A number of readers have written asking about the “construction/demo work going on in the building between Sweet Mango’s and the Faith Deliverance Center”. So who’s got the scoop? Any idea what it will be?
Petworth
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They did put a roof up. I’m not sure how I feel about that. Wouldn’t big Campari Umbrellas have been a nicer option? What do you think, do you like the roof deck better with or without the roof?
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Many people have written me asking my response to the CityPaper’s essay on Petworth from last week’s neighborhoods issue. The essay and “arbitrary rankings” were written by Dave McKenna who bought a house in Petworth in 2002. And it seems as though the article was written about the Petworth of 2002, a beautiful place for sure, but neglects much of the massive development/improvements that have taken place in the subsequent six years. McKenna truly seems to like many aspects about Petworth but I think he omits many other positive aspects. From the essay I gather that he seems to enjoy the abundant parking, location, and people. Unfortunately he spends a good half of the article discussing “the racial dynamics”. I’m not saying there aren’t “racial dynamics” at play here but writing over half the essay on this topic seems a bit excessive. Personally I don’t think the racial dynamics play that big a role at all. But like I said, my biggest gripe is that he doesn’t discuss any development that has taken place. How can you write an article about Petworth and not mention the soon to be completed Park Place Condos?
There is a section called arbitrary rankings which rank kid friendliness, eats, nightlife etc. I think McKenna fails miserably in his rankings. Particularly the rankings for eats. While noting the horrible Chinese options, McKenna neglects almost all of the new dining options that have arrived since 2002. I don’t understand how it is possible to mention the Hitching Post and remain silent about the phenomenal El Limeno located right across the street. I’m not saying that Petworth has the dining options of Columbia Heights or U Street but I am equally dumbfounded that he doesn’t mention Domku, Looking Glass Lounge (formerly Temperance Hall), El Torgoraz, Moroni & Brothers, Flip it Bakery, Abol, Red Derby and Sweet Mango Cafe.
Finally, I think the name is ridiculous. I know the authors had to come up with witty neighborhood names but I just don’t get “Notyetworth”. What does that mean? The houses aren’t worth that much money? It is not yet worth living here? Even in 2002 this was a beautiful neighborhood that was certainly “worth” a lot to the many residents living here at the time. Small point but I felt like I had to make it.
Petworth is a huge neighborhood and it is difficult to summarize. McKenna gets it right when he writes: “In these hoods, it’s about family and friends down the block. None of the bad stuff comes to mind when you’re sitting out on the front porch on a nice night, listening to a Nats game on the radio and waving to neighbors and passersby. Then, it’s hard to imagine a finer place to live.” However, when he writes, “there’s nowhere to eat or shop” he is in for a pleasant surprise. So my advice to Mr. McKenna would be take a walk around the neighborhood. He’ll be amazed at how much has changed since 2002.
(For those thinking of moving to the neighborhood you can check out My tips for newcomers.)
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Thanks to an alert reader for sending this listing from Long and Foster.. Arguably the best name for a city restaurant/food may not be around for long. The listing says:
“Rare opportunity – Enormous potential. 4,200 Sq Ft building (C3A) with ongoing carryout. 4 bedrm, 1 bath, and full kitchen apartment upstairs. 100 feet from Metro Station. Across from upcoming high end condo/retail complex.”
And the asking price? A cool $1,000,000.
I suppose you have to sell a lot of fried chicken to come up with that scratch. Do you think it’s a good deal?
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Props to Abol the newish Ethiopian restaurant located at 4422 Georgia Ave. I dig the sign itself as well as the neon underneath. As I’ve written earlier I’m not a huge Ethiopian fan but this place looks great now inside and out. Has anyone given them a try yet? Good stuff?
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For the expats. This picture was taken all the way up by Upshur. I really had no idea these condos were going to be, seemingly, nearly as big as the condos above the Petworth metro. This is also the building where the YES! Organic market will be located. Nice.
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Here’s a real Petworth beauty. You can’t really tell from the photo but there is a ridiculously cool wrap around porch as well.
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The flyer says – “Tastefully restored, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, new kitchen with granite and stainless steel, in-law suite, off street parking, metro safeway, and bus stop within two blocks…” The house is located at 928 Quincy Street and is going for $549,950. So good deal or not?
On a side note: Why do these flyers celebrate “off street parking”? That just means you can park on the street. I don’t get it.
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Anyone who has been to the lower level of Looking Glass Lounge may have noticed that there is a bag of water suspended over the entrance to the outdoor patio area. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out it’s purpose other than a weird spot for a goldfish or for popping over an unsuspecting patron’s head. But it turns out it is actually placed there to keep flies out. How this works I have no idea. Has anyone ever heard of this method for keeping flies out? If so, how does it work?
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Wow, this was a crazy sight. As I was walking over to the Red Derby I noticed that there was an entire section of rowhomes being built behind the huge project above the metro. Anyone know the story here? Is this a separate developer? You think this will be a desirable place to buy a new rowhome? I wonder if they’ll divide the rowhomes into separate units or sell the rowhomes as individual homes. What do you think the prices’ll be?