U Street

Resurfacing and Repair on U Street Project to Begin May 6, 2013

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

From a press release:

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin repairing and resurfacing the U Street NW roadway between 9th Street NW and 14th Street NW as part of the U Street NW Streetscape Project. Work on the busy corridor will begin the week of May 6, 2013; weather permitting.

The complete resurfacing will take approximately three weeks to complete to ensure the roadway can safely accommodate cars, pedestrians and bicyclists; and that water runs off properly.

STEP 1: Milling away 2” of the old surface from 9th Street NW to 14th Street NW – approx. 3 days
STEP 2: Repairing damaged concrete – approx. 10 days
STEP 3: Paving the roadway with asphalt from 9th Street NW to 14th Street NW – approx. 3 days

When the asphalt has been removed, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists are advised to use caution as they travel through or near this work zone as the roadway will be uneven until the new asphalt surface is placed. Please obey all traffic and parking restrictions.

Dear PoPville – Advice on Helping the Homeless?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Dear PoPville,

I live on U Street between 14th and 13th and regularly walk past a homeless woman whom has made the stoop for the former Republic Gardens nightclub her hangout spot morning, noon and night where she congregates with other homeless, boozes, and asks for change. She also uses the alcove next to “her” stoop as her personal restroom, resulting in a constant and nauseating scent whenever you walk past. On occasion the walk from the stoop to the alcove is too much and she will just urinate where she sits. In recent weeks she has been an even more frequent fixture at this locations.

While I realize that homelessness and public urination (among other things) isn’t a new problem or even one unique to this location, it is without question disgusting.

Apart from notifying the police, which has proven useless in the past (I once informed a nearby officer that she was hammered and vomiting all over the stoop and sidewalk and he said “oh you mean [Susan], not much we can do about that”), is there anything else that can be done? This has to be a public health issue…right? She disappears for a few days from time to time, which I assume is when she either finds a new spot temporarily or is admitted somewhere but I suppose the allure of U Street keeps calling her back. Is there something that can be done as a more permanent solution?

Has anyone had success with DC’s Homeless Services?

Dear PoPville – Check out the Rent at the new 14W Building

By Prince Of Petworth

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Last week a reader sent in a link for the prices of the new rentals at 14th and W St, NW but it looks the prices have been removed. Fortunately @amorrissey tweeted:

“new apartments at 14th and W (the new YMCA building): studios $1840 – $2492, 1BRs $2185 – $3099; 2BRs $3201 – $4419 and up. #oof”

Maybe the prices are being reconsidered?

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2013

And here’s a bonus 5 years ago…

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14th and W St, NW in 2008

Chef Michael Schlow Designing New Menu for VIDA’s Penthouse Pool Club on U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo courtesy VIDA Fitness

From a press release:

Dive into summer early with a splash! VIDA Fitness’ Penthouse Pool Club kicks off its 2013 pool season on Saturday, April 27, which promises an event-filled summer with themed happy hours, rooftop dining and poolside celebrations. Award-winning chef Michael Schlow has been retained by Urban Adventures Companies, Inc. (UAC) to create and design a new food and beverage menu. Schlow’s cuisine will feature tasty appetizers and small plates, hearty salads, artisan sandwiches and wraps and healthy juices, smoothies and shakes. UAC newly designated an onsite full-service prep kitchen where Schlow’s culinary eats will be cooked and prepared fresh daily. Michael Schlow is executive chef and owner of seven prized restaurants in the northeast and recognized as one of the leading chefs in the United States.

Located on the rooftop of VIDA Fitness-U Street at 1612 U Street, NW, the 12,000-square-foot member-only pool club and lounge features a highly-stylized atmosphere that includes a 60-foot pool, private sun deck, resort cabanas, communal fire pits and a membership lounge. VIDA Fitness is currently accepting applications for a limited number of Penthouse Pool Club memberships, which are obtainable on a space available basis.

Penthouse members can also reserve customized rooftop spaces and host private events with food and beverage options from a specialized catering menu designed by Chef Michael Schlow. The Pool Club can accommodate groups of up to 299 and is available for functions from small gatherings to large receptions. Ideal for birthday celebrations, wedding receptions, fundraisers or business functions, the Penthouse event space options include the Pool Deck, Poolside VIP Area, Adams Morgan View or the secluded Sun Deck on the fourth level terrace.

The Penthouse Pool Club is designed to look and feel like an urban oasis where guests and members can socialize and unwind in a sophisticated setting while appreciating panoramic capital views. The rooftop club sports ten private cabanas and one larger VIP cabana, which are punctuated with custom Moroccan fixtures floating over large crimson beds surrounding the pool. Continuing the Moroccan theme are platinum colored lounge chairs with thick red cushions, and red and white zebra print daybeds all situated on top of synthetic green grass. At night the Penthouse mood is enhanced with glowing stone fire pits and changing colored lighting that illuminate the pool waters.

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1612 U St, NW courtesy of VIDA Fitness

U Scream Ice Cream to Become a Wine Bar (serving Mexican Food) on U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

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1301 U Street, NW

U Scream Ice Cream (formerly Maggie Moos) will become Bin 1301 Wine bar. A liquor license posted out front says:

“Bin 1301 Wine Bar

New Full Service Restaurant that will be serving Mexican Food. Total Load: 61,
Seats Inside: 36, Summer Garden Seats: 35.”

I’m intrigued. Also, it’ll be interesting to see if they face the same liquor license battle as Fainting Goat, which is hoping to open up across the street. Stay tuned.

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U Street looking east toward 13th Street.

Long Vacant Building at Vermont and V St, NW For Sale for $1,875,000

By Prince Of Petworth

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2100 Vermont Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word that the former Horse’s ass award nominee at Vermont and V St, NW (by Duffy’s) is for sale. The listing says:

“Submit offers by 4/18/2013! Approximately 3,000 SF of Land area ripe for mixed used development near U Street metro. Also great location for restaurant/ bar! Existing structure on property conveys. Please submit your inquiry and indicate your role (Developer, Investor, Broker, Lender…) Investment Package will be provided upon written request.”

It’s yours for $1,875,000.

Fri. Afternoon Rental Option – Dupont/U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

1750 T Street Northwest

This rental is located at 1750 T Street, NW:


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The listing says:

“This fabulous house is offered for rent in the heart of the Dupont Circle neighborhood! In the midst of it all, this property has everything to make in-town lifing great. Totally updated, this 3 level Victorian has both comfortable living space, & inviting entertaining areas. An elegantly decorated master suite w/walk-in-closet/dressing room leads to master bath w/dual vanity, Jacuzzi, sep shower.”

This 3 bed/3.5 bath is going for $6,200/Mo.

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