Park View

DDOT Set to Start Reconstruction of Sherman Avenue

By Prince Of Petworth

From a DDOT press release on Friday:

Two Year Project Will Make Street Safer for Drivers, Cyclists and Pedestrians

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced plans are in place to start the reconstruction of Sherman Avenue, NW. Major streetscape improvements, that will reshape Sherman Avenue as a residential street, are planned between Park Road and Florida Avenue. Construction on this two-year project will start next week with water-main utility work.

The department has worked very closely with the community on the design to ensure the construction will:

* Make Sherman Avenue feel more residential rather than a commuter route by reducing vehicular lanes to one in each direction.
* Improve pedestrian safety by widening the sidewalks to make them ADA compliant, and upgrading the wheelchair ramps and crosswalk markings.
* Make Sherman Avenue more attractive by planting trees and shrubs along the corridor, upgrading street lights and upgrading traffic signals.

“When we talk about livable streets in the coming years, we will be able to point to Sherman Avenue as a great example,” said Director Klein. “It won’t be a barren raceway prioritizing just cars anymore. It will be a beautiful, tree-lined residential street with wide sidewalks, shorter crosswalks and bike lanes in both directions. It will be safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

DDOT will also completely reconstruct the roadway, upgrade the DC Water pipes and improve the drainage system along Sherman Avenue. The construction is expected to be completed in late 2012.

Fri. Afternoon Rental Option – Park View/Pleasant Plains (Owner Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 6th and Lamont St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Newly renovated 2 bedroom condo for rent on 6th and Lamont, NW. The unit includes parquet floors throughout the condo, a new w/d, a new dishwasher, a new stove/oven, and a new central heating/cooling system. With a spacious living room and even more spacious kitchen, this condo deserves a look….It is just divine! The condo is in a secure access building. Utilities are not included.

The condo is located in between the Georgia Ave and Columbia Heights train stations and near the following buses: H1/2/3/4/8, the 70s, and the 60s. It is just a 10 minute bus ride to Gallery Place/Chinatown and a 10 minute walk to the Columbia Heights Shopping area (Target, BestBuy, Giant, WSC, etc.). There is also plenty of street parking around the clock.”

Does $1350 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/1 bath?

Reader Update on New Bar, Blue Banana, Coming Next to Looking Glass Lounge

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

yesterday while walking home I had a nice chat with the guy doing the build out on a new bar/lounge going in next to Looking Glass. It will be called the Blue Banana. They were building two seating areas in the front and rear with banquettes and tables. The middle section will have the bar on the right side and tables on the left. They made a slight grade to the floor at the entrance rather than putting in a step to maintain wheelchair accessibility.

It’s too early to see what the finishes will look like, but he said it will be very modern/contemporary. They wanted to be open by now but permits, etc…. They hope to open the week before Thanksgiving. If everyone there is as nice and straightforward as the guy I talked to was, this is going to be a great place.”

Blue Banana is a sports bar coming to 3632 Georgia Ave, NW. We last spoke about the project here and you can find more background info here.

I noticed that the construction was progressing nicely. Stay tuned for updates as they come closer to opening.

Bruce Monroe Bid Update: 175 apts, 52 rowhomes, Burgers, Folks from Churchkey?

By Prince Of Petworth

Well that was fast but we’ve already got an update on the development bid at the old Bruce Monroe School at 3000 Georgia Ave, NW. This just got very very serious. I’d be very curious to know exactly how serious Elevation Burger and/or the folks from Churchkey are in potentially coming to the space. If true this could be huge!

WBJ’s Michael Neibauer writes:

Option A — we assume it’s the firms’ preferred option — would feature an NDC-developed mixed-use building on the eastern third of the site, comprising 88-175 apartments up to 1,000 square feet, 17,000-26,000 square feet of retail space and a community learning center. Yes! Organic Market, Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Chuchkey, Birch and Barley, Rustico, Vermilion), Elevation Burger and a hardware store are listed as potential tenants.

The western two-thirds would comprise 52 EYA-developed townhomes ranging from 1,500-2,000 square feet, each with one or two garage parking spaces.

Now if you’ll forgive me, I’m going to lay down for a few minutes before I pass out with joy…

Bid Details on Old Bruce Monroe School Plot at 3000 Georgia Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all who sent links. Washington Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer has the scoop:

…the bid features multi-family rental units atop street-level retail — a hardware store, perhaps, or a Yes! Organic Market — in addition to EYA-built townhouses on the western end of the 121,825-square-foot site.

Bruce Monroe was closed after the 2008 school year and subsequently razed. Graham secured $1.5 million in the fiscal 2011 budget to temporarily enhance the space with playgrounds, a tennis court, two basketball courts and parking.

…the city needs several weeks to vet the Neighborhood Development Company/EYA bid before deciding how to move ahead.

Sound like a good use of the space?

I gotta admit, every time I walk past the, now, park it makes me smile because people seem to be having such a good time. Though I haven’t forgotten that bad blood is still felt by many after the school was razed. Can YES! Organic Market save the day?

Maybe we should aim higher…?

Good Deal or Not? “Renovated Jewelbox Rowhouse” edition (Owner Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

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This home is located at 540 Hobart Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“Renovated Jewelbox Rowhouse :: Condo Alternative! 2 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom located 6 blocks to the Columbia Heights METRO. Gorgeous kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, Porcelanosa tile and breakfast bar. Open floor plan includes warm hardwood floors. Two true bedrooms up plus a spacious full bathroom with skylight.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

Wow, I’m digging the kitchen. What do you think of the renovation? Does $310,555 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/1 bath row house?

Manny & Olga’s Pizza Opens up at 3624 Georgia Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Construction started in earnest back in April and they’ve opened their doors (a couple store fronts south of Looking Glass Lounge) last week. I know not everyone is a huge fan but score one for another vacant storefront being filled. It may not be my choice every night but I’m happy for the option. And they deliver, you can order online here.

Friday Afternoon Rental Option – Park View/Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 3634 Georgia Ave NW (above Looking Glass Lounge):


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Large, bright 2Br/1Ba in Col. Heights, with Open floor plan, granite/stainless kitchen, hardwood floors, washer/dryer just 1 block from Metro. Pets Allowed case-by-case.”

Wild. I wonder if this is the former yoga studio space? Anyway does $2200 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/1 bath?

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