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Walter Pierce Park

From MPD:

Walter Pierce Park [2630 Adams Mill Rd, NW]

On Thursday, May 23, 2013 around 11:40am a call came in about a couple of snakes that fell out of the trees. When the snakes fell they scared the children, and everyone fled. This was in the playground area. I responded but found no snakes. I caught one small enough to fit inside an empty water bottle I had. It was probably a black rat snake. They are indigenous to trees and the warm weather is drawing them out.

But fear not the National Zoo says:

Common rat snakes tend to be shy and, if possible, will avoid being confronted. If these snakes are seen and confronted by danger, they tend to freeze and remain motionless. Some adults attempt to protect themselves. They coil their body and vibrate their tails in dead leaves to simulate a rattle. If the snakes continue to be provoked, they will strike.

Though the National Wildlife Federation cautions:

“Although black rat snakes do not usually attack when threatened, there have been extreme cases of black rat snakes charging at predators. Black rat snakes also produce a strong foul odor when scared to deter predators and people.”


From a press release:

Today, Tuesday, May 21st, twelve Adams Morgan restaurants will serve savory and sweet tastes during a culinary neighborhood tour called Taste of Adams Morgan. All proceeds of the event will be donated to Mary’s Center, a community health center founded and headquartered in Adams Morgan.

Taste destinations include: Meskerem, Mellow Mushroom, Rumba Café, La Fourchette, Madam’s Organ, Bardia’s New Orleans Café, Bossa Bistro, Chief Ike’s, Madam’s Organ, El Tamarindo, Millie & Al’s, Town Tavern, Pi Pizzeria.

“We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to support Mary’s Center in its twenty-fifth year of operation,” said Sefika Kurt, proprietor of A Little Shop of Flowers. “Mary’s Center precedes nearly all of the restaurants participating in this event. It is an anchor in this community, and we’re grateful for the high-caliber services it offers.”

To participate in Taste of Adams Morgan, purchase four ($20) or seven ($30) taste tickets today at A Little Shop of Flowers (2421 18th Street), Toro Mata (2410 18th Street), or Wise Owl Club (2010 18th Street). Those who already bought tickets online can pick them up at A Little Shop of Flowers between 4:00 and 7:00 pm. Each ticket may be redeemed for one pre-fix savory or sweet “taste” at participating restaurants.

The event will take place from 4:30-8:00pm.


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1800 block of 18th Street, NW

Dear PoPville,

Not sure if you were aware, but Lauriol Plaza has recently taken over a good chunk of 18th Street to use for their valet parking. There are temporary “no parking” signs up dated until 2014 in front of the restaurant, probably covering about 6-8 spots.

I think that is ridiculous.

Parking is tough enough in the neighborhood, this is only making it worse.

Ed. Note: On Friday a reader wrote about valet parking abuses in Chinatown.

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That’s quite a loose interpretation of temporary…

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From MPD:

Early this morning, at approximately 3:00 AM, 3 suspects in a gray or silver Dodge approached 2 citizens with a gun in the 2300 block of Ontario Rd. NW, and demanded their money. One of the citizens resisted the demands by the suspects and was shot in the upper back by one of the suspects. All 3 suspects then fled in their vehicle northbound on Ontario Rd. NW. Nothing was obtained during the robbery. The injured citizen was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for his injuries, and is considered to be in fair condition. The second citizen was not injured. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Third District Detective’s office on 202-673-6915 or 202-727-9099.


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@IAFF36 tweeted:

“Shooting (230am) – unit blk S St NE – male shot in head, treated & transported to trauma center, life threatening”

Update from MPD:

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting which occurred in the Unit block of S Street, Northeast.

On Saturday, May 18, 2013 at approximately 3:20 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the sound of gunshots report in the Unit block of S Street, Northeast. Upon their arrival, they located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The decedent is identified as 21-year-old Dontel Price of Northeast, Washington, DC.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.


PR Ontario Condominium Project Rendering[1]
Rendering courtesy of Peterson Companies

Back in Feb. we noted demo had started at the old Ontario Theatre on the corner of 17th and Columbia Rd, NW. A lot of readers have written in asking if the project has stalled. Yesterday I was told by their PR team:

“Vertical construction is set to begin in the fall, with expected completion in spring 2015.”

They also provided the rendering above which is slightly different than the one we looked at in January. Their full press release says:

The project will include 80 residential homes and 9,000 SF of retail. This is the first residential development for the Peterson Companies in the District of Columbia. “We believe in the economic vitality of the District of Columbia and are excited about investing our resources to create a beautifully designed residential and retail community in the Adams Morgan neighborhood,” said Stuart Prince, Senior Vice President – Residential at Peterson Companies.

The $30 million mixed-use project will commence vertical construction in the fall of 2013 with completion scheduled for spring 2015. Condominium homes will be available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, and will include gourmet kitchens, private balconies, hardwood floors, underground parking, and walk-in closets. Residents will enjoy access to a common rooftop terrace with stunning views of downtown Washington and the National Mall.

The building is being designed by The Eisen Group of Washington, DC, and draws inspiration from Adams Morgan’s rich architectural history of art deco residential blocks, while distinguishing itself with contemporary features that speak to newer, industrial-styled buildings. The proposed design will also incorporate certain art deco elements from the old Ontario Theatre, including a corner canopy, poster cases, and the “coming attractions” marquee signs.

McWilliams Ballard will manage residential sales with homes available for purchase in early 2014. Peterson Companies will handle the retail leasing and management.


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2477 18th Street, NW

Back in early April a reader told us about Federal Restaurant and Lounge coming to the former Saki/District space from the owners of Floriana. Looks like they’ll be opening any day now:

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Also down the street – Mediterranean Spot now has signage up at their second location coming to the former Carribou Coffee/Uptowner Cafe space at 2421 18th St, NW. They also are located at 15th and U St, NW.

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2421 18th Street, NW


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