U Street

Good Deal or Not? “fully wired for cable and cat 5” edition (reader request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1008 W St, NW:


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The flier says:

“meticulous top to bottom gut reno. 2BRs, 2.5 lux BAs & gourmet KI w/ top-of-the-line SS, granite, custom cabinets, separate dining area w/ sun-filled French doors that open onto a southern exposed & gated flagstone terrace. HWFS, soaring ceil, limestone master bath w/ Jacuzzi. Deck , exposed brick, skylights, all new windows throughout, W/ D, built-in speakers fully wired for cable and cat 5”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

This 2 bed/2.5 bath is going for $599,000.

So quick side question – the reader who requested this a GDoN sent the email 9 days ago but the redfin listing says it’s only been listed for 1 day – what’s up with that? Can anyone explain the process in which that happens? Shouldn’t the listing have be down for a certain period of time before the timeline gets reset?

Judging Coffee Houses – Cafe Collage

By Prince Of Petworth

When Mid City Caffe closed I assumed folks would head to the Peregrine nearby. I totally forgot about Cafe Collage which went under new management way back in March 2009. Cafe Collage is located right next to Cafe St. Ex at 1346 T St, NW. Their Web site says:

“Our quiet location is the perfect place to catch up on some coffee-infused study or work time, fuel your brain with our Da Vinci Tea St. Special Grilled Veggi, or treat yourself to our renowned Picasso roast beef and cheese sandwich. You can also take advantage of our basement quarters and have an intimate conversation with several family members and friends without being packed against a series of wi-fi users. (Although we do have room for you, too…)”

Looks like they also quote a previous PoP commenter who is a fan. I don’t know why I always forget about this place. You can see their full menu here. And I now see:

“We now feature beer & wine! A glass of house wine, domestic, or imported beer costs only $3.”

Any fans?

Teaism No Longer Coming to 12th and U St, NW – Will Open Next Store in Old Town, Alexandria But Still Hopes To Come To U Street in the Future

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in May ’11 I shared the news that the owners of Teaism were planning on opening up a fourth location on U Street (12th and U St, NW.)

I have some sad news for U streeters and some good news for those that live in Old Town, Alexandria. Unfortunately despite the landlord at 12th and U St, NW being super nice and understanding the folks at Teaism simply were unable to secure financing. Co-Owner Michelle Brown tells me that despite the fact they had “invested vast sums” they are “heartbroken” to not be able to pull off the U Street location.

The plans are now to open the fourth store in Old Town, Alexandria where a much smaller financial investment was required and a lease has already been secured. The Old Town location will open March 1st.

Ms. Brown does share some encouraging final words:

“Please don’t give up on us for U Street. We just have to regroup for our next charge!!”

Good Deal or Not? Weekly Wed. House Porn “meticulous renovation preserves early Victorian architecture” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1540 T St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Developed by Westend Development & designed by DCs renowned architects Trout Design, this meticulous renovation preserves early Victorian architecture while seamlessly incorporating the finest modern amenities and systems. Enjoy the beautifully designed rooftop deck with breath taking views of Washington, DC. This is truly a special property to call home.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

This 5 bed/4.5 bath is going for $1,799,999. Do you think the reno did a good job of preserving the early Victorian architecture?

Oversight of the new direction of the Lincoln Theatre has been delegated to the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“Today, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Victor L. Hoskins took the first step in moving the Lincoln Theatre towards a new long-term sustainable plan for the future. Oversight of the new direction of the Lincoln Theatre has been delegated to the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH), the District’s agency for arts and culture.

“Creating a long-term sustainable structure for the management and operations of the theatre is one of the District’s highest priorities. I felt it was important to move in that direction by asking DCCAH to develop a comprehensive plan for its future operations in consultation with community members and the outstanding arts related organizations we have in the city,” said Victor Hoskins, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Mr. Hoskins continued, “With less and less resources in the city, we must be diligent in our fiduciary responsibilities regarding all District-owned assets.”

Future plans include the introduction of an artistic director to facilitate the long-term artistic vision for the theatre and work on needed upgrades within the theatre itself.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the U Street Theatre Foundation for their support of the Lincoln Theatre. The DCCAH is embracing the opportunity make this once great theatre a valued treasure in the city again,” said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director for the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922, has featured some of the most influential entertainers in American history, including Duke Ellington, Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Nat King Cole, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and Sarah Vaughn who performed regularly.”

We spoke about the Lincoln Theatre’s troubles here and here. Does placing oversight with the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities a good idea?

Japanese Tapas Restaurant, Izakaya Seki, Applies for a Liquor License at 1117 V St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in June ’11 we learned of plans for a Japanese tapas style restaurant coming to the old Spotts barbershop which has reopened on the 2nd floor of 809 Florida Ave, NW. At the time there were still a few concerns of whether or not they’d be able to open up at 1117 V St, NW – but I’m happy to see that they’ve now applied for a liquor license. According to the application the restaurant will be called Izakaya Seki:

“A neighborhood Japanese restaurant serving small tapas, traditional Japanese home cooking, fish, vegetable, and meats.”

I am so pyshed this project is moving forward. I peeked in the window and there has been a complete gutting of the property. I can’t wait to see how the space looks when the renovations are completed. I’ll be sure to update with more photos as construction progresses.

Conflicting Post Office News: Eleanor Holmes Norton Says No Post Offices Set to Close in DC – CM Graham Says T Street Station to Close Dec. 31st

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and Wallach Place NW

Well, yesterday was a confusing day for Post Office news. First Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton sent out a press release saying there would be no closures:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has confirmed that there are no current plans to shut down any D.C. post offices. Norton contacted the U.S. Postal Service after being informed that District residents had heard that two post offices would close in December.”

Then later in the evening CM Graham wrote:

“I am advised by the employees at the “T Street Post Office” (14th and Wallach Place NW) that operations will close on December 31st of this year. They have also been told that there is no plan to open a new post office location.

If this is in fact the case, it is a serious blow to Ward 1 postal services. As we all know, “T Street” is typically jammed with people, as is the much smaller operation at Kalorama and 18th St. The Temple Heights office at 1921 Florida Avenue is also very busy..

Losing “T Street” or any of those facilities will have an adverse impact to be sure.

Development is planned for that site and the USPS lease is expiring. But the new construction could have included a post office and, obviously, another site could still be found.

I have today contacted DC Postmaster Roane requesting confirmation that the “T Street” postal facility will be relocated, and can thus be counted on to serve our residents. I support Congresswoman Norton’s position that neighborhood post offices should not be reduced.

Please email the DC Postmaster and his assistant at these addresses:

[email protected]
Postmaster of the District of Columbia

And his assistant
[email protected]

Bests, Councilmember Jim Graham”

I asked both offices to reconcile the conflicting info and CM Graham writes:

“The building in which “T Street” is located is about to be demolished and developed. I have spoken to both USPS employees there, and the developer, and—as relevant to them– they all confirm that there are no apparent plans to either include “T Street” in the new building or to find another location.

Since all of this is about to happen very soon, if there is no concern, then USPS should announce the new location or the plans for a new location.”

Rep. Norton’s office writes:

“We were referring to post office closures as a result of the U.S. Postal Service’s nationwide study to determine which, if any, post offices should be shut down. Our office has confirmed with the USPS that the lease for the “T Street Post Office” expires at end of February 2012, but that the post office is not on the USPS list of postal facilities to study for closure. The Congresswoman continues in her view that District residents must have convenient access to postal services. Because the “T Street Post Office” is not on the list of possible closures, she will insist that the USPS finds a new location in the neighborhood before the lease expires so residents are properly served without interruption.”

So there it is – certainly seems like the T Street Station will be closing. Though to be honest, it’s not clear to me, how many tears will be shed for that particular Post Office…

Do you think a new location should be found for the T Street Station?

Strictly Scuttlebutt, Though Very Sweet Scuttlebutt: Chef Mike Isabella Also Coming to 14th and W St, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m so glad you guys like scuttlebutt because this is a really good one…

Chef Mike Isabella seems to be on a roll. First the Italian Graffiato in Chinatown, then yesterday we got word of a new Mexican spot coming to Georgetown, and now I’m hearing rumors of another Isabella spot coming to the/near the new project being built at 14th and W St, NW. Word on the street is that it will be a Greek restaurant but I also heard it could be a pizza spot so who knows. But if a new Chef Mike Isabella spot is coming to 14th and W St, NW – that would be a huge score for the neighborhood.

Cross your fingers that this is reliable scuttlebutt. Obviously this project is pretty far down the road as major construction still needs to be completed but I’ll be sure to share more info if/when it becomes available.

Remembering – Marlon Francisco Morales

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Officer Down Memorial Page:

“Officer Marlon Morales succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three days earlier when he confronted a fare evader leaving the U Street-Cardoza Metro station in Washington, DC.

During the confrontation, the suspect suddenly pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Morales in the face. Officer Morales never had a chance to draw his weapon. The suspect then stole Officer Morales’ service weapon and two spare magazines of ammunition and fled the scene. Officer Morales was transported to a local hospital here he remained in critical condition for three days before succumbing to his wound.

The suspect was arrested in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania several days after the incident when he was stopped by officers for a traffic violation. After a brief struggle with officers, he was subdued and found to have Officer Morales’ service weapon and the magazines.

On May 24, 2004, the suspect was convicted on seven counts, including murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 30, 2004.

Officer Morales was a Gulf War veteran and had been employed with the Metro Transit Police Department for 6 months. He is survived by his wife, infant daughter, and two young sons.”

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