425 I Street, NW
Getting closer to some Italian eats in Mt. Vernon Square. Back in July we learned that Alba Osteria would be a:
“New upscale restaurant specializing in authentic Italian dishes. Live entertainment for weekend brunch and occasional special events. Seating capacity is 155. Total occupancy load is 226. Sidewalk Café with seating for 128 patrons”
This rental is located at 437 New York Avenue Northwest:
The listing says:
“Renovated & Ready for the tenant to enjoy! RARE CORNER UNIT AT YALE w/balcony! Spacious 2 BR + 2 FULL BATHS on over appox 1,150 sq/ft! Gourmet Kitchen w/Maple Cabinetry & Granite* Bright & Open w/Walls of Windows* 2 walk-ins. Community amenities include rooftop pool, exercise area, billiards/lounge area, gorgeous modern lobby, on-site management & more! 1-Car Garage! Must See!”
You can see more photos here.
This 2 bed/ 2 bath is going for $3,300/Mo.
433 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Back in July I shared some scuttlebutt that a Le Pain Quotidien would be coming to the little building at 433 Massachusetts Ave, NW. They’re now hiring:
Also pretty awesome renovation – here’s how it looked in 2009:
“Dear PoPville,
Did you know that DDOT made some traffic calming changes at the 4th and Mass intersection in response to the recent accidents/pedestrian death that occurred there? The changes have hosed up Mass Ave in both directions causing traffic to back up. Basically, westbound when the light changes green at H St the Light at 4th turns red and only 6-8 cars can advance. Of course people then block the box for H Street Traffic. A similar situation occurs east bound.
Now when I get on the circulator at NJ and Mass it is now common for the bus to sit thru 3-4 light cycles to get past 4th street. Not sure if you want to do a blog on this but just thought I’d let you know. I’m all for pedestrian safety as I walk a lot but this does not seem to be the answer.”
Earlier in the week DDOTDC tweeted:
“UPDATE: We are assessing the intersections of Mass Ave, H and 4th Sts for options to improve the synchronizing of the signals there.”
5th and M Street, NW
The Washington Post reported:
“Each time, police said, a masked robber put a gun to the clerk’s head and took money and alcohol. The first robbery occurred about 10:30 p.m. Thursday. The second happened about 10:25 a.m. Friday.”
This is the former home of Good Libations. One reader notes:
“The store only opened up 10 days ago. The old store had bulletproof glass on the counter, but the new one does not.”
476 K Street, NW
Thanks to @eliglazier for tweeting us the photo above, he writes:
“Cloakroom sign going up at 476 K. Still not sure what that is.”
Back in July we learned Cloakroom would be:
“Washington DC’s New Standard In Adult Entertainment”
2nd/Massachusetts Ave, NW
A reader sends word of an email regarding the growing safety concerns in Cobb Park:
“There’s an emergency meeting Monday at 7:00 pm between the Department of Parks and Recreations, MPD, elected officials, local residents and businesses, and other city officials to discuss the issue. We’ll meet at 7:00 pm in front of the Sonata, at 301 Mass Ave, do a short walk-through of the park and then proceed to the Sonata rooftop to discuss the issue.”
And from the Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association:
“Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association invites residents to discuss the safety/security/sanitation issues surrounding Cobb Park TONIGHT Monday, August 19th.
Mayor’s Office, DC Council, MPD, ANCs, local residents, MVTCID, and city agencies such as DPR, DMH, DHS, and APRA are scheduled to attend.
Date: Monday, August 19th
Time: 7:00pm walk park – meet at 301 Mass lobby
7:15pm meeting – on roof at 301 Mass (rain location at
MVT CID office at 901 4th St NW)”
Thanks to a reader for sending this new one from 7th and L Street, NW.
Last week we learned about the one removed from Adams Morgan and the one removed from the former Arthur Treacher’s.
Dysfunction Junction chronicles the most forlorn, baffling, and wonderful crossroads of our fair city. The column is written by Ben Ball, a transportation nerd in his spare time. He lives in LeDroit Park.
Since I clearly botched the last edition by stepping out of my normal milieu, this time I’m going to stick to a far more familiar intersection in the hopes that the lesser deities of blogdom will be appeased [fat chance, I know]. I’ll start off by saying that Mount Vernon Square is actually really nice. I love the Carnegie Library building, and on a warm summer’s day the surrounding green space can be a nice place to hang out. Every time I walk by, I wish that the DC Public Library would stop trying to save that crumbling Van Der Rohe box and instead reclaim its rightful place in this stately marble temple.
Traffic-wise, one could make the point that Mount Vernon Square is just a wanna-be traffic circle, particularly for those who are trying to get through on Massachusetts Avenue. Heading southeast on Massachusetts during rush hour usually means a long line of cars stretching back to Thomas Circle – a function of congestion and a narrow window for right turns onto 9th Street. I’m very pro-streetcar, but I worry that the Georgetown extension’s probable route through the square will add an unwelcome x-factor to vehicle traffic if it isn’t done right.
This rental is located at 555 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest:
The listing says:
“Efficiency unit located at 555 Mass Ave NW. Kitchen has granite counters and gas cooking. Washer/Dryer in unit. Close to 2 Metros, shopping, restaurants & more! High end building with fitness center, rooftop pool, 24 hour front desk, party room. Please no pets & no smokers. $45 application fee”
You can see more photos here.
This efficiency is going for $1,800/Mo.