Logan Circle

Dear PoPville – Where Do the Valets Park the Cars?

By Prince Of Petworth

Le Diplomat Parking

“Dear PoPville,

Where is Le Diplomat parking all of the cars they valet? The can’t even find reasonable parking for their delivery trucks and frequently block the driveway behind the restaurant (see Pic above).

I’ve noticed a large decrease in parking in the neighborhood since they have opened. What are the rules for valet companies? Do they need to have designated parking to run a valet stand or is it typical for them to use on street parking?

On a side note (and I can’t prove it) I’ve seen an increase in orange cones in parking spaces in the evening where no construction or maintenance is being performed (coincidence?).”

Developer Responds to Concerns and Clarifies Plans for 11th and Rhode Island Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

diamond_cab_development_logan
11th and Rhode Island Ave, NW

“Dear PoPville,

While we usually try to stay out of the blogosphere commentary, I felt compelled to simply clarify the facts and circumstances of our project and the vision we are trying to execute.  Also, I would like everyone reading to understand that we are local residents and tenants as well.  The majority of our team (including the owners) live within blocks of this site and our corporate offices are located literally across the street.  We have completed 3 projects in the neighborhood in the last 2 years and fully embrace and appreciate the balance of great design, appropriate scale and community impacts – which I believe our previous approval processes represent well – we always attempt to garner as much neighborhood feedback as possible.  The bottom line is that in these relatively tight urban sites, the 50 year old zoning regulations are not always contemplative (that would be impossible) of every possible building design or scope that makes a project both physically and financially viable.  And while I wish our requested variances were giving us some sort of financial windfall, they are not.  We are simply trying to develop a high–quality neighborhood asset that is financially viable and works within the unique site constraints, shape and environmental issues that exist there today.
REQUEST:  WE INVITE ALL SUPPORTERS OF THIS DEVELOPMENT TO PLEASE JOIN US AT THE ANC PRESENTATION.  TONIGHT AT 7PM.
Below is a summary of the questions looming by the community, which hopefully at least provide some factual clarification as to our plans: (more…)

Dear PoPville – Diamond Cab Building to be Redeveloped in Logan Circle?

By Prince Of Petworth

diamond_cab_development_logan
11th and Rhode Island Ave, NW

“Dear PoPville,

The building is slated to be built literally in my backyard on the east side of Logan Circle. My neighbors and I are all very receptive to the development — any neighbor will be better than Diamond Cab — but it seems like every zoning variance the developer is requesting is simply to make more money and increase density, squeezing an extra 10% – 20% of space and efficiency at the loss of neighborhood parking, permeable ground cover, etc.

Zoning regulations exist for a reason, and neighbors have come to a consensus that they should enforced.

There are also environmental concerns related to the developer’s desire to not fully remediate the contaminated soils here (the site has had ~9 underground tanks on it over the years). The developer basically says that it would be an undue burden to remove these soils, and the deeper they dig, the more contamination they expect to find. It seems to me that the if a developer knows they’re purchasing a contaminated site, then they really ought to plan to clean it up, especially if they’re planning on creating below-grade residences. The local ANC and DC agencies should look out for the public good in making sure a structure than may stand for 5 or more decades is not built on soil that is known to contain volatile gasoline and diesel residues.

This event / hearing is on Wednesday night at 7pm at the Washington Plaza and we’d encourage all interested neighbors and community members to attend.”

From momsinlogancircle:

I wanted to let fellow neighbors and parents know about plans to develop the Diamond Cab property on the corner of 11th and Rhode Island Ave. The developer, CAS Riegler, is proposing to build a 4+ story building with 40-50 condo units. They are requesting an area variance for 13 parking spaces as opposed to the 20-25 that are legally required, which will make parking extremely difficult in that vicinity. In addition, the building will have 2 retail stores adding to the parking burden. There are additional area variances and special exceptions the developer is requesting.

If you are concerned about parking in Logan and the precedence this will set for other developments in the area please attend the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2F, Community Development Committee (CDC) Meeting on Wednesday, September 25 at 7PM at the Washington Plaza Hotel (10 Thomas Circle).

Rendering of proposed bldg at 1101 Rhode Island

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

1437 Rhode Island Avenue Northwest

This rental is located at 1437 Rhode Island Avenue, Northwest:

logan_circle_rental

The listing says:

“Spacious and sunny 2BR/2BA plus den on 2 levels. Open concept living areas w/ ebonized wood floors, high ceilings, large windows, and contemporary kitchen w/ new stainless appliances. Upper level includes den/office and large master bedroom w/ walk-in closet. W/D in unit. Extra storage. Great location just steps to a plethora of new restaurants and shopping on 14th Street. Housing vouchers welcome”

You can see more photos here.

This 2 bed/2 bath is going for $3,350/Mo.

MPD Issues a Statement About Last Night’s Shots Fired in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

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From MPD:

“On September 18, 2013 at 7:22PM, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department, Third District responded to the 1700 block of 13th Street, NW after patrol units in the area heard the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered two vehicles has received damage as a result of the gunshots. There were no injuries reported. Additionally, a weapon was recovered on scene.

In response, additional plain clothes officers deployed to the area and uniformed officers increasing their patrols on foot, bicycle, segway and cars to bolster visible police presence in the area.

The Third District Detective’s Office is investigating this incident. We are seeking anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information is asked to call the Third District Detective’s Office at (202) 671-6611.”

Ed. Note: You can see previous coverage and photos of the shots fired in Logan Circle here, here and here.

Photos of Bullets Smashing a Windshield and Hitting a Tree in Logan Circle Last Night

By Prince Of Petworth

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13th Street, NW between R and Riggs

Last night numerous readers reported multiple shots fired around 7:15pm in the vicinity of 13th and R Street, NW. Strangely MPD has not yet confirmed this incident. A reader sends these photos of a bullet smashing through a windshield then grazing a tree.

The reader has left their name with MPD but has not been called despite leaving a brief statement with an officer last night.

More info if/when it becomes available.

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Two more photos after the jump. (more…)

New Coffee Shop (and Cocktails) “with a focus on elevated service” Coming to Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

logan_circle_coffee
1333 14th Street, NW

Well this could be awesome. Owners, Ryan Fleming and Miranda Mirabella, share a few details about the new shop in an email:

“Located in the Fathom Creative building at 1333 14th Street NW

– Innovative new coffee shop with a focus on elevated service
– Plan to complement coffee with cocktail offering in the evening based on the same service-focused approach
– Active community involvement and charity will be core to the business

The Shop will be located in the front of the street-level floor and Fathom will remain in the rear.”

If all goes well they plan on opening in early 2014. Stay tuned for more info in the next few weeks. The shop will be located between Churchkey/Birch&Barley and Monarch Novelties just south of Rhode Island Ave:

logan_coffee_14th_street

Readers Report Multiple Shots Fired in Logan Circle around 7:15pm

By Prince Of Petworth

logan_circle_shooting

Readers are reporting on twitter @PoPville that there were multiple shots fired tonight around 13th and R St, NW. Some say it may have been a drive by. Some say they heard 8-10 shots. Readers report hearing shots from as far away as 17th Street.

More info when it becomes available.

@Sara422 reports:

“Likely car to car, 13th and R. All blocked now. Large and fast police presence….”

@mcbyrne reports 13th and T Street closed and “cops have whole block of 13 and r shutdown” to S Street.

@eagrazioli reports the shots were fired on R Street close to 13th.

@rkendr3 reports:

“I live on Logan Circle. I definitely heard 7 shots fired at 7:22pm. 3 shots then 1 sec pause then 4 more.”

@thomassanchez reports:

“It was very close to the school. [Garrison Elementary] I just saw shells within 1/2 block from the early childhood section of the school”

Ed. Note: On Sept. 12th there was a shooting on the 1300 block of Riggs Street, NW.

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