U Street

Crossroads Trading Company Now Open at 14th and U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

crossroads_14th_street
2015 14th Street, NW

Crossroads has opened today in the former Mila discount store on 14th just north of U Street. Store hours are 11-7 everyday.

From a press release:

“Buy-sell-trade-consign fashion retailer, Crossroads Trading Company, is set to open its 32nd store this Friday at 2015 14th St. NW, just north of U Street. This will be its first store in the Washington DC area.

The Berkeley-based retailer already has 31 stores along the West Coast, Chicago and New York. The stores offer shoppers the ability to sell their gently used clothing for on-the-spot cash or trade credit at any of its locations. Shoppers then have the option to purchase designer clothing at a fraction of its original retail price. The company also offers an eco-friendly twist: these shoppers receive the added benefit of knowing that they’ve just kept that clothing out of landfill.

The stores carry popular name brands like J Crew, Kate Spade and All Saints, giving shoppers the opportunity to keep their fashions on trend while keeping the environment’s best interest in mind.”

crossroads_inside
Photo courtesy of Crossroads

Aura Spa Now Open on U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

VIDA U Exterior
1612 U St, NW courtesy of VIDA Fitness

From a press release:

“Serenity and relaxation have just arrived on U Street. Urban Adventures Companies, Inc. (UAC), the DC-based urban lifestyle and entertainment company, announced today the grand opening of the new Aura Spa at VIDA Fitness-U Street, located at the company’s fitness and lifestyle complex at 1612 U Street, NW. Positioned directly off VIDA’s first floor lobby, the new $1 million, 5,000-square-foot Aura Spa flagship is the company’s third location and most deluxe day spa with larger treatment rooms, an expanded menu of services and cutting-edge design finishes.

Situated on two floors, the latest Aura Spa features a submerged soundproof lower level with three 250-square-foot state-of-the-art treatment rooms that present a remote and tranquil spa experience. Upon entry, patrons are greeted with a larger reception area in a peaceful lounge setting adjacent to a 250-square-foot esthetician treatment room. The innovative esthetician space hosts a variety of nourishing skincare services from clinical and organic facials to cost effective waxing. (more…)

Museum Minute Vol. 9 – African American Civil War Memorial and Museum

By Prince Of Petworth

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Museum Minute is written by Elle O’Flaherty. Elle lives in Mt. Pleasant and previously wrote about Lincoln’s Cottage.

Until recently, I didn’t realized there is an African American Civil War Museum tucked behind the African American Civil War Memorial off of U Street (it was actually kind of hard to find, 1935 Vermont Ave., NW). The name is a bit of a misnomer as it actually covers the African American experience from slavery through present day. The museum had lots of stories I had never heard such as the free African American women who were spies for the Union and voluntarily served as slaves in Confederate houses in order to gather information. In my opinion, you don’t hear a lot about women, let alone African American women, in most museums. It was refreshing and I really appreciated learning about it.

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The exhibits unfold much like a book and it’s heavy on text with some photos and a few objects. While very interesting and information heavy, be prepared to take your time and read as you go. Due to that, the museum may be better suited to older children. This Saturday, October 5 at 11 am (and the first Saturday of every month), the descendants of Civil War soldiers will present information on their ancestors and the process of researching their relatives. I recommend visiting for a different perspective than you’ll see at a lot of DC museums.

14th and U Street Corridor Liquor License Moratorium Denied by ABC Board

By Prince Of Petworth

u_street_liquor_moratorium
Photo by PoPville flickr user clif_burns

From ABRA:

“Today, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) unanimously denied a petition for a moratorium on the issuance of new liquor licenses in the District’s 14th and U St. corridor.

The Board determined the moratorium is not in the public’s interest after carefully considering public input and evaluating various standards for issuing a moratorium. Data collected by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) shows the 14th and U St. corridor has undergone a revival. Property values are appreciating, the violent crime rate has decreased, and residents and businesses alike are being attracted to the area. There was no evidence that additional ABC-licensed establishments will have an adverse effect on the neighborhood. (more…)

Old School Awning and Signage Up for Alphonse Italian Market & Osteria on U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Alphonse Italian Market & Osteria
1212 U Street, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending: “I think it looks pretty awesome.” I agree – very cool!

A few weeks ago we noted that Alphonse Italian Market & Osteria had applied for a liquor license at 1212 U St, NW:

“Restaurant serving prepared food with a market component. Seating capacity 101 and total occupancy load of 171.”

Ed. Note: While alcohol service will be Sunday through Thursday 11 am – 2 am and Friday & Saturday 11 am – 3 am – the application lists hours of operation as 24 hours.

ABC Board to Decide on Moratorium Petition for U St. Corridor Tomorrow

By Prince Of Petworth

u_street_liquor_moratorium
Photo by PoPville flickr user clif_burns

From ABRA:

“The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) will decide on a petition for a moratorium on the issuance of liquor licenses in the District’s U St. corridor at a public hearing tomorrow.

WHEN: 1-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2

WHERE: Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration Hearing Room
Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center
2000 14th St., NW, Suite 400 S., 4th Floor

BACKGROUND: The Shaw-Dupont Citizens Alliance requested a five-year moratorium on the issuance of liquor licenses in an area extending 1,800 feet in radius from Ben’s Next Door located at 1211 U St., NW. The petition requested the Board:

· Prohibit the issuance of all new alcoholic beverage licenses, except licenses to sell beer and wine (class B) at full service grocery stores;

· Prohibit the transfer of licenses into the moratorium zone;

· Place a cap on the number of nightclub licenses at zero;

· Place a cap on the number of tavern licenses at ten; and

· Prohibit the expansion of existing licensees into adjoining spaces, properties or lots.

The Board held a public hearing on the petition on May 22 and received written comments until May 24. Members of the public can view the petition online.”

Classic Mural on the side of 1830 14th St, NW (future home of Amsterdam Falafel) Getting Removed

By Prince Of Petworth

14th_st_mural

Thanks to a reader for sending:

“A crew was chipping off this mural at Swann and 14th NW this morning.”

This is the classic mural on the side of 1830 14th Street, NW the former home of L and N thrift store, Arts@1830 gallery and the future home of an Amsterdam Falafel, a couple blocks south of U Street.

amsterdam_falafel_14th_street

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