Downtown
1071 H Street, NW
Though this rarely happens – a store is opening earlier than expected! The Allen Edmonds shoe store coming next to the already open Tumi luggage store opens tomorrow. Hours will be M-Sat 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-6pm.
1350 I Street, NW
“Dear PoPville,
Tuscana West closed abruptly last week. Sign on door says they weren’t able to renew their lease…”
Last Wed. they wrote on their Facebook page:
“It has been 20 excellent years, but we will be closing our doors for the last time tonight. We appreciate each and every one of you for dining, laughing, drinking, and celebrating with us over the years! It has truly been a pleasure serving you. Please join us this evening as we bid a final farewell to Tuscana West.”
On Feb. 6th they wrote:
“We would like to sincerely thank you, our patrons and friends, for your continued support. It was truly our pleasure to serve you all for so many great events, lunches, dinners and happy hours.
It’s been fun–we really appreciate your patronage!
Please visit us in our sister restaurants,
RISTORANTE PICCOLO in Historic Georgetown (202.342.7414) and
our newest restaurant, right around the corner on K Street between 15th & 16th Streets, CATCH 15 Restaurant + Oyster Bar (202.969.2858).
Both are open for Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner and Weekend Brunch
PLEASE COME AND VISIT US!
Providing the same top-notch, friendly and professional service that is our trademark”
Tuscana West was located across from Franklin Square and near the coming soon Toro Toro from Chef Richard Sandoval:
We knew it was coming but it’s finally official – Washington Business Journal reports the raze permit was issued Friday and:
“The District issued a permit to ICG 16th Street Associates to construct a nine-story office building at 16th and Eye streets NW.”
As of Saturday a crane was already in place. Though there were some admirers and many detractors – it’s time to say goodbye.
|
Rendering via STUDIOS + Freelon
From a press release:
“The DC Public Library has received preliminary design ideas for the historic renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
The design ideas are now displayed at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, in neighborhood libraries and on the library’s website. In addition, teams will present their design ideas and approach at a public meeting on Sat., Feb. 15.
In December, the Library selected Mecanoo/Martinez + Johnson Architecture; Patkau Architects/Ayers Saint Gross with Krueck +Sexton; and STUDIOS Architecture/The Freelon Group as the final three architect teams. These finalists have developed two preliminary design ideas: one of a stand-alone library and one of a mixed-use building with additional floors. Both design ideas are intended to show each team’s vision and approach to renovating the central library.
No decisions have been made on the type or extent of the renovations or additions to the library.”
You can see some renderings here.
Streets of Washington, written by John DeFerrari, covers some of DC’s most interesting buildings and history. John is the author of Historic Restaurants of Washington, D.C.: Capital Eats, published by the History Press, Inc. and also the author of Lost Washington DC.
The Ambassador Hotel, located on the southwest corner of 14th and K Streets NW across from Franklin Square, was a showcase of modern amenities and conveniences when it opened in September 1929. It was the work of successful developer Morris Cafritz (1890-1964), who lived at the hotel for a number of years and had his offices there. An important and distinctive DC landmark, the Ambassador nevertheless didn’t aim for the heights of refinement and elegance embodied in, say, the Willard or the Mayflower. Instead it was designed for the common man, advertising itself as the “stopping place of experienced travelers.”
An early postcard view of the Ambassador. Adjoining buildings are not shown. (Author’s collection).
Born in Russia, Cafritz arrived in the U.S. as a child. His father eked out a living running a small neighborhood grocery store off of North Capitol Street. As a young man, Cafritz tried his hand at a variety of early businesses—he ran a coal company, then a saloon on 8th Street SE. He set up chairs in an empty lot and showed silent movies. He opened a bowling alley in the old Center Market, then added several more, until they called him Washington’s Bowling King. Like many businessmen of his era, his early retail successes led him to move into real estate, and it was as a speculative developer that he had his greatest success. (more…)
I always love passing this door on 10th St, NW just south of Mass. Ave.
13th and K Street, NW
From a press release:
“Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced the selection of the team of Institute for Contemporary Expression and EastBanc Inc. (ICE-DC) to rehabilitate and reuse the historic Franklin School, located in Downtown D.C. in Ward 2. The proposed development will bring an exciting new cultural use unlike any other in the District to a building of great historic and architectural significance that has sat fallow for too long.
“Franklin School is a historic treasure, and we are excited to have a team that will preserve its character while also creating an innovative, cultural experience for the surrounding community and the District as a whole,” said Mayor Gray. “It will complement and enhance the District’s already vibrant cultural offerings.”
ICE-DC will restore the building’s exterior and original interior details, while transforming the rehabilitated building into exhibit space for contemporary art, sculpture, installations and performances. The proposed development also includes adult and student art education programs, a new restaurant and café, and an arts bookstore. Further, ICE-DC plans to work closely with the National Park Service (NPS) and the District to integrate art and to coordinate educational programs and events in the redesigned Franklin Square Park. The team demonstrates the skills and experience to successfully lead the rehabilitation and reuse of the Franklin School, and offers learning and training opportunities for District residents interested in contemporary art, curatorial practice and culinary art. (more…)
733 10th St, NW
Ed. Note: 733 10th St, NW was originally planned to be a pizzeria.
From a press release:
“Jamestown, a leading national real estate acquisition and management firm, announced today that the Japanese eatery Umaya has signed a ten-year lease to occupy the restaurant space at its Class A mixed-use commercial building at 733 10th Street, NW. Located in the heart of downtown’s East End, the new energetic restaurant concept will move into the 3,946-square-foot, street-level space by early February with a slated grand opening set for July 4, 2014. Umaya is from the owners of the popular DC venue Café Asia.
Umaya is a contemporary Japanese izakaya restaurant that promises to delight diners with a unique menu and lively ambiance. From the freshest sushi and maki rolls, to trendy Japanese street food favorites such as ramen, ishiyaki (hot stone) grilled skewers, andizakaya style small plates, to traditional Japanese fine-dining cuisine; Umaya’s offerings plan to marvel any palate. Patrons can sip on a handcrafted cocktail by one of the talented mixologists, or explore the sophisticated sake and wine list to compliment their meal. The exotic décor and live DJs spinning soothing house music will complete the experience. From furnishings to fare, Umaya will envelope visitors into its enchanting sanctuary.
Umaya’s restaurant group enlisted Grupo 7 Architecture + Interiors to assist in the new restaurant’s design and build-out. Co-brokers Nick Page with Streetsense Retail Advisors and Adam Schindler with Serten Retail advisors represented Umaya in the deal.”
1133 Connecticut Avenue, NW
From the Washington Business Journal:
“Fashion retailer H&M will take over the 28,000-square-foot store at 1133 Connecticut Ave. NW.”
Filene’s in Friendship Heights became a T.J. Maxx and the one in the National Press building became a Marshalls.