ICON Interiors and Lighting opened up back in Sept. ’08 at 1821 14th St, NW between the vet and El Centro. This is a very prime location – will be interesting to see who moves into the space.
U Street
Just as we were talking about new gym options on the horizon comes this great news. According to their Web site:
“CrossFit Praxis is located at 2217 14th Street NW Washington, D.C 20009 – a 6400 sq. foot CrossFit facility in the heart of the District. Our elite group of coaches lead group and individual training sessions that focus on the CrossFit methodology of constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity. Praxis coaches consistently develop focused and scalable workout regimens designed to motivate you in your pursuit of fitness.”
Though still not clear who will be filling the old Mercadito Ramos space…
It’s been a long process rebuilding for U Wine & Beer which suffered a pretty bad fire back in July’ 11. But I’m happy to see that the rebuild looks fantastic! To celebrate their grand reopening tonight (Friday) they’ll be offering 15% off wine and 10% off beer. U Wine & Beer is located at 1351 U St, NW.
Nov. ’11
I suppose some part of me always knew this day was coming. First the removal of the Anna Maria sign and now this. A tough couple of months… Alas, it is not all horrible news. The gentleman painting the building said the iconic mural has been saved. It’s not clear to me if it will be displayed again in the future. More info when it becomes available.
Back in June ’09 we learned that a spot called Kindred Bar and Lounge has leased the space at 1357 U St, NW. It is my understanding that there have been some disputes with the landlord so it’s not clear what’s going on with the timeframe or even if the plans are the same (the kindred website is no longer live.) More info on that front when available too.
March ’11
Looks like we’re only a couple weeks away from a new cafe featuring crepes, ice cream (and presumably coffee):
They’ll be located underneath Epiphany Salon and Spa at 1514 U St, NW:
Things keep picking up for the 700 block of T St, NW. Back in Sept. ’11 a new pizza spot, Pizza D’Oro opened up at the end of this row at 717 T St, NW. Now a new neighborhood bar is coming. According to a liquor license application posted at 725 T St, NW:
“All Souls will be a neighborhood bar offering traditional American food and drinks with an occupancy load of 99 and a sidewalk café with up to 50 seats. No dancing, no nude entertainment and no designated dance floor.”
I peeked in the window and it looks like a significant build out/renovation will be required so stay tuned for updates as construction progresses.
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Rendering of alley view courtesy of Bowie Gridley Architects
Back in July ’11 we learned that Meridian Public Charter school would be moving into the old Harrison School at 13th and V St, NW. They got their financing – from a press release:
“The historic Harrison School building has become the next development in Washington, D.C.’s dynamic U Street neighborhood. A $15.5 million renovation adds 12,000 square feet to the existing 49,000 square foot structure to serve hundreds of families and 530 children from early childhood through eighth grade at Meridian Public Charter School.
Meridian Chairman Ron Ridker explained the school’s commitment to the U Street area. “The Manhattan Laundry building has served us very well since our inception twelve years ago. We could have found a good permanent home for Meridian in other parts of the city, but waited until an appropriate building close to our current location came along, so we could continue serving the community we grew up with. The Manhattan Laundry space will soon be available for other uses.”
Primary funding for Meridian’s new home was provided through TRF’s Chase New Markets Tax Credit Charter School Fund, created in partnership with The Reinvestment Fund (TRF) and Chase. A fifty-year lease signed with the District of Columbia, construction began this week at 13th and V Streets, N.W. for completion in August of 2012.
In addition to its premier financing partners, Meridian has assembled a top team: Forrester Construction, Bowie Gridley Architects, Building Hope, and Brailsford & Dunlavey.”
Current alley view
What do you think of the addition renderings? You can see how the property looks now from the front here.
Alley view
Alley view
“Dear PoPville,
I was wondering if you and your readers can help track down a burglary suspect…
Recently, my house in the U Street neighborhood was robbed in broad daylight. He entered by kicking in the back door from a shared alley. We have an alarm system and the police responded quickly, so that was good. However, we found out that 3 homes on our block had also been burglarized the week before and the number of DC Alerts for robbery this month is off the charts. It would be great to get the perpetrators off the streets so this doesn’t keep happening.
We just found out that our neighbor has video of a lone suspect, in gloves on a warm day, looking over his fence13 minutes before my alarm sounded 20 feet away. If anyone knows this man or sees him, call the police immediately and refer to this video. Will send an updated version if we can get a clearer picture or zoom in.”
Photos courtesy of Federal
Palace 5ive announces that its sister shop, Federal, will have a grand opening Friday at 2216 14th St, NW. From a press release:
JJ’s is located at 1939 14th St NW just south of U Street (and across from the soon to close ChiDogO’s.) JJ’s opened up back in Oct. ’09 in the former Cafe14U. You can see their menu here. Any fans?