It’s been fun watching this building go up. Here’s an update from a DCPL press release:

The Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Interim Library, located at 945 Rhode Island Ave., N.W. will close Tuesday, July 13 at 5:30 pm to move to the new library which is scheduled to open on Monday, Aug. 2. The new Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library will be located at 1630 7th St. N.W., across from the Shaw Metro station.

During the transition, books from the interim and new books will be moved into the new library, catalogued and shelved; new computers, including Macs for teens will be installed and tested, copiers and other equipment will be moved to the new location and furniture and carpeting.

The new three-story library is approximately 22,000 square feet and will feature separate reading areas for adults, teens and children; a children’s program room; space for 80,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other library materials; 32 public access computers with free Wi-Fi Internet access; comfortable seating for 200 customers; large program room for up to 100 people; two 12-person conference rooms; and a vending area.


Yetenbi is located at 1925 9th St NW. I know when we speak of Ethiopian and 9th St, most people love nearby Etete. But I’m wondering about a few of the other spots on 9th St, including Yetenbi. So anyone ever check them out? Any must order dishes?


We first looked at this building back in Oct. ’08. Then we judged it back in Jan. ’09. I walk by this building at 11th and Florida Ave, NW all the time and I’ve never seen any sign of life. I know many of the units have sold, so I’m just curious – has anyone ever seen someone go inside?

Now that the building has been there a couple of years has anyone changed their mind whether they like it or not?


It’s been a couple of months since we checked in on Bella Cafe located at 900 Florida Ave, NW (near 9:30 Club). I chatted with the owner this past weekend who is now shooting for a July 4th opening but of course that depends on the final permits being issued. The inside is nearly 100% completed. It’s a bit spartan at the moment but here are a few pics to get some idea of what it’ll look like:


First floor


Second floor stage


Second floor seating and bar


I’ve been watching the progress of the new building at 11th and T Streets, NW for many months now. I was psyched to see the big chain link fence had come down. It’s looking a mere weeks away from completion. I’ll be sure to post when units go for sale, hopefully there will be a good virtual tour. But now that the fence is down and we can get a better look at the building – would you say thumbs up or down?



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“Dear PoP,

A new location for Mandalay (Burmese restaurant in Silver Spring, if you haven’t been, it’s great and family-owned!) is slated for a new building being built in Shaw [1501 9th St. NW].

And I had dinner at Adega Wine Cellars in Silver Spring Saturday night and our waiter said the owner is planning a new lounge in DC called the Dirty Martini – I found this website for it, but all it says is “Summer 2010” [ 1223 Connecticut Ave, NW].


This house is located at 1242 10th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Sellers very ready to move. Glorious Victorian is the best of the neighborhood. Beautifully cared for and updated over the years. Magnificent space and detail abound-wood trim, plaster mouldings, high ceilings, unique windows. Secluded brick patio leads to 2 secured parking spaces. Legal rental unit.”

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

For those who like original details – enjoy! What’s your favorite part? It’s yours for $1,199,000.


“Dear PoP,

I live near the boarded up church on 10th & V Streets and noticed what seems to be a recently crumbled outer wall on the top floor at the back. You can see it in the top of this iPhone snapshot taken from the alley. This must be a horses ass contender.”

I absolutely agree with you, this property has been vacant way too long. And the extra crime here is that the potential is astronomical. This is such a beautiful building. I’d love to hear from the owner of this one.


This rental is located at 419 Warner St NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“• Large Bedroom & Bonus Den/Office/2nd Bedroom
• Approx 900 Sqft
• Hardwood Floors Through Out
• Recessed Lighting
• Modern Kitchen & Appliances
• In Unit Washer Dryer
• Central A/C & Heating
• Fenced in back yard
• Spacious Deck & Patio”

Does $1900 sound reasonable?


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