I know we talk about more serious issues than this but indulge me this once. I’m a huge fan of the Banneker Swimming Pool located at the 2800 block of Georgia Ave, NW. It’s come to my attention that there is a new Facebook group that is trying to get some more chairs for the pool. I think that’d be great. Not sure how much it’ll help but it can’t hurt to sign on.
And on that note, have a great weekend!
“Dear PoP,
Was wondering if you knew anything about what’s going on with the Mocha Lounge at 944 Florida Avenue? I thought it was re-opening as the Mocha Lounge, but apparently, it is becoming the Manchester Bar and Grill. The owners are trying to put some outdoor seating on the sidewalks, and they have repainted (which looks nice). It’s kind of confusing that it did actually re-open as the Mocha Lounge very recently.”
This past Sunday I stopped in and was able to sit in on a chat with owner Darnell Perkins and a couple of very nice Howard University journalists. Darnell cleared up the Manchester Bar and Grill name confusion right away – that was the name that liquor license was listed under but the space will continue to be known as Darnell’s Mocha Lounge or Darnell’s Lounge. And it really does have a lounge atmosphere:
Darnell explained that the space is developing over stages. Currently it is a bar and lounge with live Jazz/R&B on Thursday nights. The second stage will feature coffee options and a small outdoor patio (see photos after jump). Today the space opens at 5pm everyday but starting the first Sunday in May they will open earlier to serve coffee (with wifi available) and a continental breakfast. The third stage will feature proper brunch options. Currently there are some dining options available including wings, salads and mini crab cakes. The space will continue to develop based on recommendations from the neighborhood.
Darnell explained that he sees the space as an extension of his living room. In fact much of the furniture actually comes from his living room. While the space is very comfortable it is sorta broken up into two rooms. In the front room there is a lounge type feel with a big bar (that will serve coffee). In the back room there is another bar that serves alcohol and also has comfortable seating (see photo above). The total occupancy is about 75.
What I liked most about Darnell’s comments were his desire to be welcoming to all. He envisions his spot as a place that brings the whole neighborhood together whether you are black, white, latino, or gay or straight. Given the de facto segregation often seen in some neighborhoods it’s nice to hear about a spot that specifically wishes to cater to all. I certainly look forward to the continued evolution of this great space.
Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)
From an email:
“As many of you know, the principal at the school next door (Garnet-Patterson Middle School) was found murdered. I had the opportunity to work with Brian Betts professionally and he was absolutely amazing.
Schools were closed Friday for Emancipation Day so his students have not yet had a day of school since his murder. I was hoping the neighborhood could offer some sort of encouragement to these students. I’ve already noticed many students (and staff) making a memorial to Mr. Betts and sitting in front of the school crying.
I plan to purchase a bucket of sidewalk chalk and write some inspirational messages to the students and staff and then leave the chalk so that students can also use it to express their feelings. Mr. Betts cared greatly about this neighborhood and I want to make sure the neighborhood and school know we support them.”
Duffy’s, located at 2106 Vermont Ave NW by 9:30 Club is having a pretty sweet tax relief happy hour from 4pm – 8pm on Thursday. In addition to the free food they will also have all beers including imports at 1/2 price and 2.50 rail drinks. If you haven’t gotten your taxes done yet, this could ease the pain a bit.
Ed. Note: Duffy’s is a PoP advertiser.
The new library going up in Shaw on Rhode Island near 9th Street, NW is starting to look awesome. You can see what it looked like in January here (second photo).
“Dear PoP,
New and massive tag on the wonder bread factory…big white letters on the side in addition to multiple tags on the roof. Guess it’ll be just a weeee bit longer til the shaw/howard metro gets the long overdue development…”
Damn this looks awful. Owners of the Wonderbread factory definitely deserve a horse’s ass award for keeping this property on ice for so long. The building is located on the 600 block of S Street, NW. A reader posted some photos from inside here.
This rental is located at 9th and Q Streets, NW:
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The Craigslist ad says:
“Large and spacious row house on 3 levels. This house is perfect for entertaining!!! Hard wood floors throughout 2 lower levels and new carpeting on bedroom floors. Renovated with a state of the art kitchen and breakfast room. Perfect for hosting with a Viking range/hood, granite & cabinets galore.
Open living/dining area on main level w/ hardwoods. Master bedroom consists of 2 bedrooms converted to make one very large single bedroom.Beautiful bedrooms with many windows. High ceilings, cent A/C, NEW bath. Washer and dryer.”
More photos here.
We actually looked at this house when it was for sale as a GDoN for $549k. Does $3250 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/2 bath as a rental?
This apartment is located at 12th & Rhode Island Ave NW:
The Craigslist ad says:
“Logan Circle: 1 Bedroom 1 bath English basement apartment, recessed lighting, lots on natural light, W/W carpet, CAC, full sized W/ D, electric range and 19 cu. ft. refrigerator. High efficiency heat pump heating. Cable and DSL ready. Landscaped rear patio. Secure – gated doors and windows.”
Does $1595 sound reasonable for this English basement?
Looking at it from the front you’d almost have no idea that there was a row of houses here:
I was fortunate enough to run into the nephew of one of the street’s longest residents, Mr. Roland Swingon. Mr. Swingon is in his 80s and was unfortunately unable to speak at the time I passed by but his nephew, Dave, recounted a couple of cool stories for me. First let me situate you, the street is between S and T behind the Howard theater:
Well apparently after the great musicians would play the Howard Theater they would sometimes come to this row of houses for a visit. One time the great blues singer Billie Holliday came to visit Mr. Swingon. Dave told me that when he was growing up the whole area smelled like bread from the nearby Wonder Bread factory (soon to be a recipient of a horse’s ass award…). But before’s Dave time he told me that when Mr. Swingon moved to the block the floors were made of dirt, there used a coal stove, and an ice truck drove and dropped off blocks of ice. I love hearing stories like this. It is wild to imagine the city back then. But truthfully I was most intrigued by Billie Holliday’s visit. One day, I hope to meet Mr. Swingon in person to get the full story of Billie Holliday’s visit.
The reader writes:
“Here’s an interesting mural at the corner of Florida Ave and 4th Street NW. It’s on the West side of the Ken’s Carry Out, a neighborhood fried chicken joint.”
I decided to use my own photo instead of the one the reader sent but I agree that this is one of the cooler murals in the city.
Now that I think of it, is Ken’s still open? It seems to be closed everytime I have walked past it.