1501 U Street, NW
Mediterranean Spot is applying for a liquor license at the corner of 15th and U St, NW. It says:
“restaurant which serves Mediterranean food i.e., Shawarma Sandwiches, Gyro, Falafel, salads and soups. In addition, we will be soon serving Brick Oven Pizzas. Seating Capacity – 32 and total Capacity 50 with 3 tables and 8 chairs on the Sidewalk Café.”
Mediterranean Spot opened up at 15th and U St, NW in Aug. 2012. They will soon be opening a 2nd location in Adams Morgan.
2005 14th Street, NW
Last week learned Hanoi House would be partnering with Chef Erik Bruner-Yang from Toki Underground. More info from a press release:
“Maketto’s Executive Chef and co-owner Erik Bruner-Yang is pleased to announce a three-month residency and test kitchen at Hanoi House on 14th Street. Maketto, DURKL’s Will Sharp and Bruner-Yang’s modern mixed-retail and restaurant marketplace located at 1351 H Street NE, is not set to open until late 2013. This time of experimentation will allow Bruner-Yang and the entire Maketto team, including chef de cuisine James Wozniuk, to cook food inspired by their love affair with authentic Asian street food. Hanoi House will serve dinner only at $30 per person, family-style, with no accommodations for allergies or dietary restrictions. A dim sum cart will also be available throughout the evening a la carte. The menu will change often.
The Maketto residency at Hanoi House begins on July 15, 2013 and will be open six days a week, Monday-Saturday at 5 P.M. (closed on Sundays.) Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations may be made directly online via Hanoi House’s OpenTable at www.hanoihousedc.com beginning next week, the week of July 8, 2013.”
1357 U Street, NW in 2007
“Dear PoPville,
Any idea about what’s going on with the old State of the Union Building at 1357 U St?
Looks like there were plans 4 years ago to develop a swanky lounge. But I walk by it every day on the way to & from the metro and nothing positive seems to be happening there, and the “Kindred Lounge” web site from 2009 is no longer active. The building is still boarded up and still smells like pee pee. As it gets hotter, the smell is unbearable. It’s hard to imagine that, with so much development going on all around it, this building would sit blighted for so long.
But wait! Mystery! As of March, DCRA lists 1357 U as a Class 4 Blighted property, presumably the naughtiest of the classes. Curiously, although DCRA also lists it as unregistered, I couldn’t find it on any of the DCRA public auction lists for the past few years and there still seem to be realty signs on it, so clearly someone thinks they have it registered and are trying (albeit half-assed) to sell it.
Might anyone in PoPville know anything about this smelly eyesore?”
Northwest Corner of 14th and W Street, NW
Here’s some history from the Historic Preservation Review Board:
2202 14th Street was constructed in 1911 and designed by architects Spieden and Spieden, a prominent local firm active from the 1890s until the 1930s. As originally designed, the purpose – built commercial building had a slate pent roof with an eyebrow dormer, bracketed eaves, a brick façade with six – over one windows on the upper floor and a 3’ x 9’ projecting storefront window on the first floor. The pent roof, dormer and brackets remain, but the slate has been removed. While obscured by a metal mesh screen, the second floor elevation remains intact underneath, including the original windows and decorative iron window boxes. The first floor has been altered with the loss of the storefront and damage to the brick when a later stone veneer was removed. Despite its somewhat deteriorated condition, as part of the review of a previous concept for the site in 2005, the Board determined the building to retain sufficient integrity to be considered contributing to the historic district. The corner lot at 2200 14th has been vacant since prior to the designation of the historic district in 1999.
And the plans from Community Three Development:
The District’s 14th Street corridor renaissance has proven good urban-oriented design can resurrect long-dilapidated areas and create a solid foundation for community progress. Home to one of the hardest hit streets during the 1968 Washington, DC riots, this neighborhood has come full circle with the infusion of some of the city’s most coveted new residential, commercial, and cultural uses.
Working closely with the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office and local neighborhood groups, Community Three employed a design strategy for Fourteen which reinvigorates a small corner site home only to a fortified commercial structure and the memory of former buildings. The composite design, which removes the protective fetters of the once solid commercial façade returning it to urban service, compliments the new surrounding architectural fabric with blend of orderly tectonic components and illuminating floor-to-ceiling modern forms.
Eighteen elegantly appointed residences comprise this boutique property, with direct access to one Washington’s most vibrant entertainment and commercial hubs. The top floor hosts a one-of-a-kind penthouse, offering direct elevator access and sweeping southern views of the city skyline.
Ground floor commercial uses are restored at the property with renewed vigor, adding excitement to the street level and a completion to the restoration of this high-profile intersection. Fourteen completes the resurrection of this unique intersection and sets the foundation for a new chapter of prosperity in one of Washington’s most cherished locales.
Rendering after the jump. (more…)
14th and S Street, NW
The Washington Post reported on Friday afternoon:
“Eager to end complaints from the Standard Biergarten in New York, the operators of Standard in the District plan to change the name of their joint to the Garden District, says co-owner Tad Curtz.”
Garden District plant/gardening store was located in the space until they moved across the street in 2009 before ultimately closing in 2011.
Garden District from 2007
From MPD:
“On June 30, 2013, at approximately 3:26 A.M., three victims were stabbed in the 2000 block of 12th Street, NW. The victims suffered slash wounds that were non-life threatening.
The vitims reported that they were inside of the 7-11 Store at 12th and U Streets, NW, when they became involved in a verbal argument with three suspects. After exiting the 7-11 Store, the suspects attacked the victims. One suspect slashed all three victims with a knife. The other suspects assaulted the victims by striking them with their shoes
An off-duty MPD Sergeant observed the assault and called for assistance. Police officers from the Third District arrived on the scene moments later. The three female suspects were apprehended. One suspect was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife). The other two suspects were charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon(Shoe). The victims were transported to a local area hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Anyone with information related to these crimes is urged to contact the MPD Command Information Center at 202-727-9099.”
1215 U Street, NW
Great news from the mayor’s office:
Mayor Vincent C. Gray is pleased to join with the Deputy Mayor For Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) and the Department of General Services (DGS) in announcing the selection of I.M.P., owners of the 9:30 Club, as the winning bid to become the new operator for the Historic Lincoln Theatre, beginning September 2013. The selection of the new operator highlights Mayor Gray’s commitment to a long-term sustainable business plan for the theatre, as well as the city’s efforts to revitalize one of the District of Columbia’s most important and historic cultural landmarks.
I.M.P. demonstrates a proven track record of successfully operating and managing cultural facilities throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area and represents a strong brand of excellence. I.M.P. possesses the experienced leadership necessary to build and sustain a consistent artistic identity for the Lincoln Theatre. Currently, I.M.P. operates the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland and produces concerts in various venues of all sizes throughout the region.
“I applaud the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Department of General Services for moving this process forward,” said Mayor Gray. “I’m delighted that we can now move forward with I.M.P. and begin revitalizing this immense cultural asset.”
The process of selecting an operator began in January 2012 when Mayor Vincent C. Gray granted oversight of the Lincoln Theatre to the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH). The DCCAH’s primary role was to continue operating the theatre while developing a sustainable long-term business strategy for the theater. The District evaluated the Letters of Intent based upon the economic terms, vision and business model. A shortlist of Offerors was selected to submit detailed backup information as a second round of evaluations. From there, a selection panel of representatives from District government agencies, the local arts community, and Ward One convened to evaluate the short-listed candidates.
“This selection raises the bar for arts and entertainment in Washington,” said Judith Terra, Chair of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. “As we move toward becoming the cultural capital of the United States, our cultural assets that draw residents and visitors to our neighborhoods continue to define the greatness of our city.”
“The Historic Lincoln Theatre has been a cultural landmark in Washington for more than 90 years, and will continue to provide high quality artistic excellence for our residents and visitors,” said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. “The new vision for the theater represents the growing diversity of our city.”
“The Department of General Services is very pleased with the outcome of this process that will bring this historic jewel back to life,” said Brian J. Hanlon, DGS Director. “This was a collaborative effort that resulted in selecting a very strong, long-term operator for the Lincoln Theatre.”
“It’s an honor and a thrill to be entrusted with bringing new life to such a wonderful old theatre,” said Seth Hurwitz, chairman of I.M.P. “Who doesn’t love places like this? You walk into it and gasp every time. To be able to make this more a part of people’s lives here again is an opportunity that is truly a privilege. There are so many kinds of shows that we are not able to do at 9:30 Club that we will now have a place for, including many that we had to take out of the city. Although we have been doing this for 33 years, we have added very few venues in our family roster. But this one we couldn’t pass up. The Lincoln is just too cool not to do.”
Thanks to a reader for sending a link to this frightening accident that took place back in March 2011. The cyclist recounts his ordeal on Greater Greater Washington:
“On a pleasant March morning in 2011, I was on my way to work, biking south on 14th St NW in the center of the right lane. As I approached W Street, I looked to make sure I had ample time to cross. The light was green. As I left the intersection, an SUV driver made a left turn across traffic, directly into my path. All I could do was hit the brakes hard.”
Read his full account here.
2005 14th Street, NW
Huge news for U Street. Chef Erik Bruner-Yang from the incredibly popular Toki Underground (1234 H St, NE) is hooking up with the folks from Hanoi House (2005 14th Street, NW) starting July 7th. Not clear if Hanoi House will be changing their name or what exactly will be on the menu but more info as it becomes available. Can’t wait to learn more!
2015 14th Street, NW
The discount clothing store Mila is closing on 14th Street just north of U Street. A worker at the store said he heard a “convenience store” would be replacing them. More details when they become available.
