Takoma (Takoma Park)

Historic Takoma Theater Equipment Furniture Fixtures & Decor Auction

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending this interesting news. The RASMUS auction house has the details:

“Location:
6833 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Online Bidding Only

Starts Closing At: Thursday, December 09, 2010 at 11:07 AM EST

Brief Description:
The historic Takoma theater in NW Washington DC is closed and slated for redevelopment. The owner is making a complete liquidation of all furniture, fixtures, equipment, stage items, concession equipment, decorative accents and theater items. Posts soon.”

Could be some sweet finds here.

GDoN Revisited by Hipchickindc – 131 Longfellow St NW

By Prince Of Petworth



Voted one of the best real estate agents in DC by the Washington City Paper Readers’ Choice Poll in 2009, hipchickindc aka the not-so-hip Suzanne Des Marais is an Associate Broker with Urban Pace. She lives (and sells a lot of houses) in Bloomingdale, but works all over DC, with everyone from first time buyers to highly regarded developers. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 131 Longfellow St NW
Legal Subdivision: Chillum
Advertised Subdivision (per listing): Chillum
Original List Price: $339,700.
List Price at Contract: $339,700.
List Date: 07/21/2010
Days on Market: 17
Settled Sales Price: $339,000.
Settlement Date: 09/30/2010
Seller Subsidy: $3500.
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? No
Type Of Financing: FHA

Original GDoN is: here.

The Listing can be seen: here. To see pics, after opening the listing link, click on the main pic and scroll through.

Last week’s edition of Good Deal or Not Revisited (GDoN-R) took a look at a fully renovated rowhouse in a downtown urban neighborhood in the low $300,000. price range. This week, we head north, looking at another renovated property in a similar price range. The Prince tagged this neighborhood as Brightwood in the Good Deal or Not (GDoN) post. I’m going to say it’s a little east for Brightwood and will go with South Takoma DC.

This property was purchased in May in its “needs work” state for $190,000. The folks who bought it travel under the name “The Everyday Home Buyers LLC”, which I thought was a good name for a group that does modest but clean rehabs. They installed central air but left the radiators, which home inspectors generally seem to appreciate.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Modern Mobler Grand Opening in Takoma at 7313 Georgia Ave NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to the owner for sending in the above pic – he writes:

“We are finally having our grand opening. Please check out the website www.modernmobler.com with an updated homepage, listing the promotional discounts & new drop-down section for video. New Fall Hours: Thursday – Sunday 11am – 7pm.

While we’re still awaiting a sign from the District through a grant, in the meantime you cant miss the furniture out front when we are open. Located between Fern & Geranium Streets in the Takoma section of NW DC; across from the main entrance to Walter Reed on Georgia Ave, just a half block further up towards downtown Silver Spring (next to Angelico’s Pizzeria).”

And Jessica who answers your ‘decorating and design’ questions writes:

“The Takoma metro is fairly close, and looks like the 70, 71, 79 and K1 bus lines run right to the store. I’m interested in hearing about what readers think of the store in it’s full swing and I’m especially excited to have a cool design venue right in MY neighborhood of Takoma/upper Georgia Avenue!” (7313 Georgia Ave NW)

Old Takoma Ace Hardware Opens late June 2010 in Takoma Park

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of Old Takoma Business Association

This is great news for Takoma Park. From a press release:

The transformation of Old Takoma continues with the opening of Old Takoma Ace Hardware at 7001 Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park. The store is a part of the group “A Few Cool Hardware Stores” with six other locations in DC and Baltimore, and operates as an independently owned retailer under the Ace Hardware cooperative. This new location has more than 7,500 square feet of retail space with ample parking in back as well as convenient metro accessibility (Takoma Metro Red Line).

Old Takoma Ace is the first suburban store for the group. “We chose Takoma Park for a variety of reasons,” co-owner Gina Schaefer explained. “We prefer vibrant urban locations with a lot of foot traffic. We thought that the residents of Takoma Park would appreciate and understand our business model.”

The store will offer a diverse inventory of more than 25,000 products that will include eco-friendly brands to cater to the green sensibility of the Takoma Park community like no-VOC Mythic paint, Mrs. Meyer’s and Seventh Generation cleaning products, and organic fertilizers from Jobe’s. Old Takoma Ace will also offer specialty services including key cutting, paint matching, glass and wood cutting, and screen repair, plus tool rentals and an enhanced lawn-and-garden section to help customers tackle those weekend projects. Indeed, the store endeavors to be not just a place to stock up on hammers and nails, but to become the community’s home-maintenance hub.

About A Few Cool Hardware Stores: A Few Cool Hardware Stores is comprised of Old Takoma Ace Hardware in Takoma Park, Logan, Glover Park, Tenleytown Ace and 5th Street Ace Hardware in Washington, DC, and Waverly Ace and Federal Hill Ace in Baltimore, MD. The stores are part of the national Ace Hardware co-operative. This means they are locally owned establishments that bring jobs to and keep business in the local economy.

New Vintage Furniture Store has Soft Opening in Takoma Park, DC

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I previously wrote to you in July, 2009 seeking the advice of your readers on where to open a vintage furniture store. I am happy to announce that I opened Modern Mobler Saturday, 05/08 at 7313 Georgia Ave NW, in the Takoma (Park) area of DC, just north of Walter Reed near Silver Spring, MD.

The 1700 sq ft store will feature select items of Vintage and Mid Century / Danish Modern furnishings from my vast collection of over 4000 sq ft of current inventory. To start, Modern Mobler will be open Thursday through Sunday 11am – 7pm. I plan to take consignments in addition to purchasing furniture. I have already established a wide network of collectors, dealers and suppliers who will keep my inventory fresh & ever changing. Delivery will also be available.

Modern Mobler is very pleased to be part of the revitalization of Takoma Park & Georgia Ave. I want to thank you & your readers for their support. Please stop by and I look for forward to seeing everyone.

I plan to also be open this Wednesday from 11-7 for those who want to get a sneak-peak. The store sits between Angelico pizzeria and the Washington Humane Society. Of note, I will also be working with several local upholsterers to support more of a local ‘full-service’ green retail furnishings destination.”

Sounds great, best of luck to you!

Takoma Park Celebrates The Electric Maid Re-Opening and New Mural

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of Meghan Taylor

From a press release:

“ The Electric Maid, the popular local hang out spot with deep roots in the Takoma Park community, is celebrating its grand re-opening with an all-day party on May 1. The new space aims to be an outstanding place for the community to hear live music and hold events with its new features:

* A vibrant new mural by local artist Meghan Taylor decorates the interior space. The mural provides a luminous fantasy-scape to the new space, giving a visually enticing accompaniment to the many local performances and activities the venue hosts. The mural unveiling will take place at 1 pm.

* The Electric Maid’s vintage neon sign will light up for first time in over 20 years on May 1, in commemoration of this community fixture’s revival, at 8 pm.

On May 1, from noon – 3 PM, enjoy family oriented activities. And from 3 PM into the night hours, come out for the reception and gala featuring live musical entertainment by local bands including Funk U.

The Electric Maid is located at 268 Carroll St NW, Washington DC (near Takoma Park Metro Station).”

Dear PoP – Props for D’Carlo Upholstery

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Just had to give a local business two thumbs up. I found them because of a recommendation one of your readers gave some time ago. D’Carlo Upholstery at 7327 Georgia Ave, NW just repaired some leather cushion covers for me and did a fantastic job at a reasonable price. The workmanship was impeccable and they literally left me with a better product than I had originally purchased. In addition, the owner, Carlo, was extremely amiable (as were the employees). He’s had the shop for 35 years as an immigrant from El Salvador.”

Great to hear. If anyone else has a local (preferably a bit beneath the radar) business that deserves some props, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email.

Good Deal or Not? Takoma Park Cape Cod Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 413 Circle Ave, Takoma Park, MD:


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The flier says:

“A 2003 renovation and expansion created this wonderful cape cod in Takoma Park less than 1 mile to metro, with front porch charm, a dramatic open floor plan and light filled contemporary spaces. The living room has a vaulted ceiling and open stairway to the loft level bedroom. One wall features a wood burning fireplace. The living room opens to a cozy dining area and large kitchen. French doors lead to the side yard. There is a separate office off the dining room. The lovely kitchen features granite counters and maple cabinets. Two main level bedrooms and a full bath complete the first floor. The lower level is finished, with new carpet, a second full bath and room for family,exercise,play space. Driveway leads to carport. 0.8mile to Metro.”

You can find more info and photos here. (Click on the first listing “FRONT PORCH CHARM MEETS CONTEMPORARY OPEN SPACE!!!
Takoma Park, MD”)

I know I don’t usually stray outside the district but I was intrigued by this home. Full disclosure: a friend of mine is selling it. But I’m curious what you guys think of the renovation and location. Does $499,000 sound reasonable?

Capital City Cheesecake Moving From Brookland to Takoma Park

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“Currently operating out of the Brookland Tavern in Washington, DC and online, Capital City Cheesecakes is moving to the vibrant and eclectic community of Takoma Park, MD to open its first restaurant in the Spring of 2010.

The new bakery will include current favorites – miniature and petite-sized cheesecakes that offer just enough to satisfy even the most discriminating sweet tooth without breaking the calorie bank. When small is not enough, the large-sized cheesecakes fit the bill instead. Owners and sisters, Caitlin and Meaghan Murphy, will be expanding this current line of cheesecakes to now include baked goods and coffees during the week and more extensive breakfast offerings on weekend mornings. These former teachers, with a passion for both painting and teaching art, also plan to create an interactive bakery setting that offers activities for all ages, including cooking classes for adults, edible art parties for children and internships for teenagers who want to pursue a career in the food industry.”

They are taking over the old Savory Cafe at 7071 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD

The Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar Opening in Takoma DC

By Prince Of Petworth


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Thanks to a reader for forwarding the news:

“Please join us this coming weekend as we welcome the long-awaited addition to the Culture Shop community: The Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar.

Under construction for over three months, the Tavern promises a venue for stimulating conversation, tantalizing cuisine, and a wide representation of your favorite beverages. In addition, The Culture Shop will continue to celebrate world-class shopping via a unique selection of eco-chic accessories, personal care items, clothing, housewares, foodstuff, and much more.

As a space-warming gift, we invite all our visitors to bring a can of food or make a financial donation this weekend (and each weekend throughout November) to be donated to a local charity – in support of our less fortunate neighbors.

Help us usher in the Season of Thanksgiving by celebrating all that is good and right in our global community.”

The Culture Shop is located at 341 Cedar Street, NW.

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