Photo from twitter user @MeisnereCMP.

Thanks to a reader for sending this tweet of a – if you don’t laugh you’ll cry – photo of an out of service Dupont South metro escalator which reopened over the weekend after being closed for repairs for 8 months.

Update from WMATA:

“I just wanted to mention that there is nothing wrong with the new escalators. There was an active fire alarm in the station. That, by design, causes the escalators to turn off. Techs resetting now. (There was no fire.) I should mention that the system stops the down escalators — any escalator already ascending continues to operate. This is a safety feature that is designed to maximize egress in the event of an emergency. ”



1616 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

From CSIS’s website:

Upon completion in 2013, the new building will be a destination for global dialogue and a touchstone for CSIS’s mission to make the world a better, safer place.

We have ambitious plans for our new home. Behind the striking stone and glass façade, we foresee a world-class, two-story conference space; multiple visitor and staff meeting rooms; modern, flexible office space to support our growing staff; and state-of-the-art electronics and audiovisual facilities. The building’s design and construction will be guided by the latest green principles as we seek a LEED Platinum Certification.

Looking forward to seeing how closely it will resemble the rendering:


From WMATA:

Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles joined local officials today to cut the ribbon on three new “transit-grade” escalators at Dupont Circle’s south entrance, marking the completion of an 8 ½-month project to improve reliability and safety for customers using the station.

Completed on time and on budget, the replacement project was necessary because the three escalators formerly serving the south entrance were among the least reliable in the Metrorail system. The original manufacturer had gone out of business and the units were “non-standard,” thereby making it nearly impossible to find replacement parts to keep them in service.

Now that these escalators are fixed which others would you nominate as among the “least reliable in the Metrorail system”?


From WMATA:

Metro officials to cut ribbon on new Dupont Circle escalators, reopen south entrance this Sunday

On Sunday, Metro officials will cut the ribbon on three new “transit-grade” escalators at Dupont Circle’s south entrance, marking the completion of an 8 ½ month project to improve reliability and safety for customers using the station.

WHERE
Dupont Circle Station south entrance
19th Street NW near Dupont Circle

WHEN
Sunday, October 21 at noon


This rental is located at 1718 P Street, NW:


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The listing says:

“Did you ever want to live in Dupont Circle? Now you can! Stylish studio with hardwood floors, lots of closet space, and full size kitchen in building with great amenities and a balcony too! All utilities included! Metro(red line) just two blocks away, steps to restaurants and nightlife.”

This studio is going for $1,795/Mo.



1 Dupont Circle NW

From an email:

Ping Pong Dim Sum is thrilled to announce its new seasonal inspired menu for this fall and winter. Set to launch on Thursday, October 25, Ping Pong is heating it up, and beefing it up, with fall flavors and ingredients like pumpkin, dates, smoked duck, hazelnut and cinnamon.

Dishes featured:

· Lamb & Date Claypot: tender lamb braised with Chinese dates, garlic and chili on a bed of steaming coconut jasmine rice

· Chicken & Noodles: braised chicken in a lemongrass, garlic, tamarind and Chinese wine broth with egg noodles, straw mushrooms, broccoli and chili

· Duck and Five Spice Dumpling: a triangular pumpkin pastry packed with slow-cooked duck, shallots, enoki mushrooms, orange zest and five spices

· Beef and Black Bean Puff: slices of beef, peppers and onion in a black bean sauce in Ping Pong’s famous puff pastry

· Mandarin and Citrus Spare Ribs: baked pork ribs with a sauce of plum and citrus tones

Desserts featured:

· Roasted Banana and Chocolate Spring Roll: dark chocolate and banana wrapped in a spring roll pastry served with butterscotch sauce

· Ping Pong Molten Chocolate Cake: molten chocolate cake topped with crispy wonton noodles and a side of green tea ice cream

Cocktails featured:

· Pineapple and Pumpkin Martini: pumpkin marmalade and pineapple juice gently shaken with vodka and just a hint of lime

· Lemon Verbena, Apple and Cinnamon Cocktail: rum, cinnamon liqueur and apple liqueur with lemon verbena and apple juice

· Passionfruit and Almond Cocktail: cognac and amaretto shaken with cardamom, almond and passionfruit juice

· Hazelnut Mojito: hazelnut liqueur and champagne with fresh mint and limes


900 7th Street, NW


This rental is located at 1715 Swann Street, NW:


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The listing says:

“HANDSOME 1 BEDROOM PLUS DEN IN DUPONT. OLD WORLD CHARM WITH SOME UPDATES. WOOD FLOORS, FIREPLACE, AND DEN. GALLEY KITCHEN, W/D IN UNIT. STREET PARKING, NO PETS. MUST USE CB APPLICATION IN DOC BOX. MOVE IN FEE SUBJECT TO CHANGE VIA CONFIRMATION WITH MGT COMPANY”

This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $2,300/Mo.



1317 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Dupont’s Jewish Deli is “wrapping up construction” at 1317 Connecticut Avenue, NW. The folks at DGS Delicatessen tell me that they are working on getting water service into the space (see photo above.) And while they couldn’t give me an exact opening date, on their facebook page they say – “We are trying our hardest to open the first week of November.”

And they got a new sign:

You can also still a sign for their namesake at 5th and Rhode Island Ave, NW in Shaw:



1730 M Street, NW

Back in May 2012 we learned that a new night club was coming to 1730 M Street, NW just east of Connecticut Ave. The night club will be called The Huxley – from a press release:

Owners Ryan Seelbach and Eric Lund proudly announce the opening of The Huxley, Washington’s newest premiere destination for the city’s most elite and sophisticated crowd. Scheduled to open in mid-November, this luxurious 4,600 square foot nightclub and event space will provide an unparalleled nightlife experience in DC. The venue has been designed from the ground up using the latest innovations from Las Vegas and New York City nightlife and bringing them to the nation’s capital.

Seelbach, former Manager of Business Operations of TAO Group in Las Vegas remarks: “We took over an old TV studio space. It is extremely rare in Washington hospitality to be given a blank canvas to design your dream venue. Often times, operators just slap on new finishes and new names to old restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Thanks to the strength of our management team and our investor group, we were able to build a completely new high-end hospitality venue in a very unique space that features high ceilings and an expansive ground level layout. The efficient design of our venue, coupled with a rigorous training program for our employees, will help us deliver true ‘Vegas-Style’ customer service. From how our doorman greets you at the entrance to how our bartenders and cocktail waitresses pour your champagne, it will be easy for you to see how much thought has gone into providing the very best customer service experience.”

“The Huxley will set a new standard for nightlife in this market with costumed performers, live musicians, celebrity DJs, and surprise entertainment,” says Lund, Washington’s top nightlife marketer. “At the end of the day, all clubs are selling the same alcohol products so the key is to provide value to patrons through a better overall experience. It’s all about ‘the show’ and it starts at the front door.”

THE VENUE

The Ballroom (200 person capacity) – A stunning seven-foot gold plated grand chandelier surrounded by smaller crystal chandeliers welcomes guests to The Ballroom of The Huxley. The rich red wall-coverings and mirrors aligned with purple velvet curtains mimic the striking floor-to-ceilings windows often found in traditional ballrooms. The elegant hardwood dance floor is encircled by banquette-style seating with leather-tufted cushions and an elevated dance platform behind each table. All 11 “bottle-service” tables have great sightlines to the raised DJ booth which is located in the middle of the room. The Ballroom is perfect for over-the-top birthday and bachelorette parties.

The Study (80 person capacity) – With the words of literary greats resting elegantly on the bookshelf, The Study is a cozy lounge featuring an old-world library – and immaculate coffered ceilings and dimly lit candle chandeliers. Six spacious and elevated table alcoves, each crowned with its own glass and copper pendant lighting fixture, surround the room providing guests a much more intimate experience. Dark wood beams and beige wall-coverings offer a sophisticated contrast to the plush reds, purples, and gold coloring of The Ballroom. The Study has its own DJ booth and independent sound system, and is ideal for smaller groups who want to enjoy specialty cocktails and listen to great music.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
The Huxley was designed by architects Brian Miller and Lauren Winter, an award-winning duo who have designed local venues such as The Gibson, Marvin, The Brixton and U Street Music Hall. The builder of this venue is Potomac Construction Services, whose portfolio includes DC hotspots Estadio, Proof, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and Black Jack.

HOURS
10pm-3am Friday and Saturday only
Available for private events Sunday through Thursday

ADMITTANCE

Admittance will be by guest list and table service only. Those who wish to request a reservation must send a text message with full name to 202-RESERVE (202-737-3783). The Huxley will maintain a strict dress code.


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