Mount Vernon Squangle

5th and K Street, NW Plaza Improves – Busboys & Poets Expands

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve looked at the big yellow sculpture in the plaza at the corner of 5th and K St, NW. I couldn’t help but notice it looks much nicer now that this bit of grass was added (it was always there but obviously the grass was dead when the sculpture first went up this past winter). I think it really softens up the plaza. A landscape gardener could probably make this patch even better.

Incidentally, I also noticed that Busboys & Poets had expanded into an additional storefront. Yet it still seems to be always crowded…

New space is the storefront to the right of the above photo (next to Taylor’s Gourmet Deli):

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Mt. Vernon Square

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at Ridge St, NW at 4th St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Lovely new contemporary construction with all the bells and whistles you could want:

1 bedroom plus large den/office/guest bedroom
1.5 bathrooms
Walls of windows
All hardwood floors
stunning fixtures
Corian counters
Top of the line Stainless Bosch Appliances
Soaring ceilings
Concrete construction
1100+ Sf
316 sf outdoor private terrace
offstreet parking available
award winning architecture

Super location just 2.5 blocks to Mt Vernon Sq/Convention Ctr Metro. 2.5 Blocks to new City Vista Complex- new Safeway, Busboys & Poets, Results Gym, drycleaners, Deli, and MORE. 10 min walk to Chinatown. 20 min walk to Union Station.”

Does $2395 sound reasonable for this 1 bed/1.5 bath?

MPD Reports Shooting at 1300 block of 7th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


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Just received the following alert from MPD at 2:17pm:

“3D is working a shooting in the 1300 block of 7th St NW. Anyone with information pls call the MPD on 202-727-9099 or text 50411.”

Yikes, near the convention center. More details as they become available.

News channel 8 reports:

“Police are searching for eight suspects after two people were wounded in a shooting at 7th and O streets NW Tuesday afternoon.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries, police said.”

Judging Restaurants – Henry’s

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve admired Henry’s signs before but have never properly judged the food. You may recall there are now two locations (pictured here) 1704 U St, NW and the newer one is at 317 K St, NW. Their Web site says:

“The Henry’s Soul Café, Home of the Sweet Potato Pie known for fine southern cooking has a family tradition that was originally established in the summer of 1968 at the Washington DC based Henry’s Deli Carryout.

In 1997, almost thirty years later the family legacy was brought to a new and exciting plateau when the younger generation- Jermaine Smith and his business partner Bernard Brooks Jr. opened the doors of the popular Henry’s Soul Café, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. In March 2004, a new location opened in Mitchellville, Maryland. Several new locations are slated to open in the Washington Metro area over the next few years.

The wide variety of menu items that are available on a daily basis “ cooked to order”, is what differentiates Henry’s Soul Café from other soul food restaurants across the nation.”

You can see their menu here. Any must order items besides the sweet potato pie?

Dear PoP – Cool Old Building for Sale?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was wondering if you’d ever noticed the Washington News Company
building at 1121 Fifth Street, NW. I thought I saw a for sale/lease
sign for residential/commercial use on the building this morning, but
I can’t find anything about it online. It looks like it would be a
super cool loft-type place. I’d love to know if you can find out
more!”

The MRIS listing says:

“Fully sprinklered 21,237 sf 3 story building with 13 foot ceilings. 4,000+ sf office on 1st floor with 7,000+ unfinished loft apartments on 2nd floors. Lower level has 7,000 sf with ramp for parking or additional apartments. 1/2 block from New York Ave and New Safeway on 5th Street NW. 2 blocks to Metro 4 blocks to Chinatown, Verizon Center.”

You can see more photos here.

It’s yours for $4,950,000.

Warehouse Theater is holding its Second “Free-For-All” on Friday June 25th starting at 5pm

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“ Warehouse Theater is holding its Second “Free-For-All” on Friday June 25th starting at 5pm. They are clearing out a lot of old restaurant equipment plus various odds and ends that have accumulated over the years. Most everything is free – save some of the bigger commercial kitchen items – and any money that they collect will be donated to the proposed Dupont Underground center for arts and architecture. More info here.”

Last time things went very quickly so if you’re interested I’d try to get there as close to 5pm as possible. Warehouse Theater can be reached through The Passenger bar at 1021 7th Street, NW by the Convention Center.

Horse’s Ass Award – Daisy Building

By Prince Of Petworth

As previously noted, I’m a huge fan of the painting but it’s time this property has been called out. It’s been boarded up for as long as I can remember. It’s located on 7th and L St, NW near the Convention Center.

So how exactly does this work, one guy/company buys up all sorts of vacant properties and then just lets them sit until he/they can get top dollar? I’m not trying to be a jerk, I’m genuinely asking if that is what happens? I’m not a communist or anything, I just can’t stand all these vacant boarded up buildings… Do you think the current system is working well? If not what changes (besides tax rates) can/should be implemented?

My Favorite Aisle

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending in this great shot from the City Vista Safeway in Mt. Vernon Square.

Judging Restaurants/Bars – Buddha Bar

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Now that Buddha Bar has opening could you do a Judging Restaurants post on it? I went over the weekend and tried some apps but would like to know if the entrees are work the $30 price tag.”

I’m super curious to know what you guys think as well. Now I admit I’m not the best dressed blogger but before they opened when I tried to get some photos they treated me quite dismissively so I’m a bit prejudiced to start. But if you guys say it’s a must visit, I’ll give them another shot. They are located at 455 Mass Ave, NW and you can see their menu here (careful music plays).

Should I give them another shot? Are the main courses worth the price? What’s the overall atmosphere like?

New Mural on New York Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

This is on one of the vacant buildings next to the new building going up by the Yale loft condos on New York Ave, NW (across the street from the Safeway in City Vista).

Anyone know if this is a historical figure?

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