Shaw

Development Coming to 8th and P St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Renew Shaw spotted the sign over the weekend and I was able to get a little more info from the folks at Capital City Real Estate. They tell me:

“We plan to do 12 two level duplexes. Each 2 bedroom 2 bath. Pricing is not finalized as the project is 6-9 months out, but we plan to have units priced in the mid to high 400’s and a couple maybe just a hair above. There will be parking available for sale for the units once the old Kelsey Gardens development is complete. (there will be rental parking in the meantime, on the Kelsey Gardens site).”

We most recently looked at a Capital City Real Estate project in Columbia Heights at 13th and Park Rd, NW. Though we’ve looked at many others with this one being the most popular so far.

Dear PoP – Can We Get an Update on the Brixton and the Independent Coming to Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was just thinking I haven’t seen a follow-up on much needed coffee in my Florida and U neighborhood. Do you have any idea what came of the 715 Florida Ave place?”

and

“Hey PoP. Whats up with the Brixton?! I pass it every day and haven’t seen any activity there since they put up the fence.”

There have been a lot of recent inquiries and emails about these two projects. The Independent is a coffee lounge and bar coming to 715 Florida Ave, NW (just east of 9th and U St.). The exact description from the liquor license was:

“Coffee House, bar lounge, 199 seats and total occupancy of 235 on first floor and storage on first and basement. Summer Garden with 75 seats and a total occupancy of 90.”

I can tell you that these projects continues to move forward – I recently traded emails with the architect (it is the same architect for Brixton and Independent). However glancing at 715 Florida Ave, NW at this point it looks like only a Demolition permit has been issued for the Independent. I’m not sure what permits have been issued for the Brixton but I think work has been ongoing.

I believe that some of the ownership team are the same folks behind the Brixton and Blackbyrd opening soon next to Marvin (the Hilton brothers) not to mention Billy Simpson’s in Petworth. I’m told all of these projects continue to move forward. It seems that the strategy is to complete one project before moving on to the other. Clearly – Blackbyrd (14th and U St, NW next to Marvin) will be completed first. Following will be Brixton, the Independent and Billy Simpson’s. I don’t know in what order. But they’re all still coming! (Knock wood…)

Robin’s Nest Consignment Boutique Coming Soon to 809 Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

The new clothing stores keep on coming to the U Street, NW area. Earlier in the week we learned about Match Clothing coming to 1526 U St, NW and now just east of 9th St, NW at 809 Florida Ave, NW we have Robin’s Nest coming soon. Stay tuned for more updates as opening dates are announced.

Do you like the mix of retail and restaurants hitting the U St/Florida Ave, NW corridor?

(Re) Judging Restaurants – Torrie’s @ Wilson’s

By Prince Of Petworth

I got a little panicked last weekend when I saw the Wilson’s sign was gone (see photo above). Fortunately it appears to just be the sign. Wilson’s is located at 700 V Street, NW just off Georgia Ave, NW. I’m intrigued by the breakfast options – anyone go here for breakfast/brunch? Seems like a good deal:

And here’s the rest of the menu:

Any fans? We originally looked at them back in Dec. ’08. I feel like this place should be more popular.

It’s Spring – Old City Green Opens Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

Old City Green is located in the lot at the corner of 9th and N St, NW.

From an email:

NOW is the time for our Third Opening!

We’ve been cleaning up our yard and making space for new product such as: spinach, lettuce, strawberries, and a few herbs. Not to mention a plethora of colorful pansies and snapdragons.

We will be open from 9 – 6:30

There will be snacks and drinks!!

Good Deal or Not? “Bright Victorian End Unit w/ Balcony too” edition (reader request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 636 Q St, NW:


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The flier says:

“* * $5,000 Buyer Credit * * Brand New 2BR/2BA w/ Parking Included – Bright Victorian End Unit w/ Balcony too, Open Floor Plan, Oak HWs, Big Stone & SS Kitchen, Recessed Lghts, Full Size W/ D, Ceil Spkrs, Ceramic BAs w/ Glas Shwers. Master Suite w/ Double Vanity BA, & Bright Southern Exposure – – CONVENTIONAL FINANCING ONLY”

You can find more info here and a video here (coincidentally it’s the same guy as Brookland video tour below) and some photos here.

$480,000 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2bath?

DCRA Finds The Wonder Bread Factory in Shaw to be “Structurally Unsafe”

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week I wrote about the DC Preservation League’s 40th Anniversary Party to be held April 21st at the Wonder Bread factory located at 641 S St, NW. Because the building has been vacant for so long I wondered how it could possibly be cleaned up in time for an April 21st party. Well unless I’m reading the DCPL’s invitation incorrectly, it seems like there is no way they are going to be able to have this party in the Wonder Bread Factory. I submitted a FOIA request to DCRA to see if I could learn a bit more about the property and found some very interesting (and quite frankly sad) information.

On March 14th Inspector James Parman wrote:

The building at the address above is structurally unsafe. The building has rotten flooring members on both the first and second floor levels. The roof structure has collapsed in some areas. At least one support beam for the roof support system has rotted and failed. The sub flooring throughout the building has heaved up to a height of approximately 12”. The building did not have any working lighting system at time of inspection. Due to theses items listed this structure is a dangerous site to be working in and this is the reason that the building was posted.

The owner of the building needs to due the following before the building can be deemed safe to work in. The owner needs to have an Engineer make a site visit to the site. The Engineer needs to write a report concerning the structural condition of the building. The report needs to address what correction need to be made to made to site safe to work in. The engineer needs to write a safely plan on how and where work can be done inside the building.
The report needs to be submitted to DCRA for review. No one is to remove the posted signs in till approval from the code official is given. This typed report reflects the items that where part of the written report that was given to the owners Rep. at the site. James F. Parman 3/14/2011

Through the FOIA request I was also able to get some photos taken at the inspection of the property:

I can’t say I’m totally surprised at the condition inside but (to me and my untrained eye) it seems like this project is quickly approaching the point of no return. Since we have lots of engineers and architects reading this blog – what is the point of no return here? Can the building be saved? Is there any chance that DCPL will be able to host a party here in a month?

More brutal photos of the inside after the jump. (more…)

Rogue 24 “High-end fine dining restaurant” Coming to Blagden Alley

By Prince Of Petworth

Well this is definitely going to be one to keep our eyes on. A recent liquor license application says simply:

“High-end fine dining restaurant in a small intimate space. Occupancy load of 52.”

Though Metrocurean reported this summer:

Chef RJ Cooper has found a new home for the ambitious 24-course menu he created while at Vidalia. The 52-seat restaurant will only serve Cooper’s 24-course tasting menu during one dinner seating Tuesday-Thursday and two dinner seatings Friday and Saturday evenings. The tasting menu experience will ring up at $130 and $170 for alcoholic beverage pairings.

The liquor license application lists the location as 922-924 N Street, NW (Rear) which is actually in Blagden Alley.

Ed. Note: 922 N St, NW facing N St was a recent GDoN post in Jan. ’11.

Not in a million years would I think this sight could lead to a fancy restaurant:

Though I do like this adjacent door:

Here’s the only indication that a “high-end fine dining restaurant” is coming:


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DC Preservation League Celebrating 40th Anniversary in the Wonder Bread Factory Building in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

Very cool! The DC Preservation League is celebrating its 40th anniversary April 21st:

40th Anniversary Celebration Ticket Order Form
Join the DC Preservation League as we celebrate 40 years of historic preservation in the District of Columbia at the historic Wonder Bread Factory.

April 21, 2011
6:30 PM Cocktails and Hors D’ Oeuvres
8:30 PM Dancing

Individual Tickets:
$150 – VIP Ticket (provides purchaser with access to section reserved for sponsors and special guests.)
$75 – General Admission Ticket

You can purchase tickets here.

The Wonderbread factory is located at 641 S St, NW. Back in April ’09 a reader took a peek inside. I wonder (no pun intended) how much they’ve cleaned it up? I also wonder if this indicates any movement in fixing up the building for sale or development.


Photo from nbardin303


Photo from nbardin303

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