U Street

African American Civil War Museum Moves into Awesome New Building

By Prince Of Petworth

I was happily surprised to see that the new African American Civil War Museum has opened up at 1925 Vermont Ave, NW. The building is amazing. They were previously located in a small space at 1200 U St, NW. The new building is located behind the old Grimke School. Their Web site says:

“We Have Moved to the new space at 1925 Vermont Ave NW Washington, DC 20001. The new location will be our permanent home. It is located across the street from the African American Civil War Memorial. We have some great events leading up to the Grand Opening, July 16-18. Be sure to save the date.”

I was able to stop in and snap a few photos. Founding Director (and former Council Member) Frank Smith tells me that by next weekend about 65% of the exhibits would be installed.

You can learn more about the background of the museum here:

“In January 1999, the Civil War Memorial Museum opened to the public. Using photographs, documents and state of the art audio visual equipment, the museum helps visitors understand the African American’s heroic and largely unknown struggle for freedom.”

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Good Deal or Not? “sun-filled French doors” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 924 W St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Top to bottom “over the top” reno. High quality materials and master finish work throughout. Semi detached TH, 2BR, 2.5 Lux BA high end SS and granite KI, separate dining area w/ sun-filled French doors that open onto a southern exposed and gated flagstone terrace. HWS, Full W/ D, Exp Brick, skylights and new windows.”

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

I enjoy checking out these mini homes. What do you think of the reno? This 2 bed/2.5 is going for $564,000. Sound right?

Reader Reports Shots Fired at 11th and T St, NW on Sun. at 5:15pm

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sharing the word via twitter that at 5:15pm on Sunday:

“Report of shots fired at 11th and T NW.”

I’ll be sure to update as more info is released from MPD.

UPDATE: At 5:45 pm another reader writes, “s street is closed from 11 to 13th streets”

UPDATE: I’m told that shots were fired and a couple of cars were struck but fortunately no persons were injured. I understand that it could possibly have occurred after an argument. I don’t believe an arrest has been made as of 11pm Sun. evening.


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Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – U Street (owner request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 929 Florida Ave NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Big, beautiful, sunny condo with lovely high-end finishes in the unique Floridian Condominium in the heart of the U Street neighborhood.
Available starting April 23rd, later move-in date considered.

Open floor plan is great for entertaining. Kitchen has gas stove and
granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. Wood floors, 10 feet ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Black out shades in both bedrooms. 2 full bathrooms. Plenty of
storage. Washer / Dryer in unit. A shared rooftop is furnished so you can
enjoy some of DC’s best weather and views of the city!

The building is literally located a block and a half from the U
Street / Cardozo / African American Civil War Memorial metro stop (Green Line) and
is surrounded by plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry (to name a
few, the 9:30 Club, American Ice Company, Duffy’s Irish Pub, Dickson, Nelly’s
and so much more along the DC’s famous U Street corridor). Westminster playground and Banneker public pool are a five minute walk.

Dogs and cats are welcome!

Parking available in the building’s own garage (extra fee).”

$2900 sound realistic for this 2 bed/2bath?

Cricket Fans You’re in Luck – Catch the World Cup Finals this Saturday at Touchdown

By Prince Of Petworth

I know we have a lot of cricket fans in PoPville… Perhaps not, but I still think it’s awesome that we have the option of watching the World Cup Finals somewhere. Touchdown is located at 1334 U St, NW. Out of curiousity – any cricket fans? I’m pulling for India!

From an email:

Championship Saturday
featuring the International Cricket Council

Come celebrate the 2011 ICC World Cup at Touchdown!

Sri Lanka vs. India (Mumbai, India)

Doors Open at 6 a.m./Drink service after 8 a.m.

Select Breakfast Menu from 6 a.m.-12 p.m.

Dear PoP – Can We Get an Update on the Brixton and the Independent Coming to Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was just thinking I haven’t seen a follow-up on much needed coffee in my Florida and U neighborhood. Do you have any idea what came of the 715 Florida Ave place?”

and

“Hey PoP. Whats up with the Brixton?! I pass it every day and haven’t seen any activity there since they put up the fence.”

There have been a lot of recent inquiries and emails about these two projects. The Independent is a coffee lounge and bar coming to 715 Florida Ave, NW (just east of 9th and U St.). The exact description from the liquor license was:

“Coffee House, bar lounge, 199 seats and total occupancy of 235 on first floor and storage on first and basement. Summer Garden with 75 seats and a total occupancy of 90.”

I can tell you that these projects continues to move forward – I recently traded emails with the architect (it is the same architect for Brixton and Independent). However glancing at 715 Florida Ave, NW at this point it looks like only a Demolition permit has been issued for the Independent. I’m not sure what permits have been issued for the Brixton but I think work has been ongoing.

I believe that some of the ownership team are the same folks behind the Brixton and Blackbyrd opening soon next to Marvin (the Hilton brothers) not to mention Billy Simpson’s in Petworth. I’m told all of these projects continue to move forward. It seems that the strategy is to complete one project before moving on to the other. Clearly – Blackbyrd (14th and U St, NW next to Marvin) will be completed first. Following will be Brixton, the Independent and Billy Simpson’s. I don’t know in what order. But they’re all still coming! (Knock wood…)

Yoga News: Bloomingdale’s Yoga District Looking for a new Home – U Street’s Boundless Yoga Opens in its new home Apr. 1st

By Prince Of Petworth

Yoga District is located at 1830 1st St., NW. In response to a query, Yoga District’s Jasmine writes,

“No we’re totally not closing- we’d never do that to the bloomie community – we love it there so much!!!!!!!!!! but the landlord hasn’t made major repairs he’s responsible for in the basement of the building. we’ve already been to court once and it’s painful and expensive to get him to act, and the lease unfortunately sticks us with his attorney fees regardless of outcome, so we’re either paying our AND his attorney to get him to make the repairs, or we can choose to avoid the legal process and just pay for the repairs ourselves- it’s probably all the same in terms of $. but rather than find thousands and thousands of dollars for either option, we’d love to move, ideally to a place owned by someone in the community or to a place that some of our friends in the community can buy together.”

I hope they find a great space but it’s a bit sad that they need to move because the purple building was looking good!

And in other Yoga news – as we’ve seen – the building at 13th and U St, NW has been renovated and on April 1st, Boundless Yoga will be open on the 2nd floor.

PoP Pre-Preview: Lost Society, Boutique Steakhouse, Coming to 14th and U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in early March we learned that:

Lost Society is a “boutique steakhouse, located on the second and third floors of this corner building, will feature a steak centric menu that blends market fresh produce, grass fed local meats, and regional seafood with innovative techniques to create both familiar classics and bold original dishes.

The space features full dining, bar and lounge space, as well as a rooftop deck.”

I’m happy to give a taste of what the space is gonna look like. The entire space including the outdoor area is around 5400 square feet. And let me just straight away that this roof deck is going to be absolutely amazing. And if all goes well, Lost Society hopes to open “sometime in April” and I’ll be sure to update with the menu and exact opening date when it is announced.


The second floor features a huge wrap around bar

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

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