Logan Circle

Dear PoPville – Is a Fiat Dealership Coming to Logan Circle?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I was riding my bike to work today and noticed a sign for Fiat of Alexandria in the old Mar de Plata space on 14th street south of P St. Any idea if we’re getting an outpost of the dealership? That would be kind of cool. Those are some seriously small cars, but I guess they’re perfect for city living.”

Mar de Plata closed their location at 1410 14th Street, NW back in May ’09. This space has been vacant since. Unfortunately a Fiat dealership is not coming to the space. I spoke to the number advertised on the Fiat banner and it turns out Mr. Lee’s family owns the building. He flirted with the idea of opening a Fiat marketing office in the space but since he would not be permitted to offer test drives it is not likely going to happen. The sign in the window is simply an advertisement for the Alexandria location, where he is a dealer.

Though no prospective tenants are in negotiations, I gotta think this prime location won’t sit vacant for too many more years.

Logan House Renovation Part 3

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo via Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

“Dear PoPville,

The house at 4 Logan Circle (John Logan House) was documented in 1973 as being in a “dilapidated condition” (you think?) for the Historic American Buildings Survey. (picture from Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Not too long after that, part of the house on this side (13th St), collapsed into the street.”

At the end of last week took a look at this great reno and in addition to the cool history above – I got some details on the plans for the building. According to listing agent Michele Topel from TTR Sotheby’s International Realty:

“There will be four two bedroom condominiums, between about 1500-1700 sq ft with high end finishes, outdoor space and parking. They will initially be offered as rentals at prices around $5000-$5800 per month and we are just waiting for occupancy permits to begin tours of the property, which we hope to have in 30 days.”

I asked Michele when she thought the properties might be sold and she replied 3-5 years. I’m def. looking forward to seeing what the inside looks like but in the meantime you can see the floor plans here:

Logan_Circle_Floor_Plans

And more history here:

Logan_House_History


Photo courtesy of Michele Topel, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Dear PoPville – Pulp has been saved on 14th Street!

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Today (Sunday, 16 October) some friends and I went into PULP and saw this sign on the the front door, offering great news:

“It’s a ‘Miracle on 14th Street’! Thank you for all your good energy! We’re staying open under new local ownership. Stay tuned for details!”

We talked to a staffer who said a local private investor came through at the last minute — just Saturday morning!– and bought the shop which saved it from closing.

Hooray! This is one of the best stocked independent shops in the city with friendly and helpful staff and a pioneer of the renaissance of 14th Street. (Just have a look at the before-and-after photo of the shop’s site in the photo behind the counter.)”

Pulp is located on 14th St just north of S St at 1803 14th Street NW. Thanks to all who sent emails about this.

PoP Pig Patrol – The Pig Applies for a Liquor License

By Prince Of Petworth

We learned back in Aug. that The Pig is coming to 1320 14t St NW in Logan Circle. I was glad to see they’ve already applied for a liquor license.

“The pig will be a pork centric, “Nose to Tail” and “Farm to Table” restaurant, showcasing Eatwell DC’s own farm in La Plata MD, EatWell Natural Farm, and local pork producers, Dorsey Meats in Woodsboro, MD. We will also feature craft cocktails, American Beers and Wines from eco-conscious producers as well as small batch bourbons.”

It should open in Spring 2012.

Batch 13 Liquor Store Coming to Former Dogs by Day Space in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

Ever since we learned Dogs by Day would be moving from 1724 14th St, NW in Aug. ’10 (they’ve since become Planet Pet) I’ve been wondering who will move into this prime space. A new liquor license application reveals it will be a new liquor store (with a tasting permit) called Batch 13.

No word yet on a new tenant for the prime vacant space next door that used to house Green Pets. Stay tuned.

Pulp Closing at 14th and S St, NW in November

By Prince Of Petworth


1800 block of 14th St, NW in 2008

“Dear PoPville,

The cashier at Pulp informed me last weekend that they were closing the store by Thanksgiving. He said that they had tried to find a buyer but they were not able to.

If this is true it would be yet another store closing on 14th St. I think that unless you have a liquor license (or sell overpriced furniture), you won’t be able to afford the rent.”

Most recently we we spoke about 1409 Playbill Cafe closing at the end of the month.

Pulp is located on 14th St just north of S St at 1803 14th Street NW. Just reading ‘meet the staff’ will give a good indication of how unique this place was.

At the end of the day I also think it is important to take a step back and see that today, there is still a pretty unique mix of retail on the 14th St strip with newly added Current Boutique as well as other clothing stores like Universal Gear, Redeem, Rue 14 and others plus all the diverse retail on nearby U Street. Though I do admit this is only for today and clearly this is a decent indication of what the strip may look like tomorrow.

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