Petworth

Dear PoPville – Why is Park Place Retail Still Vacant?

By Prince Of Petworth

IMG_9556

Dear PoPville,

What is the deal with vacant retail space at park place? It seems the Donatellis, who I understand received considerable tax breaks for developing park place, are now appearing a bit too greedy. I would be interested in hearing their side of the story about why they haven’t managed to place tenants in two prime end unit retail spaces, as well as from prospective retails tenants (over past years i have seen some checking it out) about why they haven’t pursued. What is informing the logic here and what say or pressure can our community apply to move the process along?

From Donatelli Development:

We continue to work with our equity partner, Canyon Johnson. Our hope is to have total control of the property as soon as possible.

Until then, we’ve asked them to approve a listing agreement for a well-known retail brokerage company to market the empty space at Park Place.

We want to get the best retail mix for the neighborhood. Hopefully, with the Safeway crane and brokers working the space we can get leases signed and build-out started sooner than later.

IMG_9557

New Restaurant Coming to Petworth, from Owners of the Blaguard, to be Called Homestead. Opening Fall 2013

By Prince Of Petworth

bar_3911_georgia_ave_blaguard
3911 Georgia Ave, NW

In Dec. 2012 we learned that the new restaurant, from Owners of the Blaguard, coming to Petworth next to Qualia Coffee would be applying for a liquor license. At that time we learned they’d be “serving Mediterranean and American cuisine”. Now we’ve got a name – Homestead – and some more details on the restaurant. From the owners:

Our food concept is going to focus on local, fresh, artisanal products. We will have an 1,100 sq/ft kitchen and another 1,100 sq/ft 75 seat dining room with a long communal/banquet style table as a centerpiece. We are planning an incorporation of global ingredients into traditional American dishes like Mac-n cheese, butternut squash soup, and short ribs. Nearly everything will be made in-house or by local producers of breads, desserts and coffee to showcase the local DC food scene. Classic favorites like beef stew, venison chili, cured meats, steak frites, mussels, and bison burgers are just a few examples of some items that will be found on our menu. Rotational and seasonal items will be common.

We are very excited to open our doors to the community and contribute positively to the changing landscape of Petworth.

Construction should start mid-end of April with an anticipated opening of Fall 2013.

Paul Ruppert from Room 11 Planning on Opening Two Spots on Upshur Street in Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth

upshur_street_petworth_restaurants_room_11
828 Upshur St, NW

Back in Jan. we noted that 828 Upshur St, NW was for lease for a very reasonable $1500 per month. It got snapped up quick. The lease was signed by Paul Ruppert who many know as a partner in Columbia Heights’ Room 11. Ruppert is no stranger to Upshur Street as in the past he looked into leasing what is now Open Kitchen Diner. On Monday Ruppert told me vial email that 828 Upshur needs a lot of work. So it’s not likely to turn around anytime soon.

And if that’s not potentially exciting enough, Ruppert, has also leased the former Island Cafe space across the street (also noted by CityPaper.) Same deal, space needs a lot of work and he isn’t yet sure what exactly he wants to do with these spaces. But given Ruppert’s track record – it’s likely to be something good. As my fellow Petworthians know – this section of Upshur Street is ripe for something cool to complement the recently opened Willow. Let’s hope Ruppert can make it happen. Stay tuned.

upshur_island_cafe
829 Upshur St, NW

Horse’s Ass Award Nominee – 8th and Webster St, NW (reader request)

By Prince Of Petworth

IMG_9182

Multiple readers have sent in this property at the corner at 8th and Webster St, NW. One writes:

“I remember you showcasing it in Good Deal or No Deal a few months back. There were quite a few comments. I drive past this house everyday and I noticed about 3 weeks ago it was totally gutted and the roof was removed. Soon there after, a orange sign was posted over the existing permits. All work stopped at that point. Is that orange sign a stop work order? Did they not have the proper permits? This is depressing and a huge eyesore.”

IMG_9183

Ed. Note: This was a GDoN post back in Dec. 2011.

Here’s what it looked like in 2011:

4327_8th_st_nw

Suspect Sought: Assault with the Intent to Commit First Degree Sexual Assault in the 900 block of Crittenden Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


View Larger Map

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted in connection with an Assault with the Intent to Commit First Degree Sexual Assault in the 900 block of Crittenden Street, NW.

On Thursday, March 7, 2013, at approximately 8:50 am, an adult female was walking with her toddler child when an unknown male grabbed her and ordered her to disrobe. The victim refused, broke free, and started screaming for help, at which time the suspect fled.

The suspect is described as a black male, 17 to 18 years old, 5′-5″, slim build, dark complexion, short hair, wearing a grey and black jacket and orange backpack.

Anyone who has knowledge of this case, knows the identity of the suspect or sees him, should take no action, but should immediately call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

View More Stories