Dear PoPville


Photo by PoPville flickr user Jim Havard

“Dear PoPville,

I’m seeking guidance from the community about where to start with a SFH to condo conversion. I currently live in the home which has NC-15 zoning, so this type of development is allowed. (A neighboring SFH was converted to two condos a few years ago by a developer I don’t fully trust, but that’s a different story.) (more…)


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

1416 Geranium Street NW
1416 Geranium Street NW

DC Open House List for This Weekend: May 15, 2026

Spring is in full bloom across the District this weekend, and with over 354 open houses across the city, there’s no shortage of places to wander into between brunch and an afternoon stroll along the Potomac. Whether you’re house-hunting in earnest or just curious to peek behind a few front doors, it’s the perfect weekend to step inside. To see the full DC Open House list, click here.

  • 1416 Geranium St NW — $1,100,000 — Shepherd Park
    Open Fri. 5-7PM, Sat. & Sun. 2-4PM — Jason Lallis
    “1416 Geranium Street NW — Spanish/Mediterranean Style in Shepherd Park. Tucked into one of Northwest DC’s most established neighborhoods, this Spanish/Mediterranean-inspired stucco home stands apart from the typical DC housing stock. With its classic clay tile roof, clean lines, and warm architectural character, it offers a rare blend of design and livability. Inside, 9’+ ceilings and hardwood floors create a bright, open feel throughout the main level. The living space is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and framed by oversized windows, bringing in natural light and enhancing the home’s inviting flow.”

  • 3422 Pennsylvania Ave SE — $939,900 — Hillcrest
    Open Sat. 12-2PM — Stephanie Cooper
    “Price Improvement. Assumable FHA Loan at 4.875%. Welcome to your dream home on Pennsylvania Avenue — a stunning, thoughtfully renovated four-level, 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence that seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern luxury in the heart of the Hillcrest/Penn Branch neighborhood. From the moment you arrive, the transformation is undeniable. The refreshed exterior, highlighted by premium Hardie board siding and a newly constructed Trex front porch, creates an inviting first impression and a stylish outdoor retreat.”

  • 5309 14th St NW — $1,095,000 — 16th Street Heights
    Open Sun. 1-3PM — Denny Horner & Leyla Phelan
    “Beautifully updated and well-maintained Tudor home in desirable 16th St Heights neighborhood, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, lovely & spacious living spaces, a huge lot, and a two-car garage. Best of both urban convenience and calming residential vibes. The main level offers a comfortable living room with wood-burning fireplace, a dining room, a gorgeous sunroom facing the backyard, a powder room, and a renovated kitchen that boasts newer Calacatta Laza Quartz countertops, Williamsburg white shaker cabinets, brushed champagne and bronze hardware and stainless-steel appliances.”

  • 50 Florida Ave NE #725 — $624,900 — Eckington
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — Mandy Hursen & Tim Hursen Jr.
    “Elevated city living at The Lexicon, NoMa’s premier full-service building! This home comes complete with garage parking ($45K value) and extra storage ($10K value) included. Perched on the coveted NW corner of the 7th floor, this 2BR/2BA stunner delivers front-row views of downtown DC. Inside, it’s all clean lines and modern luxury—floor-to-ceiling windows, wide-plank white oak floors, and a sleek open layout designed for real living and effortless entertaining. The kitchen impresses with GE stainless steel appliances, gas range, Calacatta quartz, and an oversized island.”

  • 1349 Otis Pl NW — $974,900 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3PM — Kevin Wood
    “Welcome to 1349 Otis Place NW, a classic 3BR/2BA Wardman house that beautifully blends historic Washington character with modern sustainability and convenience in the heart of Columbia Heights. Showcasing the timeless craftsmanship and original charm that define Wardman houses, the property features rich architectural details alongside energy-efficient solar panels and a detached garage complete with an EV charging station. The house offers exceptional outdoor living with a welcoming front yard, a covered front porch, a large private rear patio and deck perfect for entertaining, and a separate front basement entrance.”

  • 3612 Jamison St NE — $835,000 — Fort Lincoln
    Open Sat. 2-4PM & Sun. 1-3PM — Brittany Dixon
    “Welcome to this beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated townhome in the sought-after The Reserves at Dakota Crossings, where modern comfort meets a peaceful, community-oriented setting. Offering 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths across four well-designed levels, this home delivers exceptional space, flexibility, and style. At the heart of the home, the expansive kitchen shines as a true centerpiece, remodeled in 2024 with striking white quartz countertops, abundant cabinetry, and generous prep space. The open-concept main level is ideal for everyday living and entertaining.”

  • 508 Kenyon St NW — $849,900 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sun. 2-4PM — David Bediz
    “Welcome to 508 Kenyon St NW — a beautifully renovated four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath rowhome on a charming tree-lined street in the heart of Park View. Thoughtfully updated across three finished levels, this home offers the perfect blend of modern style, flexible living space, and income-generating potential. The main and upper levels have been extensively renovated since purchase, featuring freshly refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint, and stylish modern finishes throughout. The updated kitchen showcases sleek two-tone cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, contemporary tilework, and direct access to the private rear patio and secure off-street parking for two cars.”

  • 567 Ingraham St NE — $689,995 — Riggs Park
    Open Sun. 11AM-1PM — Michele Collison
    “Walk to the Metro from this Riggs Park rowhouse that offers the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. This 4 bedroom/3.5 baths also has an au-pair suite and is close to a public library, restaurants and shopping. Built in 1955 and meticulously maintained, this home stands as a testament to timeless design and quality craftsmanship. This contemporary residence provides ample space for both relaxation and entertaining. As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by the rich brick exterior that exudes character and charm.”

  • 332 N Street SW — $350,000 — Waterfront
    Open Sun. 1-3PM — Joseph Himali
    “Own a world-renowned architect’s masterpiece for under $4,500 a month! Charles Goodman’s River Park is one of Washington’s great mid-century treasures, conceived by the Reynolds Aluminum Company to prove what modern design and materials could achieve. This stunning three-bedroom, three-level townhouse is the proof, and it can be yours for less than most people pay for a two-bedroom apartment. The bright main level features refinished hardwood floors, custom electric roller shades, sliding glass doors to a private fenced patio, and WiFi-enabled Lutron recessed lighting.”

  • 3450 Summit Ct NE #3450 — $335,000 — Fort Lincoln
    Open Sat. 12-2PM & Sun. 1-3PM — Mandy Hursen & Tim Hursen Jr.
    “Completely renovated penthouse condo delivers space, style, and value in one irresistible package. Step inside to a light-filled home with soaring vaulted ceilings and skylights that make every day feel open and airy. The expansive two-bedroom layout offers true flexibility, while newer flooring throughout keeps everything feeling fresh, modern, and move-in ready. The kitchen and bath have been fully renovated with clean, contemporary finishes that elevate the entire space. A cozy woodburning fireplace adds warmth and character, while the oversized private balcony—stretching the full length of the home—sets the scene for relaxing afternoons.”

  • 2412 17th St NW #305 — $575,000 — Kalorama
    Open Sat. 11:30AM-1:30PM — Denny Horner & Leyla Phelan
    “Welcome to one of DC’s most sought-after neighborhoods and this sun-drenched, two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo. With hardwood floors and crisp, neutral tones, this contemporary home is truly move-in ready. The open floor plan creates an effortless flow between the living and dining areas — ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the expansive feel. The gourmet kitchen boasts new flooring, Silestone quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets, and a great flow. High ceilings and large windows with custom shades flood the space with natural light throughout the day.”

  • 1512 F St NE #2 — $599,900 — Kingman Park
    Open Sun. 1-3PM — Mandy Hursen & Tim Hursen Jr.
    “A bright and airy two-level condo that feels more like a private home, offering nearly 1,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Step inside to soaring ceilings, rich Brazilian wood floors, and refined contemporary finishes that blend sophistication with everyday comfort. The standout kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a stylish backsplash, generous cabinetry, and a breakfast bar for four—ready for everything from quiet mornings to lively gatherings. With 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, the layout is as flexible as it is functional, including a main-level bedroom and bath plus upstairs laundry for everyday ease.”


Capitol Hill

Ed. Note: It was inevitable.

“Dear PoPville,

Parakeet running with a group of unruly sparrows on Capitol Hill

It was with a bunch of sparrows that it seemed to be hanging out with…

Not exactly camouflage by the Hart Senate Office parking lot bushes (East Side across from St. Joseph’s Church)”

Ed. Note: The last time we posted about this parakeet @PoPville on twitter a reader responded that they’ve tried to catch him/her multiple times but have been unsuccessful. I think they said they’ve been leaving bird seed, let’s not go there, and provided some sort of shelter. Of course this memory could be tainted by the gin.


Bars


Dan Silverman: Citizen of the District of Columbia.

Update from ABRA:

“ABC-licensed establishments are required to take reasonable steps to ascertain whether a person they sell, serve, or deliver an alcoholic beverage is of legal drinking age. DC law does not prohibit a minor from sitting with an adult person within an establishment.

From Lawyer Andrew Kline: “No law against it, but operator has right to exclude those not of age.”

“Dear PoPville,

On Saturday, we were kicked out of a restaurant in Chinatown after the manager prevented us from sitting at the bar, arguing that our 4 months old baby is under the age allowed to drink!! After we agreed to sit in the restaurant side instead, and walked towards the restaurant bar, he said that we cannot sit with a baby in a bar, only at the tables which were 3 feet away. When we argued that it is absurd, he kicked us out. Shame on them.”

[Scene: I’m just finishing up breakfast number two, laughing maniacally as I type.]

So babies in the bar – what do you think about them?

[Full disclosure] Even in jest, no way I’m looking at these comments and I’ll be muting all the @PoPville social media responses too so have fun but you guys are your own! I’ll be back for the dog poop in the bike lane discussion later this afternoon. I’m off to lunch number one.


Event

To celebrate DC native Haili Blassingame’s debut novel, THEY ALL FALL IN LOVE AT THE END, Lost City Books is throwing a launch party themed around messy love stories. Haili, and a crew of writers she has assembled, will read excerpts from their work, but there will also be audience participation in the form of anonymously submitting messy dating stories. It’s going to be a night of laughter, of gasps, of books, of great company. Refreshments will be available. We can’t wait to see you there!


Chevy Chase

From an email:

“Khmow is 16 years old and mostly deaf and blind. She went missing on Monday afternoon at the east edge of Rock Creek Park in SIlver Spring and was spotted Tuesday morning around 9:40 am entering Rock Creek Park at Oregon and Unicorn Lane. She has also been spotted in Chevy Chase DC, Colonial Village, and Hawthorne. She is very nervous but might be lured with meat or cheese. She has medium-length fur, a white muzzle, and black head and ears.

If spotted, please call the DC Animal Care & Control dispatch line at 202-576-6664 (option 1). ” (more…)


driving dangerously

Thanks to Amanda for capturing this dumpster fire of a parking job:

“This gem in SW made it about 36 hours.”

Not quite as entitled as the previous examples we’ve seen this week but, well, I can’t really think of a scenario for parking like this unless you are blind drunk or waaaaay to old to be driving. Remind me to tell you a story about the later that I witnessed a couple weeks ago.


metro

A reader reports:

“Didn’t witness it first hand but when I boarded the train at Mt Vernon going to Chinatown and a man walked off with a skull mask out the door I entered. When I got in the car everyone had scattered to the ends and there were knife marks on the train car doors. An individual got a picture and reported in to police. It was around 9 AM.”

Updated report from another reader:

“Also it wasn’t a traditional skull mask. I thought it was a lizard mask (which is somehow scarier). It was definitely tan/yellow and not like a friendly cartoony skull.

When he got the knife out he said “I am going to kill the next person who touches me” and everyone near him crowded to the exit toward the back of the car near where I was sitting. I’ve never seen people react that way on Metro before. He said “oh now you’re all scared?” And followed the group to the back of the car. A man sitting in the wheelchair in the aisle stopped the knife/mask guy from coming any closer. I can’t imagine how scared the poor man in the wheelchair was. He got off our car at Mt Vernon Sq right after.

Also curious – because I’ve never seen a message like this from WMATA before: (more…)