Petworth

Good Deal or Not? Reader Request – Why Has It Been on the Market So Long?

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 4847 Illinois Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“large home five brs 3 full baths basement side porch off street park”

More info but sadly no photos found here.

The reader aks:

“The house at 4847 Illinois Ave., at corner with Emerson, that has been on the market for a long time (listed in August 2007 – pre-downturn!). Corner house, nice lot, appears to have basement apartment (which may have been one of those former house-dentistry offices). 5 bed/3 bath. A couple of very nice dogwoods blooming come spring time. No major crime issues in immediate area. What gives? Listed to high? Too big for most? And by the way, what are the “Property is on Farm” and “Soil Study Available” references on Redfin all about?”

The asking price for this home is $660,000. To answer the reader’s question I’d have to say the asking price is way too high. This location is a bit too far from the Petworth metro (in my opinion) to justify that price. Maybe if it was completely renovated (with historical touches intact) but the fact that there are no photos leads me to believe the home probably needs some updating. It’s also curious that the description is so brief. I think it’s a nice home with lots of potential but it is probably $150 – 200k overpriced. This price seems like serious bubble price. I think it’s no accident it has been on the market for 582 days. What do you guys think is a more realistic price?

I have no idea what the farm reference is about. Maybe they have an ant farm…

New West Indian-Caribbean Restaurant on Upshur Street

By Prince Of Petworth

But don’t get too excited yet. This restaurant is located inside the Island Cafe club on Upshur Street east of 9th St. near Domku. In the past Island Cafe has been temporarily closed due to violence. But, I think I’m going to have to give this a try. The menu looks pretty tasty:

Meeting To Address Petworth Safeway Concerns Tonight

By Prince Of Petworth

I seem to recall folks are not huge fans of this Safeway. From an email:

Petworth Action Committee
with
Councilmember Muriel Bowser
Community Meeting
Thursday, March 19th
6:00PM

Spring Road Mental Health Center
(in the Chapel)

1125 Spring Road NW

Agenda:
· Petworth Safeway Concerns
· Community Services:
MPD – to address community concerns and to help establish an action plan to address short and long term goals

DPW – to address parking issues

DPR – to address Raymond Recreation renovations and the plans for a new recreation center

DCRA- to address an influx of rooming houses and the negative impact it is having in Ward 4

Update on Development projects in our community: Jair Lynch Development Partners – 3910 Georgia Avenue Adrian Washington- Neighborhood Development Company, LLC- 4100 Georgia Avenue

Judging Buildings

By Prince Of Petworth

These homes are located on 9th Street near Webster. There not finished yet (obviously no front stairs yet) but I think they’re really interesting because they don’t look anything like the surrounding homes.

And here’s what it looks like to the north:

Thumbs up or down?

Lots of Coffee News

By Prince Of Petworth

First, I got a PoP preview of the new spot, Fresh off the Roast Coffee (full disclosure, a PoP advertiser), coming to 3917 Georgia Ave. It is a small spot kinda like Columbia Heights Coffee. There will be seating for 12 and in addition to coffee there will be a small food service.

The goal is to open in early April, though this is contingent upon a few more inspections. Ed. note: I never realized just how difficult it is to open a business in the city. There will be Wifi and a small spot for patio seating when the weather warms up.

Back in February, I told you about a new coffee spot coming to Irving Street next to the Five Guys. Well, it’s got a name now.

Thanks to a reader for sending the following news from Metrocurean. She writes:

“Mid-City Cafe is slated to open in April, just above Miss Pixie’s at 1626 14th St. NW. The shop will serve Counter Culture Coffee (hooray!), and Mick Mier, one of the owners, promises there won’t be any stale drip coffee sitting around.”

It’s a good day to be a coffee drinker!

Fisherman of Men Church – Literally?

By Prince Of Petworth

This is the church at Quebec and Georgia that I mentioned a few weeks ago because it used to be a movie theater in the 1920s. Anyway, I’ve always loved the name – Fisherman of Men Church. But this weekend I noticed dozens of seagulls on the roof. I’m just saying…

Good Deal or Not? 2003 Pricing Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This house is located at 4119 4th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“NOT A SHORT SALE OR FORECLOSURE. Needs a few touches. Paint, pull up carpet, sand floors, minor repairs and move in. Finish renovate the kitchen and basement later. Make an offer.”

More info but sadly no photos found here.

Well, because there are no photos we’ll have to assume the place needs a bit of work. But even so, this reminds me of 2003 prices. It can be yours for $225,000. Sound reasonable?

Full disclosure: I live on this block. I’m not sure if that helps or hurts the value…

Good Deal or Not? Classic Wardman Rowhouse Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This house is located at 3822 10th Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“1925 Wardman rowhouse with completely updated systems, original heart of pine hardwood floors. granite counters and slate floors in kitchen and breakfast nook, slate floors continue in basement mudroom and utility room.

What the Owner Loves: 1 1/2 blocks from Metro stop, one block from Safeway supermarket. Clean, safe neighborhood.”

More info and interestingly only photos of the outside found here.

UPDATE:  Interior photos can be seen here.

This is an interesting house it has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths but it’s curious that there are not internal photos. But assuming it is updated like it says do you think $595,000 sounds reasonable?

Bullet Proof Glass At The Petworth Post Office

By Prince Of Petworth

This is something that has been bothering me for a while. I’ve mentioned that the bullet proof glass at the bodegas around town is a bit off putting but I can understand it a bit as the history has been a bit choppy and small businesses have a lot to loose. But I was totally perplexed at the bullet proof glass at the Petworth Post Office on 9th Street. I mean is that really necessary today? Is the fact that it’s a felony offense to rob a post office not enough deterrent? Do the employees really feel that threatened? Or is it just too expensive (or simple inertia has set in) to remove it? I’m honestly interested to hear what you guys think? Any one else offended?

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