
I’ve learned my lesson and will not call this a tragedy, however it is very sad. By the by a reader asked for the type of tree this is and I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know the variety. Little help?


I’ve learned my lesson and will not call this a tragedy, however it is very sad. By the by a reader asked for the type of tree this is and I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know the variety. Little help?


Thanks for all the tips on this. I just came back from the scene at 6:45pm Monday evening. I’ve never seen this many emergency response vehicles. Dozens of firetrucks, police cars, ambulances and the big black special operations vehicle can be seen around Illinois Ave and Webster with 7th Street, NW closed off.

Word on the street is that a man has barricaded himself inside a home near 7th and Webster Streets, NW. It is not clear if there is a weapon and it is not clear if there are people being held against their will. But given this size response something serious is clearly going on. I’ll update with more info as soon as it becomes available.
UPDATE FROM MAYOR’S OFFICE: 12:50 am – Tues., Feb. 9
“MPD has informed us that the barricade incident on the 4300 block of 7th Street NW has ended without injury. MPD has custody of the person who caused the incident. Grant Circle area streets are being re-opened.”





Photo by PoPville flickr user quigley_brown
Fusion located at 4815 Georgia Ave, NW has shared their Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu and special. It is $40 and full menus can be seen after the jump. But I was also curious – what is your favorite restaurant to go to on Valentine’s Day? (more…)

This home is located at 6 Grant Circle, NW:
The flier says:
“Owner started renovating but lost energy – his loss is your gain. AC installed, kitchen and baths updated, basement studded out for in law suite – Owner has saved the beautiful woodwork that set this home apart. Elegant home on Grant Circle is just a little sweat equity away – All the hard work is done – now just waiting for your touches.”
You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.
I am a bit biased but I love the location. I would however be a bit daunted at the remaining work that needs to be completed. How much do you think it will cost to finish up all the work? Given that does $369,950 sound reasonable?

Photo by Sam von Pollaro
I received word on two great Flower shops. First is from lead singer of the great band, Junior League Band, Lissy Rosemont. She writes:
“I am the lead singer in the Junior League Band by night, and a florist for the Petworth based “Petals for the People” by day, a flower subscription service. I wanted to let your readers know about some of our upcoming events (including free flower giveaways) that Petals for the People is sponsoring to promote our service.
The idea is that with our service folks can have beautiful, creative flowers in their life on a regular basis for a low cost and without a lot of hassle (we have pickup spots for metro commuters as well as delivery services). One of the perks that sets PFTP apart is that Sarah von Pollaro, the founding florist, posts a weekly video blog that shows you how to arrange that specific week’s flowers. So, if you’d like, you can learn flower arranging along the way! Each bundle includes enough flowers to make up to 3 or 4 arrangements for your apartment, office or home.
It’s an easy way to have beautiful, creative flowers in your life on a regular basis.
Treat yourself! Or the loved ones in your life.
Petals for the People bundle subscriptions are the alternative to your average Valentine’s Day roses (which are sold at highly inflated prices) and in general a great gift for the loved ones in your life.
To show you what we mean, we will have roving Petal Patrols giving away flowers at locations throughout the DC metro area this coming weekend (see below for the schedule). We’re also hosting a hands-on Flower Arranging Workshop on February 13th for folks who want to make their own flower arrangements for, or with, their Valentine! At the workshop, which costs $55 per participant, you get enough flowers to make two beautiful arrangements to treat yourself or your loved ones! If you want more flowers in your life, then come and visit us at petalsforthepeople.com
Flower Arranging Workshop on Feb 13th details at www.petalsforthepeople.com/event
Petal Patrols giving away free flowers:
* City Vista (5th St NW between K and L) – Friday, Feb 5th: 5:30-6:30p
* Arlington (Farmers Market in Courthouse) – Saturday, Feb 6th: 10:30-11:15a
* Arlington (Market Commons in Clarendon) – Saturday, Feb 6th: 11:15a-12p
* Capitol Hill (Eastern Market) – Saturday, Feb 6th: 12:30-1:30p
* Bethesda (Woodmont St) – Saturday, Feb 6th: 2-3p
* Dupont Circle (Farmers Market) – Sunday, Feb 7th: 10:30-11:30a”

Second is from a reader:
“Dear PoP,
I hosted a baby shower this past weekend and needed to buy a floral center piece. I had driven by it the previous weekend, so I decided to patronize the Petworth business, Mother Virgnia, as opposed to order something from downtown or online. They’re at the corner of Georgia Ave and Allison. I have to say, they were fantastic!! When I went in last Wednesday, Bob and Ricardo gave me tons of cute options for the vase and the flowers they picked out were gorgeous! They seemed to have a great selection and great prices. Lots of Valentine’s day vases too. And, when I picked up my arrangment and balloons on Saturday, they even opened an hour early to accommodate my schedule. Needless to say, I’ll definitely go back!”

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…)

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

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

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…?


This home is located at 927 Delafield Place, NW:
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?