Hipchickindc is a licensed real estate broker. She is the founder of 10 Square Team and is affiliated with Keller Williams Capital Properties. 10 Square Team is a princeofpetworth.com advertiser. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 976 Florida Ave NW
Legal Subdivision: Old City #2
Advertised Subdivision per Listing: U Street
Original List Price: $515,000.
List Price at Contract: $515,000.
List Date: 05/03/2012
Days on Market: 4
Settled Sales Price: $515,000.
Seller Subsidy: $0.
Original List to Net Sales Price Ratio: 100%
Settlement Date: 06/13/2012
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? No
Type Of Financing: Conventional
Original GDoN post is: here.
The listing can be seen: here. The virtual tour can be seen here.

The even side of the 900 block of Florida Avenue NW is comprised of mostly two story rowhomes without basements, which are quite tiny and usually no more than two bedrooms and one full bath. Those who drive or bike in DC will know this as the block that you face when Sherman Ave NW turns left into Florida Avenue NW. I mention this only because Florida changes names and directions at odd and sometimes unexpected places.

Ten years ago it was still possible to purchase one of these properties in need of renovation for under $50,000. Livable properties on this block in 2002 were selling under $200,000. From 2003, the prices for these small homes increased into the $300,000’s, increased for a bit during the peak market years in the mid-2000’s, then came back down into the $300’s again in 2009 and 2010.

Until this most recent sale, the subject property had been the highest sale on the block for a two bedroom one bath property at $449,000. in 2006. This current price, which surpassed the half million dollar mark, is now the highest sale for a home this size on the block. The next highest price ever paid for a home this size on the block was Number 968, which sold for $401,500. in 2005.

Georgetown still wins the prize for high prices for teeny homes in 2012. A similarly sized two bedroom one bath attached rowhome at 1033 30th St NW settled on the 20th of June for $750,000.



1926 9th St, NW

Back in March we learned that Cause was going to move into the old La Carbonara space at 1926 9th St, NW. While they’re still a couple months away from opening, they’ve made a lot of progress renovating the space (which they’re doing themselves!) For those who don’t recall, Cause:

is a bar like you’ve never seen. We call it a PhilanthroPub. It works like this:

Step 1: You come to Cause; eat, drink, and be merry

Step 2: Cause pays its staff, covers all operating costs

Step 3: Cause takes ALL of the remaining profit, and gives it to vetted nonprofit organizations

If you’d like to donate you can do so here, you can get your own barstool, table or beer for a year if you’re feeling very generous. They’ve raised over $15,000 and counting.

Here’s a peek inside the space:


1st floor

More photos after the jump. (more…)



9th and U St, NW

Back in Oct. 2011 I suspected the roof deck coming to the Brixton at 9th and U St, NW was gonna be awesome. Let me amend that suspicion – the roof deck is going to be completely freaking amazing, it’s got two bars on the roof alone! And the rest of the space ain’t bad either…

I’ve probably been getting a half a dozen emails a week since last year asking for updates on the Brixton. I’m happy to say they are just a few weeks from opening, I’ll update with an exact date when it is finalized.

Here’s what it looked like in 2009:

Check out how it’s shaping up:


First floor

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)



725 Florida Ave, NW

Back in Jan. 2012 Tropicana Eatery closed at 725 Florida Ave, NW east of U Street. Thanks to a reader for sending word:

I was walking to work and there is a “Pizza by the slice” neon sign on the outside of the building. I walked inside since the door was open and there was a guy inside who confirmed it. They had boxes of mozzarella cheese in the fridge and a number of pizza boxes already built and on the counter. He said “maybe it will open tomorrow or the day after”.

I’m not thrilled that it’s another pizza place, but I’m happy to finally see something in that space!



2106-08 Vermont Avenue, NW

This could be interesting. VeraCruz will be located on the 2nd floor above Duffy’s at 2106 Vermont Ave, NW (near 9:30 Club.) From a liquor license application:

New Multi-Purpose Facility. Art Gallery dedicated exclusively to interior murals. The gallery also will serve as an art bar with a food program influenced by the diversity of Latin America as seen right here in the DC Area. The beverages and food programs will be centered on the best beers, spirits and affordable food from countries ranging from Mexico to El Salvado to Peru and beyond. With live entertainment and cover charge. Total Occupancy Load is 49.

More info as it becomes available.



1410 U St, NW

Back in April the owners of DC Noodles at 1410 U St, NW were adamant that they’d stay open despite major construction at 14th and U St, NW. Sadly, despite their best efforts to stay open they will be closing for a year. Their facebook page now says:

DC NOODLES is temporarily closing on July 1st. We will reopen in July, 2013.

We wanted (and tried) to remain open during construction but the new structure requires us to temporarily close. Good news- menu will be temporarily available at Rice [1608 14th St, NW] until Noodles reopened its doors next summer. Thanks for your support.

Stem, located next door to DC Noodles at 1412 U St, NW will also be closing for a year.



917 U Street, NW

From an email:

Kick off summer with our favorite patio activity: Deep Frying.

Thursday, June 7 at 9 PM we’ll be frying our favorite decadent traisures like Twinkies, Snickers, Oatmeal Cream Pies, etc. Feel free to bring your own treats and we’ll batter, dip, sugar and sprinkle ‘em (remember to freeze them first). The Duchess of Pork DJ’s will make it rocky and funky to keep your sweet tooth aching all night!


From Albus Cavus:

AIGA DC and Albus Cavus present DC’s premier art installation bringing together over 60 talented artists known for changing the visual landscape of the city

Friday, June 8, 2012 – 6pm to 11pm
2030 8th Street NW, Washington DC 20001

Entry fee is $10 and the proceeds will go to Albus Cavus to support their mission to use participatory creativity such as public art to engage and enhance our communities. Please donate online to support our educational initiatives.

BLENDED brings together the worlds of street art and graphic design in a collision of music, art, and performance at a soon-to-be-demolished warehouse in the U Street Corridor. Encompassing the work of over 60 highly skilled artists, this show promises to be one of the most significant art events in DC this year. In addition to the art, area DJs will move the dance floor and Urban Artistry will showcase urban dance culture. Visitors can dance, have a great time and meet the artists at this benefit for Albus Cavus’s community and youth workshop efforts.

Doors to the event open at 6pm and the entertainment starts at 7pm. There will be a cash bar, and food trucks El Floridano and Pleasant Pops will be selling refreshments.


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