Truxton Circle

Neat Neighborhood History: Catania Bakery in Photos

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Nov. ’09, Danny Harris wrote a People’s District post titled Nicole on the Last Remnants of Italian Life on North Capitol Street. It was fascinating. I finally went for a visit myself last weekend and I was absolutely blown away (as I should’ve known.) The place is a true time warp for many reasons but for all those who’ve been pining for a proper bakery – I don’t care if you live nowhere near here – it is worth the travel! I would go just to talk with the former owner, Mr. Caruso (now retired), who will tell you all about the history of the bakery and the neighborhood. They are only open for retail Sat. morning around 7:30am until around 1pm.

I bought a chocolate bread that was ridiculously good – seriously no other way to describe it. Plus they have proper Italian bread and rolls, other pastries and their famous biscotti. For those who know good Italian subs in DC – these folks are the suppliers for Mangialardo’s and A. Litteri among many others. Enough said, right? So next Sat. go visit! They are located at 1404 N. Capitol St, NW (just south of P).

As I said – this post will give you a taste of how old school and awesome this place is in photos:


The oven from 1946


Real Italian bread!

Lots more photos and history after the jump. (more…)

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option – Truxton Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 130 Q Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Enjoy the convenience of city living in this renovated condo just blocks from the New York Ave metro and the Shaw-Howard U metro. This fabulous location is in charming Truxton Circle, just outside the action of Penn Quarter and so close to Howard University. Easy access to the 395, the Capitol and just around the corner from Big Bear Cafe (site of the Bloomingdale Farmer’s Market on Sunday mornings). This lovely home features:

-2 BR/1 BA
-Light and bright top floor location
-Warm bamboo floors throughout
-Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gas cooking and granite countertops
-Updated bath with jetted tub.
-Balcony
-Off Street Parking – 2 tandem spaces. -Pets considered on a case by case basis with additional deposit. Condo allows 1 dog up to 50 lbs or up to 2 cats.”

$2400 sound right for this 2 bedroom?

Mayor Barry’s Environmental Design Award

By Prince Of Petworth

I think we may have looked at this once in the past but it cracks me up every time I pass it. It’s located near North Capitol St and New York Ave, NW in Truxton Circle. For this to win an environmental design award, it really makes you think what DC must’ve looked like in 1989…

Man Shot at 1st and P St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


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From MPD:

“The Fifth District is working a shooting that occurred at approximately 3am at 1st and P Street NW. Units responded to the sounds of gunshots and while canvassing discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim described the suspect as a black male 6-1 in height, wearing a brown jacket. The preliminary motive in this case appears to be robbery. The victim is in stable condition at an area hospital. If anyone has any additional information please contact MPD immediately. 202 727 9099”

Good Deal or Not? “Large master bedroom w/ bay windows” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 304 Q St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Price Reduced & Ready to Sell!! FHA approved/VA eligible. Newly Constructed Luxury Condo Bldg: 2BD/1BA unit for sale, located in the heart of DC. High ceilings, Gourmet Kitchen w/ SS appl. & custom cabinets. Prewired Cable & Internet. HWF, tons of natural light, in-unit W/ D, spacious living room, custom tiled bathroom. Large master bedroom w/ bay windows. Walk to Metro or bike to work!”

You can find more info here and a few photos here.

I know this one could be hard because there’s only a few photos but I’m still curious what you guys think – it’s a 2 bed/1 bath going for $289,000 ($222 condo fee). Sound right?

Brass Knob Warehouse Last Day Announced – Feb. 15th

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Oct. ’10 we learned that the Brass Knob Warehouse would be closing their doors in Truxton Circle (57 N St, NW). Sadly, a final date has been announced.

Though some hope remains, owner Andrew Gordon tells me,

“The radiator business will continue via a new location (likely in Mt. Rainier, MD) along with select specialty items (minimal clawfoot tubs, sinks, mantles, etc)…but the BK Warehouse is shutting down its name.”

Stay tuned for an update when the Mt. Rainier location is set up. And of course when a new tenant is found for 57 N St, NW.

Judging Buildings/Horse’s Ass Award Nominee – Truxton Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve always thought this building has terrific potential. It is the former Langston school (located on P St, NW just west of North Capitol) and apparently at some point had a Jewish affiliation:

Anyone know the story? I know across the street there are plans to renovate an old school into senior housing (I think senior housing?).

Next door the (old) Slater School building (now a daycare?) could use a bit of an upgrade as well:

Man Shot and Killed at North Capitol and Florida Ave, NW Last Night

By Prince Of Petworth


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From MPD:

“On Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at 2311 hours, units from the Fifth District were dispatched to the intersection of North Capitol St and Florida Ave to investigate a report of the sound of gunshots. Prior to their arrival, a unit from the First District was flagged down by a citizen and advised of a shooting victim on the Northwest corner of the intersection of North Capitol St. and Florida Ave. NW. DCFEMS responded to the scene and transported the victim (an adult male) to an area hospital, suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. The victim later died as a result of the injuries. Violent Crime Branch detectives are investigating the case and ask if anyone has information please contact MPD immediately 202-727-9099.”

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