Pleasant Plains

Dear PoP – Is This A Good Spot To Have a Family Vacation?

By Prince Of Petworth


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“Dear PoP,

My family and I are planning a visit to DC for the Cherry Blossom festival (my elderly parents, husband and 7 yr old daughter and myself). We found a great vacation rental at 619 Kenyon St, but are trying to figure out it is a reasonably safe neighborhood. The idea is to take the Metro in to all the museums and sights, but at the end of the day, have a spacious family hangout to come back to. All of the reading I’ve done so far suggests that it has not been a very safe neighborhood but is in the process of gentrifying. I know that in these cases (having lived in many “transitional” neighborhoods in my life), the specific location can make a big difference as to safety.”

This is a tough question. I do think the neighborhood of Pleasant Plains is safe. However, personally I don’t think it is ideal for a home base for elderly parents. I say that because while it is not impossible, it is not ideal to catch taxi cabs from this location. It is not terribly far from the Columbia Heights Metro Station at 14th and Irving but it is a bit of a walk. That is my only hesitation. But I’d like to throw it out to the others – what do you guys think – is this a good location for a vacation rental with elderly parents?

New Mural Going up on Sherman at Barry Place

By Prince Of Petworth

It looks like it’s gonna be pretty sweet.  It’s quite large too.  I’ll be sure to go back for more when it is completed.  From an email:

“The mural is located on Sherman Ave and Barry Place NW in Washington DC and it is a part of Murals DC 2009. Be a part of it!

The young artists who worked on the mural on Sunday were Derrick, Jamilla, her little brother and sister, Dana, Mika and Cristian. It was wonderful to meet the neighbors and hang out with our friends who came to relax and help with the mural. Thank you. For more photos click here.”

More photos after the jump. (more…)

Good Deal or Not? Modern Renovation Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 803 Euclid Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“A stunning example of a fine urban row house. Recent renovation shows the possibilities of a 1924 home turned into a livable piece of art. How about FOUR? Four levels, Four bedrooms, Four bathrooms. .. but still one of a kind. Maple and concrete floors, high ceilings, recessed lighting, In-Law-Suite(appt), garage parking, top of the line finishes throughout.”

More info and photos found here.

I’m pretty sure I’ve featured this house as house of the day before so it’s pretty cool to get a look at the inside. It’s a pretty serious renovation, dying to know what you guys think. Do you think $769,900 is a realistic asking price for this 4 bed/4 bath? I’m thinking it’s a bit on the high side.

Anyone Around Who Remembers When This Deli was Open? Jack’s Delicatessen

By Prince Of Petworth


600 block of Columbia Road, NW

Ever since I asked folks about what ethnic restaurant their neighborhood was missing, I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for delis (since they were mentioned a few times). I noticed Jack’s Delicatessen located on the 600 block of Columbia Road, NW not far from Georgia Ave. I’m wondering if any of the long term residents remember this spot? Do you think a deli located on a residential block like this could do good business?

Sweet New Mural on Georgia Ave.

By Prince Of Petworth

This was recently painted on the side of 2608 Georgia Ave. Though it’s still not clear exactly what the new business is inside. It never seems to be open when I walk by. I do love this mural though.

Do You Consider Pleasant Plains Part of Columbia Heights or an Independent Neighborhood?

By Prince Of Petworth

I know we’ve touched on this issue before and neighborhood identification can be contentious. But the Washington Post had a great article in the “Where We Live” section titled, The District’s Overlooked ‘Bull’s-Eye’. The article starts:

“District residents and community groups are working to get one Northwest neighborhood some recognition — because few people even know it exists.”

It lists the boundaries as:

“Park Road NW to the north, Florida Avenue NW to the south, Warder and Sixth streets NW to the east, and Sherman Avenue NW to the west. (The civic association extends the western boundary to 14th Street.)”

Now, I have friends and acquaintances who live within these boundaries and identify themselves as Columbia Heights residents and quite frankly I’ve gotten into some conversations with folks who are outright offended if you suggest they live in Pleasant Plains rather than Columbia Heights. I know there are tax boundaries, and city designated boundaries, and the like but I’m not interested in those designations. Rather I’m curious what neighborhood folks within those boundaries feel most connected to. I know for real estate purposes it may be tempting to insist that one lives in a more recognizable neighborhood name.

So how do you guys identify this neighborhood? Distinct and independent of Columbia Heights or rather a sub section of Columbia Heights?

WingHouse Opens Up at 715 Euclid Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I know folks love their wings so I thought you’d be happy to hear this news. They opened up in early August. This spot is kinda wild because it is on a block of residential homes, and this restaurant just pops up in the middle (close to Georgia Ave). Unfortunately I wasn’t hungry when I passed it but has anyone checked it out yet? If so, how do the wings rank?

Good Deal or Not? Renovated Rowhouse Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 744 Columbia Road, NW:


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The flier says:

“BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED 3BR 2.5BA BRICK TH LOCATED IN SOUGHT AFTER COLUMBIA HEIGHTS. SS APPLIANCES, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, CERAMIC TILE, JACUZZI TUB, HW FLRS, LG CLOSETS, FRONT PORCH REAR DECK GATED YARD, NEW PLUMBING & ELECTRIC. WIRED FOR PHONE, CABLE & INTERNET. CLOSE TO SHOPPING, DINNING, DOWNTOWN, PARKS, METRO RAIL/BUS AND MORE. WHY PAY CONDO FEES WHEN YOU CAN OWN MORE FOR LESS THAN A CONDO.”

More info and photos found here.

I think it’s a bit of a stretch to call this area Columbia Heights. Nevertheless, it seems like a nice reno and I should not it is located across the street from the Bruce-Monroe school set for demolition this week. It was originally priced at $424,126 but is now on the market for $399,999. Sound reasonable?

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