1132 19th Street, NW
Finally word on who’s coming to the former Famous Luigi’s Pizza that closed after 70 years at 19th and M St, NW back in December 2013 – Bonfire.
The liquor license placard says:
“New Restaurant with modern American cuisine and entertainment. Occupancy load is 136.”
Washington Business Journal reports it’s coming from the owners of Provision No. 14:
“Bonfire, a 5,500-square-foot restaurant and bar, aims to open by November”
Updates when they get closer to opening.
1831 M Street, NW
Stay tuned for 1831 Bar & Lounge opening at the end of the month/early next month. It’s coming from the owners of Daniel’s Hair Salon upstairs. More details when they announce an exact opening date. Second State abruptly closed in June after opening in Oct. 2014.
13th and K Street, NW
Ed. Note: We spoke about the difficulties in Franklin Square back in 2011.
From the National Parks Service:
“The National Park Service has cleared the way for the transformation of Franklin Park (also known as Franklin Square) into an active, flexible, sustainable and historic urban park, finding that this effort will not adversely impact the natural or cultural resources of the park, which dates to 1832. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Recently it was announced that my work building, 1667 K Street, will be contracting with a new parking management company beginning September 1. While it’s true that the only constant in Washington is change, progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of experience.
Rolando, the senior member of the parking team has been working with the tenants of this building for 31 years. Solomon who closes our garage every night has been here for 15, and Molla, who greets us all every morning with a smile and takes time to get to know each of his customers has been working here for 10 years. These men and the rest of their team have more than 55 years of combined experience in the foundation for our building, and you can’t put a price on that. For many of us, they’re the first faces we see each morning and the last ones we see before heading home each night. They don’t just park our cars, they take care of them, and most importantly, take the time to get to know everyone that parks there.
This courteous, talented and dedicated parking team shouldn’t be cast aside simply because a name on the sign over the garage is changing. They are a part of the fabric of the downtown DC community. They may not be high powered lobbyists, but they are good people and deserve to have their jobs stood up for. Please help us keep them a part of the community!“
Photo courtesy Humanities Council of Washington, DC
From an email:
“The summer edition of HumanitiesDC’s DC Community Heritage Project House History Day will be held on Saturday, August 15. Two free sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. will give community historians, of any skill or knowledge level, an overview of the myriad of resources available through the collections of the Historical Society of Washington, DC and the DC Public Library Washingtoniana Division. Participants will learn how to research the history of their own homes or any other historical property through sessions on:
▪ Neighborhood Context/DC Digital Museum – Led by Jasper Collier, Curator of Digital Collections, HumanitiesDC
▪ DC Maps – Led by historian and editor of the H-DC listserv Matthew Gilmore
▪ Historic Building Permit Database – Led by historian, author, and tour leader Brian Kraft
▪ Photograph Collections – Led by Anne McDonough, Library and Collections Director, Historical Society of Washington, DC
▪ Online and Microfilm Records – Led by Mark Greek, Collections Coordinator, Special Collections, DCPL Washingtoniana Division
House History Day will be held at The Historical Society of Washington, DC (801 K Street NW, Washington DC 20001).
Registration is required here.”
Rendering courtesy Soundcheck
From a press release:
“Echostage, the famed DC concert venue that delivers A-list artists like Tiesto, Calvin Harris and Lorde to Washingtonians, announced that their newest retro-inspired locale, Soundcheck, will open its doors to the public on August 12 at 1420 K St. NW.
The intimate 4,400 square foot venue, with its honeycomb-tiling and minimalist stage, will be a no-frills nod to the ’80s and ’90s club decades that defined an era. Although the design is old school, the electronics are certainly are not: like Echostage, Soundcheck will house a German-imported d&b audiotechnik Y-series sound system, state-of-the-art music technology that will attract high-caliber artists. Designers aim to mimic the acoustics of a recording studio in a nightclub setting by installing 4,000 square feet of cork hardwood floors and 4-inch-thick soundproof foam in its walls and ceiling.
“With Soundcheck, we’re interested in tapping into the atmosphere of early DC nightlife while still delivering what makes Echostage so popular: quality sound, outstanding artists, and an unparalleled sensory experience,” Soundcheck Managing Partner Antonis Karagounis says.
The nightclub will feature two bars, 14 tables and a dedicated dance floor. The team has installed two larger-than-life LED walls, perfect for displaying company logos for corporate events. Six LED TVs and three LED video projectors can be found throughout the venue. Bottle service tables are designed to look like oversized, modern, acrylic speakers. Over 85 lighting fixtures will illuminate the space with a nightly laser light show, while two jumbo disco balls will hang from the center of the dance floor. Club-goers looking for a more discreet, VIP experience can reserve the purple room, equipped with its own private bar.
To cater to DC’s diverse dance clientele, nightly events will change in theme, ranging from Glow’s signature EDM parties, to latin and hip-hop nights. Wednesday nights are set to feature the sounds of Steez Promo’s “Bass Nation.” Expect thumping bass music and artists like Kennedy Jones, Kayliox, Dirtyphonix and Kill The Noise. Glow’s unmatched credibility and heritage will be leveraged to bring one-of-a-kind experiences from the most popular DJs as well as up-and-coming artists. Glow Thursdays will continue to house both world-renowned and emerging artists in the electronic dance music scene ranging in style from house to trance and more. Confirmed artists for Glow Thursdays include Alvaro, Amine Edge & DANCE, Arty, Audien, Cedric Gervais, Dzeko & Torres, Fehrplay, Kryder, Kyau & Albert, MOTi, Orjan Nilsen, Paris Blohm, Stafford Brothers, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and more. Afterglow will showcase the underground, techno sound on Sunday nights and feature artists such as Alan Fitzpatrick, Carlo Lio, Loco Dice, Mark Knight, Nic Fanciulli, Paco Osuna, Paul Ritch and Pete Tong.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Barbara Krawcowicz
From WMATA:
“Metro is advising Orange, Blue and Silver riders of a service disruption that will impact service during the morning rush hour of Thursday, August 6 due to derailment of a non-revenue train at a switch point outside of Smithsonian Station. There were no passengers aboard the train and no injuries to the operator.
Service Information:
Rail service on the Blue and Orange lines has been suspended between Federal Center SW and McPherson Square stations.
Smithsonian and Federal Triangle stations are closed.
Lower level platforms at Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza stations are closed.
Silver Line trains will operate between Wiehle-Reston East and East Falls Church only to reduce congestion downtown. Silver Line riders should transfer to Orange Line trains to continue their trip.
Riders will experience significant delays on the Blue/Orange/Silver lines and should consider alternate travel options this morning.
Yellow Line may provide an alternate for riders traveling from Virginia to Downtown DC
Boarding locations for shuttle buses
Federal Center – 3rd St & D St SW
L’Enfant Plaza 7th St & D St SW
Smithsonian – 12th & Independence Ave SW
Federal Triangle – 12th & Pennsylvania Ave NW
Metro Center 11th & G St NW
McPherson Square – 14th & I St NW
All regular-route Metrobus service in Downtown DC will allow affected rail passengers to ride free to their detinations.
Metro personnel are working to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible. However, at this time there is no estimate on when normal service will be restored.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.”
courtesy Newseum
To end the day with some bittersweet news:
“Today, the Newseum announced it will acquire the set of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” following Stewart’s final appearance as host of the late-night television program on Thursday, Aug. 6. The donation, which will become part of the Newseum’s collection for future display, comes as Stewart signs off after 16 years hosting the popular show, which often blurred the lines between news, satire and comedy.
Stewart began hosting the show in 1999 and quickly generated a loyal following among a new generation of news consumers who identified with his sharp-witted humor. Quick to poke fun at politicians, newsmakers and authors, Stewart also made the news media a frequent target of his barbs.”
Courtesy “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”
Back in April we noted that Momofuku had applied for their liquor license. (Total occupancy load is 300. Sidewalk Café with 70 seats.”) Thanks to a reader for sending a progress report on one of the most anticipated openings of the year:
“Late September/early October at the earliest. As you can see from the pictures, the electrical work is done, some of the framing has gone up and some equipment has been moved in. But it’s still got a long way to before it’s going to be ready to accept guests.”
I’m guessing late October/early November opening – updates when an exact date is announced.
1090 I Street, NW
@wowindc tweets us just before 1pm:
“DC peeps, @GoodHumor truck is by Reagan bldg off PennAve. Truck 2 left, line all the way 2 right. cc @PoPville”