Petworth

Fenty Administration Celebrates Historic Georgia Ave. Restaurant (You Know The New Marvin Spot) The old Billy Simpson’s – The new Chez Billy

By Prince Of Petworth

Mayor Fenty and Ward 4 Council Member Muriel Bowser (pictured above) attended a ceremonial ground breaking for the new restaurant and bar coming to 3813/3815 Georgia Ave., NW on Tuesday Morning. Also making remarks were developers Chris Donatelli, and Calvin Gladney from Mosaic urban partners as well as co-owner Ian Hilton.

We’ve been following this property very closely. It is one of the more exciting developments to hit Georgia Ave in quite a while. We last looked at it back in early Jan. when demolition started. I was pretty psyched to get a look at the inside. Obviously there is a fair amount of work yet to be done but I was able to get a better vision of what it’s gonna look like. The space will be similar to how Marvin on 14th Street is set up with dining areas separate from the bar and lounge. They hope to be able to open the space in June or July.

Both the mayor and council member were very excited that Petworth will be getting another sit down restaurant which many residents have been requesting for years. Mr. Gladney from mosaic spoke about the historic nature of the building which used to house Billy Simpson’s Seafood & Steaks, a white table cloth restaurant in the 60s that hosted many civil rights leaders. Mr. Hilton mentioned that there is no reason why folks on Georgia Ave can’t have a spot like Marvin closer to where they live.

I agree with all who spoke, this was a great day for Petworth, Georgia Ave, Ward 4 and the whole city.

A few other items of note. The mayor said that the nearby Safeway is still planning to improve and renovate their store. And the empty lot a few storefronts north on Georgia is also set to be redeveloped and will host another restaurant.

It was a great day. And I got to meet the famous Channel 4 News Reporter/WAMU Friday Politics Cohost – Tom Sherwood!

More photos of the inside (which should make for interesting before and after photos when it’s completed) and floor plans after the jump. (more…)

Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option (Owner Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This apartment is located at 7th and Jefferson St. NW:


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The reader writes:

“I live at 7th and Jefferson St. NW and I’m thinking of renting the unit, I work in Alexandria and its a long drive. It’s a one bedroom unit, 600-700sf, I’m not sure exactly. The building was renovated in 2006, I’ve been the only one to live there. New kitchen appliances and countertop, dishwasher, washer and dryer in unit, hardwood floors. About equal distant between the Georgia Ave and Fort Totten Metro. One block to Kennedy St, 3 Blocks to Georgia Ave. One block to two bus lines. Ample parking, quiet street.

Anyway, my question is what people think of the rental market up north? I was thinking around $1200? Also, has anyone had any experience with using a management company for a single rental. And lastly, if anybody has any thoughts on accepting section 8 vouchers from tenants?”

Personally I think $1200 for a one bedroom that far north and that far from the metro is way too high an asking price. I’d think that $900 would be much more realistic. What do you guys think?

Good Deal or Not? Renovated Rowhouse in Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 4125 4th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Gorgeous urban renovation, tastfully completed. Recess lighting, crown molding, exposed brick, granite kitch + bath, lots of storage (incl. attic), mudd room and bonus room on main lvl. New windows, double deck and two car parking w/ plenty of street prkg. Proximity to metro trasport/downtown/restaurants/shopping a plus.”

You can find more info and photos here.

Wow, I’m pretty impressed with the photos. I had no idea it looked like this on the inside. Full disclosure: I live nearby, not sure how much that drags down the price… So what do you think of the photos? Does $409,500 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/2 bath?

Good Deal or Not? Knights in Shining Armor Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1344 Taylor Street, NW.

The flier says:

“REDUCE 25K! SHORT SALE! Gorgeous, large row house restored to orig. 2 yrs ago, Gourmet kitchen, granite counters, s/s appl hardwood floors, 2 blocks from Rock Creek Park, Great setback from street, wrought iron gate in front w/ stonework, beautiful front porch. Enclosed back yard w/ landscaped garden, outdoor kitchen & deck, 2 car garage+1 pkg spac. 1BR BSMT APT $1,250 Mnth. Third party approval req”

You can find more info and photos here.

Wow, we had a talk about this house a couple years ago when I was admiring the knights. I was pretty psyched at the opportunity to see some photos from inside. What do you think of the renovation? The price has dropped pretty significantly. It was originally on the market for $675,000 and is now asking $495,000. Sound reasonable? Do you think the knights are included…?

Good Deal or Not? Stones Throw From Moroni’s Pizza Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 927 Delafield Place, NW:


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The flier says:

“Semidetached totally renovated quality renovation by Banana DC Enterprises. Sunfilled from over 20 windows, finished basement with 3rd full bath, 2 master suites w 10 ft. ceilings, beautiful wood floors, carpeted bedrooms & basement, skylite , ceiling fans, gorgeous kitchen, sun deck, patio/parking pad and all 1 mi. to Petworth metro.”

You can see more info and photos here.

Given all the potential coming to Georgia Ave and the fact that this home is a stone’s throw from two great restaurants – Fusion and Moroni’s, I’m super curious to know what you think about this price. Well, first after you check the photos you can see this is a complete renovation. Do you thing they did a good job? I was surprised to see that it was a 2 bed/3 bath. Does $399,500 sound reasonable?

Demo Starts on Billy Simpson’s Coming to 3815 Georgia Ave

By Prince Of Petworth

Lots of exciting news has been hitting Georgia Ave lately with the coming soon signs for Sala Thai and Park Place Cafe. Now we can look forward to the coming of Billy Simpson’s which is the new venture coming from the owners of Marvin. It’s a small step but always nice to see progress actually start.

Here’s the other building that will be demo’d. Though remember it is only internal demo as the building itself (first photo above) has historic significance.

Petworth Getting a Farmers Market

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve been discussing this possibility since February of 2008. At long last we have got the good word. Thanks to a reader for the heads up. In the back of the ANC4C Newsletter (that comes with the Current) they write:

“Plans have been announced for a Petworth Farmers Market on 9th Street NW between Taylor and Upshur, to be held on Thursdays from 2-7pm starting in spring. Interested sponsors, vendors and volunteers should contact PetworthMarket (at) gmail (dot) com.”

Finally!!! Though how many people will be able to patronize the market during these hours on Thursdays?

Petworth News Goes on Hiatus – Thanks For Everything Bill!

By Prince Of Petworth

The great Petworth News blog run by Bill Crandall has gone on hiatus today. I just wanted to write a quick note of thanks for all he has done for Petworth and neighborhood blogging. Bill started Petworth News in 2004 and was one of the first exclusively neighborhood blogs. He paved the path for the many neighborhood blogs that exist today.

On a personal note, Bill is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and his love for Petworth cannot be questioned. Back in 2004 blogs were often of the snarky variety and Bill always stuck to the title of his blog – News. I consider Bill a bit of a mentor as he was the first person to really support and encourage my work here at PoP. Bill has contributed here in the past and I hope he will do so again in the future.

Since Bill started Petworth News he and his wife have had a beautiful baby girl (who’s no longer a baby) and he started a full time teaching gig. Bill is also an amazing photographer. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from Bill on many fronts in the future. In the meantime I just wanted to express my gratitude to him for all of his great work with the neighborhood and the personal support he has given me. Thanks Bill and good luck!

Quick Update on Sports Bar Coming to 3632 Georgia Ave. (Next To Looking Glass Lounge)

By Prince Of Petworth

Someone in the comments yesterday asked for an update on the Sports Bar coming to 3632 Georgia Ave. I emailed the project manager and he told me that they expect all permits to be in order in around 3 weeks at which time construction will get underway. I’m also told they are finalizing their menu which I will post when it is completed. It sadly does not look like they’ll be open in time for the Super Bowl but hopefully shortly thereafter.

For those that haven’t heard of this development, you can read an interview I did with the owner and project manger of the Green Room Sports Bar here.

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