U Street

Dear PoP – What’s Going on next to Republic Gardens on U St, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

The last few mornings, the door to the boarded-up space beside Republic Gardens on U Street, NW, has been open and there are workers in there. Any news on what’s going on in there?”

Hmm, back in June we learned that this space (the old State of the Union) located at 1357 U St, NW was slated to become Kindred Bar and Lounge. Their Web site says:

“Here’s where KINDRED Bar and Lounge comes in. My goal in launching this unique and inclusive tavern is to provide everyone with a great space and great prices. I’m not trying to get rich quick, or to open up a chain of KINDREDs across the country. What I am trying to do is simply to pool our resources to create a space that saves us money, brings us together (with inexpensive drinks!) and ultimately provides a unique space for the community — for us.”

Though the site says only 3% of donations needed have been registered so I’m not sure what the current story is. An email I sent has not been returned. There is definitely work going on in this space, has anyone else heard any details and/or rumors of what’s going on here?

Chain Link Fence Comes Down at new Building on Corner of 11th and T Sts, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been watching the progress of the new building at 11th and T Streets, NW for many months now. I was psyched to see the big chain link fence had come down. It’s looking a mere weeks away from completion. I’ll be sure to post when units go for sale, hopefully there will be a good virtual tour. But now that the fence is down and we can get a better look at the building – would you say thumbs up or down?

More Frozen Yogurt News: Possibly Coming to 13th and U Streets, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

So far we’ve learned that a Yoga Studio, Boundless Yoga, and a drycleaners, Georgetown Valet are coming to this popular corner. We also learned that Chix is not moving here.

But I think you’ll be pretty happy with the next likely tenant. I’m hearing that a frozen yogurt place is being recruited for the final space. While there is an ice cream spot on U St. between 13th and 14th, U Scream Ice Cream, I’m not aware of any frozen yogurt places nearby. Do you think frozen yogurt will work at this corner?

Good Deal or Not? “Bring your pickiest clients” Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1930 11th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“REDUCED PRICE! Gorgeous home 1 block to metro, steps to U Street. Newly renovated with custom moldings, built-ins, and hardwoods throughout. Plantation shutters add to charm. Separate legal rental unit below. Master with huge walk-in closet and sitting room. Parking in rear for 2 cars with remote opener. Deck in back and garden in front. Bring your pickiest clients. Owner agent.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I’ll be very curious to see what this ends up going for. Do you guys think it’ll be in the ballpark of $854,900?

PoP Preview: Room & Board

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve been tracking the progress of the Room & Board located at the corner of 14th and T St, NW for many months. Well, they’re done. And it’s pretty freaking impressive. I had the good fortune of being invited to an opening party last night and I was pretty blown away. I’m not even talking about the furniture but actually about the building itself. Alright the furniture is pretty cool as well but it’s a bit too expensive for a neighborhood blogger. Nevertheless the space is amazing so it’s fun to just walk around and appreciate it. Last night, I kinda felt like I was visiting a friend’s apartment, and that friend had really good taste and a super huge apartment. It has four floors and a killer roof deck. They soft open to the public in the next couple of days. Even if you don’t buy anything it’s worth checking out – as always photos do a better job than my words:

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Polly’s to Re-Open (With a New Name) in 3-4 Weeks!

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in February we learned that Polly’s had closed its doors at 1342 U St, NW. Well as I was walking by last night I noticed some major scrubbing going on inside. It looked like some new furniture might be going in as well. I briefly chatted with one of the folks inside and he said that the space would be reopening in approximately 3-4 weeks. The bar will have a new name (he couldn’t tell me) and there will be food as well (burgers etc.). I’ll be sure to update as more info becomes available but it looks like the space will be very similar though a lot cleaner!

Update: A commenter notes:

“Owner of Angelico’s pizza has the space at 1342 U St now. Plans are to open a burger focused place called Port Orleans.”

I’ll try to confirm that info.

12th St, NW Pop up and Potential New Building

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m not sure if this project at 1909 12th St, NW is still happening because their web site is no longer active. But if it does, here’s the rendering:

And the pop up we’ve been monitoring nearby at 1923 12th St, NW is progressing nicely:

FQotD: Scuttlebutt that makes yesterday’s Ellwood Thompson’s news look like another hot dog cart is opening

By Prince Of Petworth

My friend, Sean, shared some scuttlebutt with me that is so sweet that I had to make it the Friday Question of the Day. First the scuttlebutt: he writes, “I was at Trader Joes and I asked the manager when they would open up another DC location and she said they were actively seeking a space near 14th and U (Streets, NW).”

Holy cow.

So for the Friday Question of the Day, at the risk of shattering my dream, what are the odds of this happening? Do you think there is an appropriate space/lot near 14th and U that could host a Trader Joes?

If one did open at 14th and U (for those that live relatively nearby) would you ever shop at Giant or Safeway again? How much parking do you think would be necessary for a Trader Joes? If they were able to open up at 14th and U – from how far away would this attract people. I know living up in Petworth I’d definitely patronize the store.

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