Photo by Capitol Riverfront BID

A few readers have inquired about last Friday’s Truckeroo located across from Navy Yard Metro Station, and billed as “a monthly festival held June thru October at the corner of Half St. and M St., SE showcasing food trucks from the Washington, D.C. area.” – unfortunately I was out of town – did anyone have a chance to check it out? Food Truck Fiesta wrote:

The event ran from 11am – 9pm and featured bands, picnic tables, cornhole (bean bag toss) games along with a selection of adult beverages. The lunch time crowd was strong, but it was the late evening crowd that eclipsed those earlier attendance numbers. The event is expected to be held monthly during the summer and fall seasons.

I’ll be sure to announce the time/date of the next one.


Photo by PoPville flickr user Takka-San


I finally had the chance to check out Yards Park located near Nationals Stadium. As expected, it’s pretty freaking awesome. However, I was shocked to see it nearly empty. I was reminded that it was Easter when I checked it out but Meridian Hill Park was smashed on Easter. I’m not saying I expected the park to be smashed but it just seemed sad that such a beautiful spot wasn’t really being used.

Does anyone know how much this park cost?

I think it would be awesome if/when a restaurant (perhaps a shake shack…) or concession stand opened up as well.

But let me say clearly that this park is awesome and I hope the neighborhood continues to grow so that people will actually use it on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.


Das Bullpen is located across from the Navy Yard Metro:

Anyone check it out yet? How does it compare to the Biergarten on H St, NE? Before going to a game would you recommend the original Bullpen or Das Bullpen?

On a side note, it seemed a shame that this whole area (even the beautiful Yards Park) with the exception of a few souls, was basically a ghost town on that beautiful Sunday we just had. It’s too bad these places aren’t open on non game days.


I found a bit of info on a Web site called Showcase that says:

“The Yards is a development of Forest City Enterprises- Washington in partnership with MacFarlane Partners.

This retail heart of The Yards will be found at the corner of Tingey and 4th Streets SE in an expansive former industrial building known as The Boilermaker Shop where boilers for Navy ships were once manufactured. Now, as a part of The Yards, The Boilermaker Shop is being converted into an exciting, two-level, 45,000-square-foot retail center with opportunities for outdoor dining and more. All this will be nestled in the heart of the new, 42-acre riverfront neighborhood that Forest City is developing within walking distance of Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Retail shops and restaurants will gain additional character with the complex’s Classic American industrial architecture, complete with exposed steel girders and clerestory windows.”

Looks like they hope to open in Nov. 2011. Not sure how realistic that is but it sounds pretty sweet and some cool history as well.



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This is timely since the topic of tax breaks came up in the Park Road Facade Improvement project post below. This is the big news this morning from the Washington Post:

“Whole Foods Market and a D.C. real estate firm are interested in building a new store in Southeast Washington near Nationals Park, but the developer says that luring the grocer would require $8 million in tax breaks. William C. Smith and Co. is proposing a 39,000-square-foot Whole Foods for 800 New Jersey Ave. SE as part of a building that would include 375 apartments.”

Though another section from the article which I also found interesting said:

“In a recent study of economic development assistance provided by the city, the D.C. Office of the Chief Financial Officer found that Ward 6 had received by far the most aid in fiscal 2010: $129 million, followed by Ward 2’s $59 million.”


This rental is located at New Jersey Ave at K Street SE:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Premier corner unit available on a high floor of the Capitol Hill Tower, conveniently located just steps from the Navy Yard Metro, Department of Transportation, Capitol office buildings, Nationals Stadium, shops and restaurants on 8th street, and with easy access to 395 and 295. Available partially furnished (bed, wall mounted 46″ LCD HDTV and bose speakers, etc) if desired. Condo is perfectly designed for roommates with two large bedrooms located at opposite ends of the unit. Minimum one year lease. Small pets ok with deposit.

Building is only 4 years old and this luxury unit includes:

– 1100+ square feet
– gourmet kitchen with gas stove, granite countertops and breakfast bar
– gorgeous blonde hardwood floors in main living areas, carpeted bedrooms
– huge master bedroom with floor to ceiling windows showcasing dramatic Capitol views, tons of natural light, walk-in closet
– open floorplan
– large second master w/ walk-in closet and Capitol view
– balcony with fantastic Capitol views and included grill
– in-unit full-sized washer/dryer
– built-in desk/office area
– custom paint and upgraded bathroom fixtures
– garage parking available for $175/mo

Building and area amenities include:
– heated indoor pool and hot-tub
– party room with pool table, bar, couches big screen TV
– in-building gym with TVs and new fitness equipment
– conceirge
– one block walk to Navy Yard metro
– three blocks to freeway onramp
– walk to work at the Washington Navy Yard, Capitol Hill, Department of Transportation, etc.
– just blocks to Nationals Stadium
– adjacent to Canal, Yards and Diamond Teague Parks”

$2650 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2bath with balcony?


I love this event. From a press release:

New this year is the ‘Take Me Out to the Opera Songwriting Contest,’ which gave fans the opportunity to write original, opera-inspired lyrics to the traditional baseball tune for a chance to have their song performed live and win exclusive prize packages. The winner will be announced during the “Seventh Aria Stretch” (i.e., the second intermission) and will lead the entire stadium in song.

Target FREE Opera in the Outfield is free and open to the public. Seating will be available throughout the ballpark, including on the outfield and in the stands. While reservations are not required, fans are encouraged to reserve their spot by the Wednesday evening deadline. For more information on the simulcast and to make a reservation, visit www.OperaintheOutfield.org.

Fans attending the event should be aware of the following restrictions:

– Only soft-sided coolers smaller than 16 x 16 x 9 inches and containing individual-size serving food will be allowed
– No alcohol will be allowed inside the gates of the ballpark
– No chairs will be allowed inside the gates of the ballpark
– No strollers or wheelchairs are allowed on the grass of the field
– No throwing items on the field

WHEN: Sunday, September 19

Gates Open: 12:00 p.m.
Simulcast Begins: 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Nationals Park – 1500 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003


“Dear PoP,

I was down at the kick-off concert Saturday at The Yards — what a fantastic place. There was an art show going on, live bands, food, etc. I will send some pictures.”

Some folks have already mentioned how impressed they were with the new park but I wanted to share this sweet photos from the opening ceremonies this past weekend.

More photos after the jump. (more…)


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