?
“News Release for Immediate Release
July 16, 2008
Fenty Announces Implementation of Columbia Heights Public Realm Plan
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and city officials unveiled a plan to begin
preliminary work on the Columbia Heights Public Realm plan. The project,
developed by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), represents a
culmination of several years of community meetings that centered on a
framework of landscape and transportation improvements in public areas
surrounding recent neighborhood development. The plan will focus on
coordinating high-quality improvements to foster a unified community
identity for Columbia Heights.
We are extremely excited to finally begin work in Columbia Heights, said
Mayor Fenty. We recognize the vast amount of time the community has
invested in this project and we look forward to implementing the public
realm plan and our continued partnership with the community.
The project will be rolled out in two phases. Phase One will focus on the
area surrounding the intersection of 14th Street and Park Road, NW. The
centerpiece of Phase one involves the completion of a public park featuring
a unique fountain and public gathering venue. (PoP’s emphasis) The plan also calls for
reconstruction and paving of roads and sidewalks, and the installation of
new lighting and street furniture. Phase two of the project will focus on
infrastructure and streetscape improvements on 14th Street, NW between
Columbia Road and Newton Street, NW. Release continues after the jump. (more…)
I’m digging these photos of typical streets in our neighborhoods. This one of course is looking west towards the greatest church in the city on 13th St. seen in the background. If you see nice street scenes please email me a photo. While I’m soliciting photos, I’m still interested in receiving photos of any renovations, decks, gardens or anything else that you are particularly proud of. Send photos to [email protected]