Above is the new 4 Unit condo building coming to 10th Street, NW just north of V St. It took shape really quickly. So far would you say thumbs up or down?

And I think this pop up on 4th St, NW near Richardson is looking much better than I originally anticipated. At this point do you think it fits in on the block ok?


I’m happy to report that I saw a permit in the window of this classic Shaw building located on the corner of 10th and O Streets, NW. Under proposed use it says “apartment houses”.


This condo is located at 1201 Q Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Sun-splashed luxurious renovated condo in Historic landmark building in a great location, 11 bright, sun-filled windows on 3 sides( E-N-W) provide serene views of historic Logan. Features include high ceilings, HWFS, modern kitchen with granite and stainless steel, washer dryer, separate dining area off kitchen and two generous sized bedrooms. Custom window treatments & California closets.”

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

Wow, that is how you do a virtual tour. Do you think $422,500 ($285 condo fee) sounds reasonable for this 2 bed/1 bath?


Back in early January the murals on this vacant building were painted over. I thought it was a tragedy as they added a lot of color to an otherwise depressing corner. Perhaps tragedy was too strong a word but, to me, it was and is def. disappointing. And the corner continues to be depressing primarily because of this vacant building. I wanted to wait a few months to see if anything would happen. I wrote that it would be great if a business actually moved into the space. Alas, it is mid-May and nothing.

DCist wrote at the time:

“These murals were by no means a celebration of the neighborhood’s history, though a pair on the adjacent wall, one of Robert Gould Shaw and Duke Ellington, and another depicting Carter G. Woodson, were added later by volunteers organized by ANC 2C commissioner Alex Padro.”

Just because some of the murals weren’t a celebration of the neighborhood’s history (even though some were) doesn’t mean that they didn’t have value. But I’ll throw it out to you guys given that the building continues to be vacant- do you like it better now with the murals painted over or with the murals?


“Dear PoP,

A new cafe is trying to open at 6th & R St NW, which would be amazing. It will be a middle eastern cafe called Toque Cafe. They are struggling to get a permit to allow a few outdoor tables, and I wondered if you would put out the word that there is a petition folks can sign to support them getting a permit. I attached an email below with all of the details:

The Convention Center Community Association (CCCA-online.org) supports the application for outdoor seating submitted by the Toque Café located at 1701 6th Street NW, Washington DC 20001. We believe that outdoor seating will not only enhance the restaurant’s business operations but will likely become a popular neighborhood amenity. We also urge you to facilitate the proper and timely approval of permits and licenses for the restaurant to open and begin operations.

Toque Café also needs your and broader community support.”

You can sign the Petition here.


In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia, and as a real estate salesperson in Maryland. 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 Properties: 902 T St NW (Two Condo Units)

Original List Prices: $549,500.-$565,000.

List Price at Contract: $549,500.-$565,000.

List Date: 12/11/2009

Days on Market: Average for both listings is 110 days

Settled Sales Price for first settled unit: $535,000.

Settlement Date for first settled unit: 04/30/2010

Seller Subsidy for first settled unit: $0.

Bank Owned?: No New Condo Conversion?: Yes

Type Of Financing: FHA. As part of the new rules for FHA approved condos that began at the beginning of 2010, buildings that contain only two units are now eligible.

Original GDoN (actually, it was a “Judging Buildings” Post is: here.

Listings for the building are: here. Click the individual; listing to see the pics.

Continues after the jump. (more…)


I know we talk about more serious issues than this but indulge me this once. I’m a huge fan of the Banneker Swimming Pool located at the 2800 block of Georgia Ave, NW. It’s come to my attention that there is a new Facebook group that is trying to get some more chairs for the pool. I think that’d be great. Not sure how much it’ll help but it can’t hurt to sign on.

And on that note, have a great weekend!


“Dear PoP,

Was wondering if you knew anything about what’s going on with the Mocha Lounge at 944 Florida Avenue? I thought it was re-opening as the Mocha Lounge, but apparently, it is becoming the Manchester Bar and Grill. The owners are trying to put some outdoor seating on the sidewalks, and they have repainted (which looks nice). It’s kind of confusing that it did actually re-open as the Mocha Lounge very recently.”

This past Sunday I stopped in and was able to sit in on a chat with owner Darnell Perkins and a couple of very nice Howard University journalists. Darnell cleared up the Manchester Bar and Grill name confusion right away – that was the name that liquor license was listed under but the space will continue to be known as Darnell’s Mocha Lounge or Darnell’s Lounge. And it really does have a lounge atmosphere:

Darnell explained that the space is developing over stages. Currently it is a bar and lounge with live Jazz/R&B on Thursday nights. The second stage will feature coffee options and a small outdoor patio (see photos after jump). Today the space opens at 5pm everyday but starting the first Sunday in May they will open earlier to serve coffee (with wifi available) and a continental breakfast. The third stage will feature proper brunch options. Currently there are some dining options available including wings, salads and mini crab cakes. The space will continue to develop based on recommendations from the neighborhood.

Darnell explained that he sees the space as an extension of his living room. In fact much of the furniture actually comes from his living room. While the space is very comfortable it is sorta broken up into two rooms. In the front room there is a lounge type feel with a big bar (that will serve coffee). In the back room there is another bar that serves alcohol and also has comfortable seating (see photo above). The total occupancy is about 75.

What I liked most about Darnell’s comments were his desire to be welcoming to all. He envisions his spot as a place that brings the whole neighborhood together whether you are black, white, latino, or gay or straight. Given the de facto segregation often seen in some neighborhoods it’s nice to hear about a spot that specifically wishes to cater to all. I certainly look forward to the continued evolution of this great space.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)


From an email:

“As many of you know, the principal at the school next door (Garnet-Patterson Middle School) was found murdered. I had the opportunity to work with Brian Betts professionally and he was absolutely amazing.

Schools were closed Friday for Emancipation Day so his students have not yet had a day of school since his murder. I was hoping the neighborhood could offer some sort of encouragement to these students. I’ve already noticed many students (and staff) making a memorial to Mr. Betts and sitting in front of the school crying.

I plan to purchase a bucket of sidewalk chalk and write some inspirational messages to the students and staff and then leave the chalk so that students can also use it to express their feelings. Mr. Betts cared greatly about this neighborhood and I want to make sure the neighborhood and school know we support them.”


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