Truxton Circle

Good Deal or Not? “high-end renovation mixes old and new” edition (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 67 N Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Gorgeous high-end renovation mixes old and new. Open floorplan, dark floors, high ceilings, 2 fireplaces, exposed brick. 1-car parking, zen patio, small front and sizeable back garden space. In-law suite rents easily for 800/month. Huge master suite with double showers, large walk-in closet with a ton of shelving and Bosch laundry center. One bedroom converted to open, loft-like office space. True chef’s kitchen with built-in professional appliances, double dishdrawers, double-thick honed granite, custom made modern base cabinetry. Truly thoughtful, functional design with high end finishes throughout. New roof. A dose of modernism while attempting to keep the charm of a 100-year old Victorian.”

You can see photos if you scroll down the craigslist ad.

Does $499,900 sound reasonable for this one?

Weekend Crime Report – Good news Bad news edition

By Prince Of Petworth


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From MPD around 6:30pm Sat. evening:

“A short time ago there was a robbery at 5th Street and O Street, NW. A homeless victim was shot in the neck and received non-life threatening injuries. Officers deployed in the area made one arrest and recovered the handgun used in the offense.”


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From MPD around 6:50pm Sat. evening:

“At about 6:50 pm, a radio run was dispatched to Fourth District units for “The sounds of gunshots” in the area behind the 5000 block of 1st St., NW. Officers Burggraf & Gelsomino were the first to arrive in the area, assisted by other Fourth District officers. They canvassed the cemetery that abuts the dispatched location on foot. They located a male adult subject walking in the cemetery which is closed after dark. The officers’ ensuing investigation led to the recovery of two hand guns. The subject admitted to firing off a round in the cemetery. He was placed under arrest & charged with Carrying a Pistol without a License. Great job by the officers in doing a very thorough investigation resulting in the removal of this dangerous felon from our neighborhood!”


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And more good news regarding one of the attacks from the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Ave, SE. From MPD Sunday morning:

“This morning a juvenile suspect was arrested for the assault of a female last week that occurred in the 1300blk of PA Ave SE

The victim sustained a fractured jaw as a result of this apparent unprovoked attack.

First District Detectives worked this case tirelessly and received help from our community until we were able to identify the juvenile suspect. He was arrested this morning at his residence without incident.

As this is a juvenile no additional information can be released.”

Major Police Presence at 4th and Q St, NW – Avoid Area

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

On Q St off of New Jersey, I was awakened today at 7AM. There were cops surrounding the ally behind Kipp Will Charter telling someone to come out with their hands up. It is now 9AM and Q St and P St blocked off . I heard that there are three armed men in one of the houses on Q street. It looks like warzone here. They are telling everyone to stay inside.”

MPD alert says:

“Police activity in the 400 block of Q Street NW, street closures is on New Jersey Avenue from R Street to P Street NW. Please use alternate streets.”


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Good Deal or Not? “11 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms” edition (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1243 New Jersey Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“Priced reduced for quick sell! Bright beautiful huge townhouse 11 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, 3 separate entrances. 2009 renovated. Main floor & up are all wood floor. New kitchen with Granite counter and Maple cabinet. Basement with its own small kitchen. New water heater and appliances. Super location. Seller is very motivated.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

It was originally going for $888,000 but is now on the market for $799,900. Good deal or not?

Judging Pop Ups – Truxton Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

I forget the exact street, I think it’s Florida Ave pretty close to 1st St, NW.

Can anyone explain why they’d put a staircase in front of the window? (There is a house in Shaw that also has a staircase in front of a great bay window).

Overall thumbs up or down on this one? Note that there appears to be solar panels on the back.

Sad Scuttlebutt Turns Out to be True: Brassknob Warehouse Closing, Liquidating Inventory

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in late Sept. I reported some scuttlebutt saying that the Brass Knob Warehouse located at 57 N Street, NW would be closing soon.

Thanks to a reader for sending in confirmation from the Post today:

Owner Ron Allan says the rent on the 24,000-square-foot property at 57 N St. NW has become prohibitive. In addition, the economy, the extreme weather and the city’s shift to modern condos have slowed sales in the business Allan likens to a “Victorian Home Depot.”

This is one time I hoped my scuttlebutt would be wrong. I’ll be sure to keep my eye on this space to see what it becomes. In the meantime you can see what a cool space the warehouse was here.

And they will be liquidating all their contents. You can read more about that here. And of course, “The Brass Knob Architectural Antiques will remain open at 2311 18th Street NW.”

Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – Bloomingdale/Eckington

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 35 Quincy Place NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“*Two bedrooms & One large bathroom
*1,000 sq/f unit, with an additional 400 sq/f of storage space
*A gorgeous kitchen with stainless steel appliances, marble counter tops, gas stove and stunning cabinetry
*Tons of huge windows
*One private parking space
*Wrought iron outdoor deck
*Front loading, stackable washer and dryer
*Stunning bathroom with shower, tub, espresso cabinetry & marble tile
*Hardwood floors throughout
*Modern light fixtures”

This sounds like it could be a good option for roomates. What do you think – does $2050 sound reasonable for this 2 bed/1 bath?

Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 418 Q St., NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

”
This walk-down basement studio in historic Shaw will be available Nov 13. It’s a bargain priced to move, and it may not last long. The $950 rent INCLUDES electricity and gas. This unit will be shown this Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm until 4pm – confirm an appointment time (i.e., 2:45pm Saturday) with a reply by Friday afternoon.

Big Features: Washer/Dryer In Unit!! Recently Renovated!! Common Outdoor Space!!!!

The unit also features, a gas stove, track lighting, a full bath, and two separate entrances. The rear entrance walks up to a shared deck and patio. The neighborhood and the neighbors are terrific; Metro (Shaw/Howard) as well as the 24-hour Giant are a 5-7 minute walk away. Street parking is usually plentiful.”

Does $950 sound reasonable for this “walk-down” studio?

Scuttlebutt, Seriously Sad Scuttlebutt: Could Brassknob Warehouse be Closing Soon?

By Prince Of Petworth

I received a very sad tip the other day and while it hasn’t been exactly confirmed it wasn’t really denied either… When I first stumbled upon the Brass Knob Warehouse located at 57 N Street, NW I was blown away (not to be mistaken with the Brass Knob retail space in Adams Morgan). It is filled with tons and tons of items for those renovating a house. For someone who posts a ‘door of the day’ you can imagine my delight… You can see lots of photos here.

Anyway a reader wrote in saying that he heard the Warehouse was closing up shop. I immediately called the Warehouse and while they said they are still open for business they also said that, “the economy hasn’t been kind to us” and that their business is based on home renovations which have seriously slowed down. So while the shop is still open, it sounds like if business doesn’t pick up they may not last until the economy completely rebounds. And that would be a very sad for a very cool warehouse. I certainly hope that my reader tip was overly pessimistic!

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