LeDroit Park

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Ledroit Park

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at Rhode Island Ave, NW at 3rd Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Exquisitely designed and maintained 1914 historic Georgian row house in Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park. Completely and thoughtfully renovated throughout – original molding and gorgeous hardwood floors, new kitchen with 42″ solid wood cabinets, baltic brown granite and stainless steel appliances. 3 bedrooms with 2 ½ baths, including a master bedroom w/in-suite bathroom featuring soaker/Jacuzzi whirlpool. So many upgrades I can’t mention them all here. This house has a patio in the front and a very private fenced deck off the back – perfect for a BBQ, lounging outdoors and/or cocktail party. Full size LG Tromm front loading stackable washer and dryer. New triple pane windows, efficient gas boiler and radiator heating. Central air conditioning and security system make this the perfect DC pad.

Great central location to all major DC entertainment venues including easy walk to Logan Circle and U Street Corridor and a 15 minute walk to Georgetown Law Center, Chinatown & Convention Center. *BIGGEST PLUS POINT* just 3 blocks to Green Line Metro (Shaw), G2 and 1/2 dozen other bus lines in front of the door. Incredible value at just $3100.00 plus 2/3 utilities (split with English basement unit). Landlord pays cost of security system. I would consider negotiating a discount for multi-year (2 or more) lease agreement. AVAILABLE 11/15/2010 – possibly as soon as 11/5/2010.”

I don’t often feature whole houses for rent but since I often walk by this one, I was intrigued. Does $3100 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/2.5 bath home?

Judging Restaurants – Ken’s Carry Out

By Prince Of Petworth

Ken’s is located at 400 Florida Ave NW. I have to be honest, last weekend was the first time I walked by and saw the doors open. I always thought they were closed and in my mind were just the place with the cool mural. This place is obviously a take-away place rather than super fine dining in a proper restaurant but when I went inside to look around a patron said they had great sandwiches and breakfasts. So I’ll throw it out to you guys – how’s the food? Any must order items?

Ed. Note: BACA noted it was for sale back in August for $249k.

Renovation News: 576 Florida Ave, NW Getting Completely Gutted

By Prince Of Petworth

Here’s the building in Ledroit Park (former home of One Drop Records) that a few folks have mentioned in the comments of previous posts. It is getting a serious renovation. According to the permit, it is owned by Howard University and will be retail space. Though there is still a sign saying it is for sale:

Anyone heard any rumors? A few more photos after the jump including some random bathtubs. (more…)

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Ledroit Park

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at Florida Ave NW at 5th St. NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“A renovated basement studio for rent in the middle of it all w/parking! 468 square feet. Available now. A 6 minute walk (2.5 blocks) from Shaw Metro (Green Line). Walking to U St. corridor. New paint, new stove, ceramic tile floors, microwave, full size refrigerator, washer/dryer, central air/heat. $900 a month, with parking, plus utilities. Water and hot water is included. All other utilities (AC, heat, electricity, phone, internet) is the tenant’s responsibility. While the unit is on Florida Ave, entrance is from the rear.

1 year lease. 1 month security deposit, No pets.”

Does $900 sound reasonable for this studio?

Old Gage-Eckington School Park Breaks Ground in LeDroit Park Wed. Morning

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending in some photos. From a press release:

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Valerie Santos and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Jesús Aguirre joined the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Ward 1 residents to break ground on a new public park at 2025 3rd Street, NW.

“The design and creation of this park is a true collaboration between the District and dedicated community members like those of the LeDroit Park Civic Association,” said Mayor Fenty. “This park is a fantastic example of how we can all work together to create open recreational spaces that truly serve the surrounding community.”

“This park will be a great addition to the already rich history of the LeDroit Park community,” said Deputy Mayor Santos. “The activity that will be generated in this dynamic green space will join the great work being done by the staff and volunteers of the Common Good City Farm at this space since the Fall of 2008.”

When completed in January 2011, the $1.5 million, 112, 000 square foot park will boast the following:

o Multi-use playing field
o Dog park
o Children’s garden
o Jogging and walking path
o Rain garden and botanical plazas
o Playground areas for ages 3-6, 7-12
o Garden plots

The site was once home to the Gage-Eckington Elementary School which was closed in 2008. The District worked with the community since that time to determine a positive re-use of the land. DMPED contributed $1.5 million towards the park and awarded an additional $100,000 grant to the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Common Good Farm for the creation and maintenance of the community garden on-site.

H St, NE News – Fruit Bat Opens – Naby’s Closes

By Prince Of Petworth

Fruit Bat is the new bar from the folks behind Wisdom located at 1236 H St, NE between the Pug and Granville Moore’s. Anyone have a chance to check the spot out yet?

And for those keeping track of my scuttlebutt…

And I was surprised to see bags over the windows at Naby’s Island Restaurant located at 1128 H Street, NE. Anyone know if they’ve closed for good or are just getting renovated? They got great reviews when we discussed the best Jamaican spots in town.

Disturbing Robbery of Howard Univ. Students at their Home

By Prince Of Petworth


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Myfoxdc reports:

It started with a knock at the door in the middle of the day on Elm Street in Northwest. The two students answered and came face to face with two armed robbers. One had a gun and the other had a taser.

“The suspects had a taser with them and they tasered both the occupants in the premises,” said Inspector Angel Medina of D.C. Police.

Police say the suspects stole laptops, cell phones, shoes and $4,000 in cash stashed in a shoebox in the middle of the living room floor.

This is disturbing on many many levels. Getting tasered. Being robbed at home, etc. But let me throw a PoP PSA out there, and I’m not being glib or insensitive, I’m being completely serious – never keep thousands of dollars of cash in your house. Ever.

Reader Reports: Ledroit Park Market Robbed

By Prince Of Petworth

Ledroit Park Market is located at 1901 4th St NW (just north of T St.) Back in July ’07 they caught a robbery on video. For those of us who loathe bullet proof glass at corner markets, sadly, it becomes a bit more understandable after multiple robberies. Of course I hope they are able to remain without bullet proof glass.

A reader writes:

“Ledroit Park Market was robbed again I think. Cops are currently at the store.”

More info when it becomes available.

Update: A reader sends in the photo above and another reader sends a police report from 4:42pm:

“Robbery in the 1900blk of 4th St. NW B/M 5’ 6” to 5’ 7”, beard, wearing a green shirt, white sunglasses, dark colored hat, blue jeans with black shoes.”


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A bit More Info on 410 Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

We actually judged the back of this rowhouse after a reader sent in a photo back in April. I recently got an email from the owners who share some info:

“Our building – that we recently renovated (to 95% or so complete) – is very near there and I’ve attached a photo of the rear of the building – which is through the alley (off 4th street). The metal pipe structure is scheduled to have hops growing on them sometime soon.”

Turns out they are architectural firm – Wiebenson & Dorman Architects PC and you can see a bit of the inside here.

6 Hundred Lounge Coming Soon? O Street Market to Break Ground in Sept?

By Prince Of Petworth

I can’t remember if I’ve ever noticed this before but at 600 Florida Ave, NW there is a coming soon sign for ‘6 Hundred Restaurant Bar Lounge’. I don’t think I’ve seen an alcohol application for this property but I’ll keep my eyes peeled. I think it would be nice to see this section of Florida Ave, NW to get some more life.

And WBJ’s Michael Neibauer reports (subscription only) that the long delayed O St. Market in Shaw will break ground in Sept. You can see a rendering here. Knock wood, knock wood.

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