Shaw

“Historic Carter G. Woodson Home to be completed by August 2015”

By Prince Of Petworth

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1538 9th Street, NW in 2010

From a press release:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said today she expects the historic Carter G. Woodson Home to be completed by August 2015 with federal funds she requested, and that a National Park Service (NPS) partnership with a non-profit organization (NPO) will complete the two adjoining homes. This is the first-ever National Park Service (NPS) historic site to be completed through a private-public partnership. She expects a local NPO familiar with the Shaw neighborhood, where the house is located and skilled at raising funds, will serve as a vehicle for bringing tax-exempt funds forward. Because Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s work was fundamental to the creation of Black history as a serious academic discipline, work that was responsible for the annual designation of Black History Month, Norton believes that the approximately $9.5 million necessary to complete the entire project is achievable. Once the project is completed, the main home, where Woodson lived, and the adjacent homes, which will be used to facilitate tourism, will together be considered the “Carter G. Woodson National Historic Site.” (more…)

“Development is becoming a suburban eyesore in historic Blagden Alley!”

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

My partner and I have been watching the developments pop up in our neighborhood. It has been great! Although, the development being built at 1250 9th Street NW is becoming a suburban eyesore in historic Blagden Alley! We’ve been watching as they began slapping on siding. Much to our horror they now have three different colored sidings on the building. I’ve seen that the original plans submitted to the city called for a stucco exterior on these sections. Do you know if this modification to their original plans was ever approved? They are really ruining the aesthetics of an otherwise charming little area. I really hope the city steps in an puts a stop to this.”

Ed. Note: You can see renderings from the developer here.

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HR-57 Scuttlebutt Confirmed! Hoping to Come (back) to Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

howard_theatre_parking_lot
600 block of Florida Ave, NW

Back in July a reader asked what was happening with the parking lot across from the Howard Theatre. And in early August we learned that HR-57 would be closing on H Street and moving somewhere new in NW.

At that time a commenter wrote:

“The owner came and talked to the Ledroit Park Civic Association a few months ago. The city has asked them if they were interested in putting in a bid to build a new structure right across the street from the Howard Theater in the parking lot on the corner. It would be a great addition to the neighborhood!”

Thanks to all who sent emails with the confirmation from Capital Bop:

“Tony Puesan told CapitalBop on Wednesday that he will submit a proposal to the D.C. government to purchase a vacant, city-owned property on the corner of T Street and Florida Avenue NW, across the street from the Howard Theatre. Located at 625 T St., the site is currently a parking lot owned by the city.

Puesan’s development proposal has yet to be approved by the District government. But if the deal goes through, he says the new location would allow for extended daytime hours and more resources for musicians.

Ultimately, the response on H Street was not strong enough to keep Puesan there. The allure of U Street’s foot traffic, along with the opportunity to own his own building, spurred the move back to Northwest.”

Updates if/when the deal goes through.

Heads Up – Be Sure to Lock Bike Wheels Too, More Reports of Bike Wheels Getting Stolen

By Prince Of Petworth

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Unfortunately more reports of bike wheels (and bikes) getting stolen.

One reader writes:

“Sometime in the middle of the day yesterday [Saturday] my back wheel was stolen of my bike which was locked in the front yard [Potomac Ave part of Capitol Hill.] My fiancé was home and they tried to get the front wheel too (nuts gone) before they left. So angry.”

Another reader writes:

“On Saturday, at about 5:30 PM, I saw a man steal a bike that was locked up outside of the Shaw metro station on 7th between S and T. The bike only had the front wheel locked, so the guy was able to take the frame and back wheel. He then went up and down 7th street until he found a wheel he could take. I yelled at him a few times, but he was able to take what he needed to assemble a new bike. (I didn’t have my phone on me so I couldn’t take pictures or call the cops.) I followed him from the Shaw metro stop to the U-Street metro stop (over on 13th) until I was finally able to flag down a cop. They questioned him but had to let him go and keep the bike because there was no proof that it was stolen. They said they had his information in case anyone reported their bike stolen.”

Meats & Foods Now Open in Shaw/Ledroit/Bloomingdale!

By Prince Of Petworth

meats_&_foods
247 Florida Ave, NW

Apparently Meats & Foods passed their health inspection! Thanks to all who tweeted and commented. @johnmdav tweets us yesterday:

“@PoPville Meats and Foods opened this afternoon”

And this morning a commenter writes:

“Rave: “Meats & Foods”, the restaurant version of “13th Street Meats” opened yesterday. Nice little place with good meat. You can get cooked links to eat in (very small seating but outdoor seating expected soon) or to go, or uncooked links for your own at-home grilling experience (about $2.50 a link). They do have beer in cans (and wine I think) as well as other beverages, and are planning to have a few “sides” available soon to add to their basic bag o chips. Meats are made fresh daily (Just like DCity Smokehouse) so it is possible they can run out of things from time to time, just consider it a good opportunity to try a new link and enjoy the variety. I can give two thumbs up for the Poblano Pepper, Italian, Lemon Basil Chicken, and Veggie Dog. Welcome to the hood guys, glad to have you!”

Bistro Bohem not Reopening until Tuesday but will be “much improved”

By Prince Of Petworth

bistro_bohem
600 Florida Ave, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I walked by Bistro Bohem this morning and the door was open and it sounded like some major work was being done inside. There was a loud saw going and lots of dust coming out of the door. Maybe they’re renovating while vacationing?”

Another reader also took a peek and writes:

“The layout was completely different. Looks like they are moving the bar area from the side wall to the back wall. Thats all I could make out.”

On Monday we we noted Bistro Bohem had closed for vacation but thought it odd the windows were papered over.

Yesterday @BistroBohem tweeted us:

“Reopening a little late, Tues 8/19, but much improved. Lookin forward to some CHANGES round here”

Dacha Beer Garden expanding into adjoining China Express building at 1602 7th Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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7th and Q St, NW

Ed. Note: Another cool detail I’m told is that “We have hired a historian to report on what the front of the China Express building looked like. We plan bringing the building closer to its original appearance.”

Also they are still working on leasing the Mt. Vernon Squangle location at 5th and K St, NW but they are still in negotiations.

From a press release:

“Dacha Beer Garden is pleased to announce signing of the lease for the adjoining China Express building at 1602 7th Street, NW

Owners llya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin are planning to gut the Chinese restaurant building and integrate it with the existing popular Shaw beer garden.

Instead of a planned small, controversial building in the original beer garden, Dacha owners are gearing up to expand and build out the China Express structure thereby not only improving Dacha’s operations, but also complying with the neighborhood agreement that specifically calls for a permanent structure.

The planned building will feature three bars, a grand beer hall, state of the art bathrooms and private lockers for regulars to keep their steins on premises. Dacha’s beer menu will expand; however, Weihenstephaner Brewery products will continue to be the core of the draft lineup. The third floor bar will feature rare, hard to find beers, meads and ciders. A full kitchen will allow Dacha to expand its food offerings.

Owners are hoping to receive the new construction permit by the end of January 2015 and immediately start construction. If all goes as planned, the new addition will open in the summer of 2015. The garden, however, will open in its current format in early spring of 2015 and will operate while the China Express building is being renovated. Additionally, owners are planning to keep the garden on standby during winter months and opening the popular spot weather permitting.

****

Dacha Beer Garden is a pleasant, green neighborhood epicenter that has been warmly received and endorsed by the community. Dacha serves a carefully curated selection of world-class German, Belgian and American beers, a variety of meads, ciders and wines – all accompanied by German-inspired menu. The open-air format, comfortable seating, and convenient location make Dacha an easy choice, while affordable prices offer a great dinner/lunch alternative to a restaurant or a take out.

We change the world, one beer at a time.”

Shooting in Shaw at 7th and N St, NW Also Three Other Incidents Wed. Night

By Prince Of Petworth

@DCPoliceDept tweeted around 12:30am:

“3D SHOOTING/7TH ST & N ST NW/LOF GOLD 4DOOR VEHICLE OCCUPIED BY 2 SUSPECTS”

Other shootings reported by @DCPoliceDept last night include:

“7D Shooting_2305 hrs_MLK Jr Ave at Malcolm X Ave, SE_No Lookout”

“6D Shooting, 2141 hours, 1000 48th Place NE, LOF Black Nissan Maxima with tinted windows.”

“6d shooting, 0112 hours, 3300 block Croffut Place SE.”

UPDATE: Statement Muriel Bowser:

“Today Democratic Nominee for Mayor, Councilmember Muriel Bowser, released a statement regarding the recent shootings that have occurred over the past week in the District of Columbia:

“I have been briefed by Chief Lanier on several shootings that have occurred over the past week in the District. I am saddened for the victims and their families, yet also outraged that the acts of a few individuals now threaten to erode our ability to feel safe in the District.

“Ensuring the public safety of Washingtonians is our top priority. After speaking with Chief Lanier, I know our police department is doing everything possible to keep our residents safe and deter additional shootings. But they can’t do it alone. If residents see something, say something. You can provide an anonymous tip anytime to 202-727-9099 or text to 50411. We are our brothers and sisters’ keepers, so we must work together to ensure a safer District for everyone. And, we must stay vigilant in condemning acts of violence and continuing to act on the values that make the District of Columbia the greatest city in the nation.”

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