Petworth

News on Petworth Eyesore Construction by Wayan

By Prince Of Petworth

I spoke with some of the construction workers now fixing up the Petworth Eyesore, at the corner of Upshur and New Hampshire, and it seems like the new owner who bought the place in January is gonna fix it up better.

First, they’re gonna align the top addition correctly, by moving back the walls which are now hanging over the brick. Then they’re gonna add brick to the 3rd floor popup, making the whole house brick, a welcomed change from the ugly vinyl of most popups.

They’ve also cleaned out the trash behind the house and are taking out some of the more poorly planned interior work. Sadly, the barbed wire still encircles the house.

Finally Some Good News – Details on Bar Coming to 3632 Georgia Ave (Next to Looking Glass Lounge)

By Prince Of Petworth

About a month ago I mentioned that a new bar was coming to Georgia Ave but I wasn’t able to provide any details at the time. I’m happy to report I got the details Monday evening. I met with owner Bill Dean and his associate Ted Trabue at the space Monday evening to learn more about their plans.


Ted Trabue left, Bill Dean right

Well, enough with the suspense. It’s going to be a proper sports bar to be called The Green Room. Mr. Dean explained that it will become “a real quality sports bar/pub, serving draft beers, and providing plenty of televisions to watch the game”. There will be a small menu serving items like sliders and wings. The look will include exposed brick walls and possibly a small deck out back.

Here’s the time frame – once they get the proper permits in three weeks or so construction will begin. Construction should take 3-4 months with the hope of opening in time for the NFL playoffs or at least the Superbowl.

Both Mr. Dean and Mr. Trabue were super enthusiastic about the project. However, in addition to Mr. Trabue, Martin Corboy will also be consulting on the project. Mr. Corboy is behind the Blaguard (in Adams Morgan) and McFadden’s (downtown). Mr. Dean also has experience in the industry as a co-founder of the Eye Bar at 17th and I St. as well as the American Tap Room in Reston.

Mr. Dean explained that this is a long term investment in the community for him. And indeed this is only the begining for Mr. Dean and his partners. Mr. Dean also purchased the two adjoining properties at 3630 and 3628 Georgia Ave. Initially there were plans to combine all three properties into a media lounge (including broadcasting capabilities) with a bar on the first floor. Thus the name The Green Room for the bar. The media lounge would be housed on the upper floors. Unfortunately the economy made this ambitious plan a bit unrealistic at the moment. So the idea now is to start with the sports bar and reassess in a few years. (And during that time he will continue to own the adjoining properties one of which is currently a beauty salon.) Mr. Dean says that he plans to be a presence in the area for at least 50 years.

Personally I’m pretty psyched about getting a sports bar. Sound good to you guys?

Dear PoP – Jackass Award Nominee

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I have a nomination for the Jackass award. The monstrosity on New Hampshire and Upshur. They have someone out their right now putting up a 6 foot tall chain link fence with barbed wire on top. I am sure that will look really good to people who might be considering a move to the neighborhood.”

While I think the reader was thinking of the Horse’s Ass Award, I would say this one warrants a jackass award as well. I can’t walk past this monstrosity on the corner of New Hampshire and Upshur without shedding a tear. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, well this fence goes up. I’m sure it must be temporary but it’s still rather unpleasant at the moment. I’ve seen tons of houses being renovated and this is the only one that I’ve seen that requires a fence with barbed wire. Ugh. Maybe in two more years it’ll get finished…

Dear PoP – New Restaurant at 14th and Webster – El Don

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to draw your attention to a new local restaurant. My family and I tried Restaurante El Don at 14th and Webster last night. The woman working there said that they opened on June 1. It’s a Peruvian chicken place, with a few other items such as carne asada. We had the chicken and it was delicious. The prices were great as well. It’s a lot like Pollo Rico in Arlington and Wheaton, if you are familiar with those.”

Lots of food news this week but this is great news. I know people love Pollo Rico so if this is anywhere as good they should do very well. So all the Pollo lovers, check them out and let me know what you think! Is Pollo Rico the best Peruvian chicken in the DC area?

Bloombars Fundraiser Thurs. Night and DC CARES Volunteer Info

By Prince Of Petworth

Support Bloombars. From an email:

“On Thursday, July 2nd, “Friends of BloomBars” will host a fundraiser at 1212 Lamont St. NW from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Your thoughtful and generous contributions will help open the doors to array of arts and community-based programming. Checks can be made payable to: BloomBars, LLC. Give what you can. Suggested Donation: $25-75. If you are not able to attend but wish to give, please send checks to 3222 11th Street, Washington, DC 20010. Thank you.

The party goes on at BloomBars starting at 9:30pm. Meet and experience Artist in Bloom residents and other amazing talent in bloom!”

And another worthy cause. From an email:

Get Involved in Your Neighborhood!

Join the Neighboring Initiative!
Team up with fellow residents of Petworth and Columbia Heights at the following events to create sustainable activity in neighborhoods! Join Greater DC Cares in its goal to reach every resident of these areas, and motivate them to become active participants of their own communities. If you would like to learn more about or attend one of these events, email Meghan at [email protected]. Continues after the jump. (more…)

I “Found” Logan’s Tomb in Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve mentioned the Old Soldier’s Home Cemetery before but somehow I missed Logan’s Tomb. Since there are many fans of the statue in Logan Circle, I thought I’d give the address of the tomb – it’s on Harewood between Rock Creek Church Rd. and North Capitol in Petworth.

I actually was initially moved by how many Unknown Soldier tombstones I saw:

There were dozens of them. It really is a moving sight. Since the economy got so screwed up I feel like the sacrifices that are being made by our troops overseas have fallen a bit off the radar. I think it’s important that we continue to remember what’s going on.

Shooting on 300 Block of Emerson, NW Late Friday Night/Saturday Morning

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader writes:

“There was a shooting on my block last night around 4am. A guy was shot in the leg and several cars got bullet holes or busted windows. There were eight shots, fairly random. No idea what caused it or what happened. After hearing the noise, I went to the window and saw nothing–no fleeing people or cars. The guy who was shot was half way down an alley when the cops found him.

No shots went into houses. Neighbors who have lived here fifteen years are saying that nothing like this has happened on our street in their time here.”

Hungry? MPD is Grilling a BBQ on Grant Circle (from Wayan)

By Prince Of Petworth

Wayan writes:

“Its a hot summer day and you’re hungry. Want burgers and hot dogs served by DC’s finest? Then check out the impromptu BBQ going on a Grant Circle and Varnum Streets NW right now (1-3pm). Free food with the neighbourhood cops. Not a bad way to spend a Friday.”

House of the Day (Re-PoP)

By Prince Of Petworth

I love this house and have no problem showing it once a year! This is one of my favorites in Petworth. They’ve also got some great flowers going on.

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