Petworth

Good Deal or Not? “Custom finishes w/ preserved classic details” edition (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 4213 Illinois Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“Another total renovation by Urbiz! Modern, open floor plan. Custom finishes w/ preserved classic details. New systems inc high efficiency heat/ac. Kitchen w/ granite, SS apps & sun room beyond. 3 bright upper BR’s inc lg master ste & 4th BR, full bath on lower level. Fenced rear yard w/ pvt pkg. Steps from Grant circle, easy access to Metro & Georgia Ave bus lines.”

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

A reader simply write, “nice renovation”. I agree. What do you guys think? Think this 4 bed/3.5 bath will go for $539,900?

Old Mario’s Pizza Space on Georgia Ave. Becoming a West Indian Take Out

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

It seems as though there have been people working inside of the Mario’s Pizza place on the corner of Georgia and Princeton, across from Looking Glass Lounge. Have you heard anything about it?”

I stopped by Wed. afternoon and learned that it is going to become a West Indian Take Out place called ‘The Lion’s Den’. They hope to open sometime next week. I’ll be sure to update when an opening date is confirmed.

Mario’s Pizza was last home to First Time Computers at 3519 Georgia Ave, NW over 2 years ago.

Dear PoP – “Who is spying on Petworth via Light Globe Cameras?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Look what appeared on a light post in Petworth, a little spy video camera. It faces the front of 3 houses. It wasn’t there before the wind storm took off the globe and now the neighborhood is wondering who is watching us. And is this just our personal Big Brother or does your light post have an addition too?”

Wow, that is really freaky. It looks very amateur. Anyone ever see a camera like this before around town?

GDoN Revisited by Hipchickindc – 726 Quincy St NW #1

By Prince Of Petworth

Voted one of the best real estate agents in DC by the Washington City Paper Readers’ Choice Poll in 2009, hipchickindc aka the not-so-hip Suzanne Des Marais is an Associate Broker with Urban Pace. She lives (and sells a lot of houses) in Bloomingdale, but works all over DC, with everyone from first time buyers to highly regarded developers. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 726 Quincy St NW #1
Original List Price: $249,000.
List Price at Contract: $199,000.
List Date: 01/22/2010
Days on Market: 178

Settled Sales Price: $201,000.

Settled Price Per Square Foot: $266 **Including offstreet parking space
Settlement Date: 08/13/2010
Seller Subsidy: $0.
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? Yes
Type Of Financing: Conventional

Original GDoN is: here.

The Listing can be seen: here. To see pics, after opening the listing link, click on the main pic and scroll through.

Located less than two blocks from the Petworth Metro, this Far East Columbia Heights rowhome was divided into two condominium units in 2004. As is common with these types of conversions, the upper unit is a 3 bedroom, 2 and a ½ bath duplex (two levels), while the subject property is a single level 1 bedroom 1 and ½ bath basement unit. Originally sold for $400,000., the larger unit saw the value of increased commercial development around the Petworth Metro and re-sold for $450,000. less a $10,000. subsidy in May 2008.

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The 5pm Post – Columbia Heights Clean up Sat. and Fusion Happy Hour Specials

By Prince Of Petworth

If you have an event, fundraiser or happy hour you’d like featured on the 5pm Post, please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com and please include ’5pm post’ in the title.


Photo by PoPville flickr user schmiddi

North Columbia Heights Civic Association: Neighborhood Clean-up and “Meet n Greet” Brunch @ Meridian Pint

When: Saturday, September 4th, 1030am – 1130am
Where: Meet outside Columbia Heights Coffee (on 11th between Park and Monroe)

What: Volunteer an hour of your morning to help keep the neighborhood clean and share community ideas with your neighbors at a Meridian Pint brunch

Why: Help keep the neighborhood clean
How: Cleaning supplies will be provided. Just bring yourselves, your kids, and even your pets!

And Barry from Fusion at 4815 Georgia Ave, NW writes in about their happy hour specials:

“from wed-sun 4pm-7pm margarita $4.00,martini $4.00 wine $4.00, beer$2.00 appetizer $5.00 , also please let folks know that their groupon for fusion expires on sep28th”.

The 5pm Post – Pleasant Pops wants to open a Store Front in Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth

If you have an event, fundraiser or happy hour you’d like featured on the 5pm Post, please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com and please include ’5pm post’ in the title.

So says ANC 4C Chair Joe Martin. He writes on a few Listservs:

“I spoke to the owner of Pleasant Pops over the weekend. They are one of the vendors in the Petworth Market.

Pleasant Pops is looking for a store front in Petworth to call home. Please share your thoughts.

If you have any suggestions or support the notion, please write:
http://www.pleasantpops.com/contact”

This is a no-brainer – they should move into the old Beveragemania spot at 849 Upshur St, NW. Right?

Ras Restaurant & Lounge Opens at 4809 Georgia Avenue, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

My partner and I headed to Georgia Ave in search of food. We were aiming for Moroni and Bros., but passed by the new RAS and noticed it was open. One of the proprietors came out to greet us and invite us in. She explained that it is an Ethiopian/Jamaican blend of menu items. There was a large party in the back – apparently friends and family – celebrating the opening. I think we were the only paying customers. Anyway, we ordered two light meals and the food was fantastic! Spicy chicken wings were nicely seasoned and not fatty at all, and the gouda grits were amazing. They offer three types of chicken wings and other miscellaneous dishes and sides. My partner ordered the Bake and Vegetables and loved it, especially the interesting bread. They specialize in “Bake and Shark” which the waitress said was fantastic, so I’ll try that next. And prices are great.

I’d like to note that the people were so gracious and welcoming. The chef visited our table, and the owners visited and offered us some “birthday cake.” All in all, I was very impressed and they appear to be fully open and ready for business. Another great addition to the neighborhood!”

Photos of inside and see the menu after the jump. (more…)

Update on Incident Involving a Falling Death from the Building Above Petworth Metro

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

There were a number of conflicting comments and reports in the comments of this weekend’s post about this incident. First and foremost the Washington Post/AP story claiming that MPD was investigating a stabbing of Mr. Eric Wright is completely inaccurate (there was a stabbing in SE that MPD was investigating). Secondly, the Washington Post/AP story claimed the incident took place in NE which is not the case. The Washington Post has since removed the incorrect article. Lastly, I have confirmed with MPD that the incident definitely involves a fall from the roof and the investigation is on going. 4D Commander Missouri says, “Preliminary reports from the Homicide Branch indicate no signs of foul play.”

The Salt Lake Tribune has released more information about the victim and the incident:

” Wright was working as an intern with the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics, said his mother, D. Wright. She asked that questions be directed to Kirk Jowers, director of the institute.

Wright had gone up to the roof of the seven-story Park Place Apartments and apparently slipped and fell, Jowers said. The roof is an open area set up as a public gathering space and Wright was alone when he fell, Jowers said.”

As another reader mentioned Mr. Wright’s friends and family are reading these posts so please be sensitive in your comments. My condolences go to the friends and family.

Somebody Falls Off Roof of Park Place Apartments above Petworth Metro

By Prince Of Petworth


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Got a terrible email last night around 2:30am saying, “somebody fell off the roof of the Park Place building into the alley. Dead on the spot. Cops showed up within a minute or so. Have no idea what happened.”

I have confirmed the incident with building management. At the moment it is not clear if this was intentional or an accident. MPD writes:

“the 4th District received a radio run for an unconscious male in the rear of 850 Quincy St – upon arrival they found an adult male deceased… at this time our Violent Crimes Branch is investigating the cause of death (undetermined at this time) and further release of information is forthcoming.”

UPDATE MPD Press Release at 5:15pm

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating an undetermined death which occurred in the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

On Saturday, August 28, 2010, shortly before 2:00 am, Officers from the Fourth District responded to the rear alley of the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, where they found a man, later identified as 22 year-old Eric Right of Salt Lake City, Utah, lying on the ground unresponsive. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded and found no signs consistent with life and Mr. Right was subsequently pronounced dead.

The decedent’s remains were transported to the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy and at this time the cause of death is undetermined.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or

1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746). 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.

GDoN Revisited by Hipchickindc – 311 Rock Creek Church Road, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Voted one of the best real estate agents in DC by the Washington City Paper Readers’ Choice Poll in 2009, hipchickindc aka the not-so-hip Suzanne Des Marais is an Associate Broker with Urban Pace. She lives (and sells a lot of houses) in Bloomingdale, but works all over DC, with everyone from first time buyers to highly regarded developers. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 311 Rock Creek Church Rd NW

Original List Price: $529,000.
List Price at Contract: $515,000.
List Date: 05/07/2010
Days on Market: 51
Settled Sales Price: $495,000.
Settlement Date: 07/26/2010
Seller Subsidy: $10,000.
Bank Owned?: No Short Sale? No
Type Of Financing: FHA

Original GDoN is: here.

The Listing can be seen: here. To see pics, after opening the listing link, click on the main pic and scroll through.

The comment that stood out to me most from the original Good Deal or Not (GDoN) post was this from an Anonymous commenter: “Having recently been in the market trying to find a renovated rowhouse in the Petworth area for $500k or less, I would pay $500k for that place in a heartbeat.” I understand the sentiment and I think it is reflective of how significantly our inventory of available homes for sale has gone down in the past year.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

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