Shaw

GDoN Revisited by Hipchickindc

By Prince Of Petworth

In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and as a real estate salesperson in Maryland.  Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below.  Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system.  Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 2245 12th Pl NW

Original List Price: $479,000.

List Price at Contract: $479,000.

List Date: 3/21/2009

Days on Market: 18 (it took from April to late June to settle…perhaps because of tenants?)

Settled Sales Price: $474,500.

Settlement Date:  07/31/2009

Seller Subsidy:  $13,000.

Bank Owned?: No. 

Type Of Financing: Conventional Financing.  The loan amount shows up as $1,800,000., which I am guessing is a typo. 

Listing History: Last purchased when it was still painted white for $238,500. With a $500. Subsidy in 2001.  Prior to that sale, it changed hands in (pre-U Street development) 1992 for $125,950.

Original GDoN Post is: Here.

Recent Listing is: Here. To see more pics, click here for the virtual tour.

I’ve noticed that Good Deal or Not (GDoN) commenters tend not to be fans of small houses, but as one poster suggested, there are definitely people who don’t want to own a condo but also don’t want a lot of house to take care of. As mentioned by anothermous, this was the fifth sale on the block this year, which is certainly evidence of the desirability of the location. Comparable sales can be seen here.  Continues after the jump. (more…)

Mid City Caffe Has Soft Opening and Will Open With Regular Hours in approximately a Week and a Half

By Prince Of Petworth

Ever since we learned of Mid City Caffe’s imminent opening (above Miss Pixie’s at 1626 14th Street, NW) folks have been super excited. The opening date has been pushed back a few times but for this weekend’s Mid City Dog Days Sale, the spot had an unpublicized soft opening. There are still some finishing touches that will be implemented so they didn’t want me to take photos just yet. However, given the fact that I receive weekly emails about this spot, I begged them to let me take one photo (see above). I have to say it really is a sweet space. Its got an old school, sorta 1950s, feel to it. There is a counter to order and two open spaces to sit, with Wifi of course. It seats around 40 though eventually they hope to have some outdoor tables on the front sidewalk.

I spoke to a friend who happened to be passing by and she was super excited about the opening, hoping that this space will fill the loss of Sparky’s and 14U coffee shops. I think most folks are going to be pretty happy. It has a very unique comfortable vibe going on. I’ll be sure to announce the opening date when it firms up and becomes official.

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Shiloh Baptist Church to Sell Two Run Down Properties in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

DCist reported yesterday saying:

“The church membership voted last Wednesday to move forward with plans to sell its properties at 1600 8th Street NW and 1543 8th Street NW, with the hope that the sales will generate enough capital to begin long-discussed plans to renovate a string of units in the 1500 block of 9th Street NW. Plans for the Shiloh-owned 9th Street properties include a senior citizen center and/or housing, and a youth learning center.”

The Washington Post followed up today saying:

“Last week’s decision by members of Shiloh Baptist Church, at Ninth and P streets NW, could remove a stumbling block to the rebirth of the blighted neighborhood around the Washington Convention Center. Neighbors have complained for years that seven crumbling buildings that the church owns along Eighth and Ninth streets were attracting drug users and adding to a sense of decay in the area.”

These properties have long been a blight on the Shaw neighborhood. While I admire the church’s desire to build affordable housing, the fact that they weren’t actually doing it, means that this was the right move for them and for the revival of that block. What do you think – does this signify that the last stumbling block to the revival of this section of Shaw has been removed?

Good Deal or Not? One of my Favorite Buildings Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1413 T Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Ultra-cool Jr. 1BR in DC’s most dynamic location with every little convenience, entertainment, and culture DC has to offer. Great use of space, up-to-date kitchen and bath, tall ceilings, and an open floor plan make this a terrific place. Located in an architecturally historic boutique building, here is the perfect pad for the ultimate experience in city living.”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

I think this is a super cool looking building (we’ve judged it in the past). The condo itself seems a bit small and the views don’t seem to be great but man is that a fantastic location. Obviously someone else agrees since it’s under contract. I know some folks don’t like GDoN posts under contract but I’ve always been curious about this place.  I was surprised at how reasonable the price seemed – $249,000. Is that a great deal or have I lost perspective?

Coming and Here – More Ethiopian News – Fasil and Restaurant to be Named Coming to the Dan the Man’s space

By Prince Of Petworth

As mentioned yesterday, Fasil, the new Ethiopian restaurant located at 1608 7th St, NW will have it’s grand opening party July 24-26. Per IMGoph’s observation I also believe they are currently open this will just be the festive grand opening. By the by I thought I read somewhere that the chef is from Dukem anyone know if that’s the case?

And in bittersweet news we will be losing the great “Dan the Man’s” sign at 1936 9th Street, NW. There is a major renovation going on inside. The folks I spoke to said it was going to become either an Ethiopian or Eritrean restaurant.

Judging Restaurants – Italy Pizza and Baffetto

By Prince Of Petworth

One of my favorite topics for sure. So this past weekend I was discussing pizza with some friends and two spots were mentioned that I was unfamiliar with. First is Italy Pizza at 634 Florida Ave, NW.

Second is Baffetto at 2005 18th Street, NW:

What’s the scoop on these places. Great pizza or only good when you’ve had a few beers?

Coming Back – Zenebech Injera

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in June a number of folks were wondering what was going on with Zenebech Injera, the Ethiopian restaurant located at 608 Florida Ave, NW. I’m happy to report that I was able to go into the restaurant on Monday and it looks nearly finished. I spoke with one of the owners who said that they will open up sometime next week. They will call me when they pick the exact day. But like I said, the inside appeared nearly finished, so you’ll soon be able to get your Zenebech back on!

Horse’s Ass Award – Reader Request – 7th and Q St, NW and 9th and U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Please take a look at the southeast corner of 7th St and Q Street NW…an abandoned liquor store has sat there for years.”

And while we’re looking at abandoned old liquor stores I’d also like to nominate one on the corner of 9th and U Street, NW:

These are both prime properties that one only hopes will be fixed up soon. I really hope they are being taxed at the vacant rate…

9th and T Street Eyesore Gets Remodeled (From Wayan)

By Prince Of Petworth

Wayan writes:

“Not sure if you’ve seen this, but the eyesore at 9th and T is now under construction. About damn time! Its been vacant for years (I want to say a decade).”

This house has tons of potential. This is great news. I’m dying to know what it’s gonna look like. I’ll post updated photos as progress occurs.

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