Downtown


18th and M Street, NW

Ed. Note: The most recent Pret closure (1828 L Street, NW) prior to this one was reported on back in December.

Pret a Manger opened the 18th and M St, NW location back in February 2016. Prior to Pret the space was home to a Caribou coffee.

“18th and M is your local coffee shop, providing a wide variety of breakfast foods, a great selection of homemade sandwiches, and the best organic coffee. So, whether you’re looking for coffee near you, or want something fresh for breakfast or lunch, visit our 18th and M store. See our full menu for our delicious range of options.”

Thanks to Benji for sending: (more…)


Federal Government


photo by Olaf Zerbock

CNN reported:

“The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close for roughly two years to allow for extensive renovations, President Donald Trump said Sunday, a move that comes as the nation’s preeminent arts institution contends with a flood of cancellations.”

Read Trump’s full announcement from Sunday: (more…)


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

609 Independence Ave SE
609 Independence Ave SE

Want to Build Something in D.C.? Start Here.

A shovel-ready, extraordinarily rare opportunity in Capitol Hill, fully permitted for an already approved plan for 2 two-unit residential buildings: 609 Independence Ave SE

  • 2 residential adjacent lots

  • Each building is a 3-level 2,700 sq. ft. residence

  • Each building features a lower-level apartment suite

  • Approved permit package includes full architectural, civil and MEP engineering drawings

  • Convenient location behind Eastern Market, near Library of Congress, Barracks Row and Capitol

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6BR/7.5BA contemporary-classical showpiece in Observatory Circle, directly across from the Vice President’s residence, complete with a pool, elevator, and separate guest house—all for $9.5M.

  • “A beautifully maintained row house in Columbia Heights that pairs original DC charm with true move-in-ready condition. This exceptional home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths total, including a fully separate basement rental unit with its own entrance — ideal for rental income, an au pair suite, or multigenerational living.”

  • “With more than 3,400 square feet across four finished levels, this expansive Brightwood rowhouse offers a scale and flexibility rarely found in the neighborhood. The fully finished lower level is a true second unit with its own kitchen, bath, private walkout entrance, and Certificate of Occupancy.”

  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a “classic rowhome” on Capitol Hill offering “three levels of living space and plenty of opportunity to make it your own” and “a great opportunity for a buyer looking to renovate and add their own finishes while preserving the character of a traditional DC rowhome.”


Event

The Fuss is a dynamic ska and rocksteady band from Washington, D.C. Their sound pays tribute to the music of 1960’s Jamaica and the British Mod scene, while putting modern slant on the timeless styles. The group showcases 3-part female harmonies and a 3-piece horn section. The Fuss’s lively vibe gets a crowd going, yet brings a smooth and steady groove.

For the first time, they’ll play brand new songs from their upcoming album, Together (October, 2026) on Jump Up Records.


Rant/Revel


photo by Danny

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. But please no personal attacks and no need to correct people’s grammar. This is a place to vent and/or celebrate things about daily life in D.C.

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DC Government


photo by CTB in DC

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that DC Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay on Monday, February 2 and on time on Tuesday, February 3. Families with students enrolled at a public charter school should expect to hear directly from their school and can also check here to see if their school has changes to their operating posture.

DC Government will open on time. (more…)


U Street

Update from AlertDC:

“DC Water reports a water outage on Wallach Place, NW, between 13th and 14th Streets due to utility repairs. The estimated restoration is 8-10 hours. Affected customers can contact DC Water at 202-612-3400.”

Update from PuckBuddys:

“Wallach Place residents out in force, employing every possible shovel and tool, even pick-axes, clearing ice to allow DC Water crews to get water main access.”

Thanks to Jessica for sending:

“spotted on wallach place nw- broken water main and non response yet from Dc emergency water 🤪. cars are frozen in the water that is rapidly freezing.”

Many more wild photos: (more…)


Mount Pleasant

“Dear PoPville,

Just checking in again on the basically daily occurrence here in Mt Pleasant. Once again, illegally parked (and/or poorly parked) cars are blocking the D72 from turning around. Cars are always parking in front of the stop sign on that strip of 17th St right next to Lamont Plaza. Not joking, this happens at least once a day – thankfully right now the bus driver is doing the rational thing and not laying on the horn. (more…)