Photo by PoPville flickr user rjs1322

From an email:

This coming Saturday, 8/6, we’ll be having a clothing swap meet at the Shaw Library at 1630 7th St NW. People are encouraged to bring a few good items for trade.

Please bring: At least two items of clean, gently used clothing, pair of shoes, or accessories you no longer want.
Get: Free, new-to-you clothing, shoes and accessories in exchange!
Who: Men and women, adults and teens. All clothing sizes welcome. (No children’s clothing, please.)
When: Saturday, August 6, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

All leftover clothing will be donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington.

More Details here.


“Dear PoPville,

Long time listener, first time caller … I live in the wonderful area between Logan Circle and Shaw – technically, the Shaw Historic District if you count all of the signs denoting my ‘hood as such.

I have been wondering for ages what’s going on with the renovations of the dilapidated rowhouses on 11th and O Sts. The address listed with all the demo permits is 1137 11th St NW, and the company listed is Triangle Communications Associates, at 1456 T St NW. I can’t find out too much information about the company online, so I’m hoping you may have some scuttlebutt to report.

Do you know anything that’s happening here? I almost hate to write in because if it’s a good condo/apt renovation, I want first dibs as a neighbor! No one likes sharing Super Awesome Apartment Secrets but the renovations are starting to look pretty good I have to find out.

Unfortunately I don’t have any “before” photos, but the first floor used to be a scary/dingy convenience store. I’ve never seen any of the rowhouses occupied.”

Anyone know the story here? Condos? Rentals?

I’ll be sure to update when they go on the market.



Photo courtesy of OPaL

First Rogue 24 and now this – alley living continues to kick it up a notch.

From a press release:

Naylor Court Stables will revive part of one of DC’s rarest and most unique historic districts with three new carriage homes on Naylor Court. Known for building unique townhomes and single-family homes from Fells Point in Baltimore City to Alexandria, VA, OPaL announces plans for their first project in the District.

Naylor Court and Blagden Alley make up one of only two remaining H-shaped alleys in the District. Bound by 9th, 10th, M and O Streets, NW, this alley is part of a historic plat that dates from the late 1700s and gained significance as a diverse neighborhood during and after the Civil War. At that time, alley dwellings shared the space with carriage homes, workshops, stables and other buildings.

In partnership with KB Developers, OPaL plans to build three new homes designed to seamlessly blend in with the existing carriage homes and stables previously renovated and currently occupied on Naylor. Designed by noted Seattle architect, Gregory Sparhawk, the new residences will complement the architecture the surrounding neighborhood is known for, while also reflecting the totally unique design OPaL has come to be known for.

“The partnership considers ourselves stewards of this historic area of DC and looks forward to contributing to the revival of the alley” states Sean Ruppert, President of OPaL. “OPaL hopes to be an asset to this close-knit neighborhood and places great importance on the historic preservation of the block.”


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“Dear PoP,

On my walk to work this morning, I saw new fencing going up around the formerly bemuraled horses ass nominee at 9th & Q & Rhode Island streets in Shaw.

DCRA shows a new permit pulled for interior demolition in preparation for renovations. The long vacant property was sold in November, and a permit was pulled in March for door and window replacement, but this is the first major activity I’ve seen. As a neighbor, I’ve been waiting a long long time to see this!

With O Street Market apparently (and seemingly perpetually) on the cusp of breaking ground, Addison Square reportedly announcing something in the next two months, the home that you featured on the SW corner of 9th & Q being rehabilitated and a half dozen other homes within a block of here under serious renovations, there is a lot of activity in the neighborhood.”

Great news! These are gonna (hopefully) be some great before and after photos. Stay tuned.


Thanks to all who’ve written in about the opening Shaw’s Tavern at 520 Florida Avenue NW. Last we heard they would be opening at some point. At the risk of being lectured that I don’t know what the F*** I’m talking about – allow me to share a brief update: A message on their Facebook page says:

“Shaw’s Tavern is officially opening Friday July 29, 2011 at 4:00 pm. Chef John Cochran will be preparing some amazing meals for any and all who want to stop by. Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration we will not be allowed to sell alcohol on the premises for a week or so. I invite everyone to stop by.”


“Dear PoP,

Thought this might be interesting…these for sale signs just went up this week at 1851 9th St NW…used to be Maya Angelou Public Charter School…they cleaned out quick without much notice as far as any of the neighbors knew…”


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I put a call into the school but the phone went unanswered. Also on their Web site the contact us page brings up an error.

The building is listed for sale at $9,500,000.



Photo Courtesy of Rogue 24

From a press release:

James Beard Award–winning Chef RJ Cooper will open Rogue 24, a 52-seat urban fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., on July 27. The open kitchen, situated in the middle of the dining room, serves as the centerpiece of a “theater in the round” interactive dining experience. Guests will choose from the 16-course Progression menu or the 24-course Journey menu as a map to guide their culinary experience with Chef Cooper and his team of artisans.

“Rogue 24 is both a studio and stage for dedicated culinarians and sommeliers to have an immediate impact on guests with their knowledge and commitment to excellence,” said RJ Cooper, Chef/Owner, Rogue 24. “For guests seeking an intimate dining experience, we’ve turned the traditional restaurant inside out and brought the kitchen to the guests. Each table is a chef’s table, and each course is carefully constructed to build upon the flavors of the previous course, guiding the taste buds on an unexpected journey.”

Continues after the jump. (more…)



Photo courtesy of SUNdeVICH

Great news to end the week. The long anticipated gourmet sandwich shop from some of the folks behind Seasonal Pantry is opening at noon today. It is located around the corner from Seasonal Pantry in the alley off 9th Street behind 1314 9th St, NW.

Their Web site says:

A non-traditional space lends itself to a non-traditional sandwich shop. Most sandwich shops in the city have a flavor profile that carries through their entire product line. Whether it be Italian, Jewish, or Middle Eastern influenced, many menu items taste similar to one another which can get a little boring. At SUNdeVICH we wanted to address this fact by using the world as our flavor guide and our immediate backyard for our ingredients. SUNdeVICH offers a wide range of flavors, textures and combinations that may seem familiar but have a distinct twist.

The objective is to provide a wide range of bold flavors by using fresh and local ingredients. Ideally people can eat at SUNdeVICH multiple times a week; and have a completely different dining experience each time.

You can see their menu here and in PDF below:

SDV_menu

Enter through the alley off 9th St by the Lamont Bishop gallery.


I’ve been getting lots of emails from folks asking for updates on Shaw’s Tavern located at 520 Florida Avenue NW. There have been lots of false alarms about opening dates. This is gonna be a situation for me, where I have to see it (or get a photo from a reader) of the opening. There have been some super “soft openings” but I believe they are still waiting on getting their proper permits in order. I’ve heard some people say they will be open tomorrow. I’m willing to say that they will be open soon. If anyone notices a proper opening tomorrow or this weekend – please send a photo and an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail.

I’m eager to take a taste!

UPDATE: A reader reminds us that the ABRA (alcohol permit) hearing isn’t until July 25.

I’m now told the new target date for opening is Thurs. July 28.


This condo is located at 523 Florida Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“Enchanted open layout w/ roof top deck. 2 level town home style living bottled in an inspired condo w/ low condo fees. Fully renovated building in 2006! Conveniently located within walking distance to metro, shopping & restaurants. Throw your car keys away!Hardwood floors throughout, renovated kitchen complete with granite and stainless appl. ,master w/ jetted tub. Simply spectacular!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

$459,000 ($180 monthly condo fee) sound right for this 2 bed/1.5 bath?


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