U Street

‘Good Wood’ Building Sells on U St, NW – Esther’s Treasures Closing in 14th St Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Nov. ’09 I was horrified to see the the building that houses Good Wood for sale at 1428 U Street, NW. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the sign saying EJF Real Estate Services were moving in. Fortunately when I spoke to the owners of Good Wood, they said they weren’t going anywhere but did expect their rent to be raised a bit. EJF would be taking over the 2nd and 3rd floors after a fixing up the space. That is a relief and while I think this is good news for the short term, I’m nervous about the long term…


Esther in happier times

In other sad news, a reader sends in word about the closing of Esther’s Treasures located at 4722 14th Street, NW. She writes:

“Esther’s Treasures will be closing it’s doors at the end of SEPTEMBER !! We know we’ll be missed, but know that this is a difficult but necessary business decision. We won’t be far away, just stay tuned for EsthersTreasures.com and my other creative ways of bringing you my unique and fabulous merchandise!!

Esther’s Treasures
Resale and Consignment Boutique
4722 14th Street, NW

Close-out Sale Hours and Days
Wednesday – Saturday
8 to 8
Sunday, 1 to 7”

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option – Dupont Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1815 17th St NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Located in the trendy 17th Street corridor, near many shops, fine restaurants and exciting night spots at your doorstep. (AVAILABLE OCT. 8, 2010)

* Large Walk in Closets
* Parquet Floors
* High Speed Internet
* Central Heating and Air
* Cable Access
* Laundry Facilities
* All Utilities Included
* On-site Maintenance”

Does $1425 sound reasonable for this studio?

The 5pm Post – Final U Street Movie Series Shown Tues. the 14th

By Prince Of Petworth

“The final summer film is a double-header: Duke Ellington’s Washington and Soul Power, showing Tuesday September 14th (rain date Sept 21).

All films will be shown at the field at Harrison Recreation Center on V Street between 13th and 14th Streets, NW Gates will open at 7 pm. This week DJ Yellow Fever and guests will be spinning from 7-8:30. Free popcorn will be provided to the first 100 attendees beginning at 8 pm. Showtime will be at sundown around 8:15 pm. Full information can be found here.”

Ginger Roots Opens up at 1530 U St, NW (Grand Opening Sept. 18th)

By Prince Of Petworth

U Street’s newest retail spot was looking good last weekend. I chatted briefly with coowner Erin Derge who also works on their eco friendly sustainable design clothing line called Revamp (including tailoring). Ginger Roots showcases a few artists/retailers featuring clothing, photos, jewelry, custom designs and more. Their business card sums up the shop nicely – Tailoring, Eco-Design, Local Artisan Boutique. While they are currently open Sun. from 1-6pm and Mon, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. from 12-7pm they will be having a grand opening Sept. 18th. It’s great to see U Street get another cool retail option.

A few more photos after the jump. (more…)

Good Deal or Not? “several new mechanical and design elements” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1908 New Hampshire Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“Best Value -This Dupont home is a 3 BR 2.5 Bath upper unit with a 1 BR, 1 Bath lower rental which was rented this year for $2,125 need c of O . This home is located between 2 Metros, and is walking to Dupont/Logan/U Street/Downtown, several new mechanical and design elements, loads of light, perfect location, 2 WB/FP, HW FlRS, Audio/Visual package, newly landscaped, back patio & 2 car prk”

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

Well let’s just call this house porn week… What’s your favorite part? It’s yours for $1,195,000.

Coming to 2400 14th St, NW (b/w Belmont and Chapin)

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Do you have any information on the nice looking store front at the new View 14 apartment building loated at Florida/14? It appears to have multi levels and perhaps a perfect spot for a mid size grocery store or bookstore or something like that. What do your readers think?

Also, what is happening with the empty lot across from it?”

Well the lot across the street has just started sporting a coming soon sign. So that’s positive. Construction of the old Nehemiah Shopping Center has been slated to begin in Fall 2010. You can see a rendering here. Back in Nov. ’09 we learned that There will be 240,000 square feet of which 16,000 will be retail and the rest will be 225 apartments.

As for the View 14 retail space, back in the day it was slated to become a gym but that deal fell through. No word yet on a possible new tenant. I’ll be sure to update when any developments or rumors occur.

Good Deal or Not? “rooftop deck with sweeping city & Capitol dome views” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1206 T St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Wonderful historic home in vibrant Logan/U St Corridor, steps to everything * Walk Score 98 * Fabulous renovated granite/SS kitchen with breakfast room, separate DR, formal LR, 5BR 2.5BA up, lower level in-law suite, MBR private balcony, rooftop deck with sweeping city & Capitol dome views, garage & driveway space, CAC, gorgeous original details (mantels, stained glass, bay windows) – a must see!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I know this is technically house porn (over $1 million) but I couldn’t resist starting off the week with this one. That roof deck brought a tear to my eye. Think this 5 bed/3.5 will go for $1,099,000?

Coming to 14th and W St, NW – Fast Gourmet

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

it looks like the gas station at 14 and w got a makeover! I don’t remember it having all those windows before. and it looks like it says gourmet on the side, too. could be a serious upgrade!”

I just stopped by earlier in the week and it does indeed appear to be a serious upgrade. They are currently working on the menu and Web site for Fast Gourmet but I’ll post when it goes live. Additionally, there are still waiting on some permits before the space itself is actually up and running. The actually gas station will remain and is still working.

This is the gas station where I once questioned their food options. I may soon have to eat those words. Literally.

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – U St, NW (reader request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1324 T Street, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“1324 T Street NW Charming Carriage House great location n the Logan circle area.
1 bedroom duplex/ 1.5 baths available to rent September 1st. Walking Distance to
shopping/restaurants/bars. Two blocks away from the Green Line, U-Street /Cardozo
Metro stop. Unit features hardwood floors on the first level, carpeted second level,
central air, dishwasher, washer/dryer, small balcony, and 1 off street parking space.”

The reader asks:

“Is this a good deal, especially considering it has a W/D in-unit and a parking spot?”

I think I’d need to see it person based on these photos but if the rooms are nice given the location I’m thinking this is reasonable. What do you guys think is $1700 reasonable for this 1 bedroom duplex/ 1.5 baths carriage house?

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