end of an era

RIP Gate 35X (soon), Long Live The New Concourse in 2021

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by airbus777

“Dear PoPville,

Any reports of what it’s like to fly American Eagle from #DCA right now, is it still #35X and a crowded bus?”

WMATAstuff replied: “Nope 35X is gone once and for all. They’ve been moved into the main terminal while they finish the new gate 35X terminal.”

UPDATE: Official word from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority:

“American Airlines continues to operate several flights a day using Gate 35X. Once the new concourse, which is currently under construction, opens next year, then flights will stop operating from Gate 35X.”

From DCA:

“With the demolition and removal of office buildings and aircraft hangars that once occupied the north end of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the palette is clearing for the construction of a New Commuter Concourse that will replace passenger movement through the infamously congested Gate 35X. Presently, six thousand passengers a day journey through 35X, boarding buses that drive them to remotely parked aircraft. When the new concourse opens in 2021, 14 gates with jetbridges will replace the busing system, and the less-than-pleasing traits of Gate 35X will be retired.” (more…)

East Potomac Pool Update: “I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

For the past week I have been trying to find out what is going on with the East Potomac Park pool. You posted about the unknown status of the pool earlier this week. I have now received a response from DPR. I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed. DPR directed me to the updated project page which states “It has become necessary to demobilize and stabilize the East Potomac Pool project due to deteriorating site conditions from significant and unforeseen groundwater intrusion that ultimately made the continuation of the project both safety and cost prohibitive. (more…)

“Johnny’s Half Shell opened June 21, 1999 in Dupont Circle, and today we let you know that our last meal was served on March 14th, 2020.”

By Prince Of Petworth


1819 Columbia Road, NW

Thanks to John for passing on the very sad report from Johnny’s Half Shell (back in August it looked like a reopening was in the works, alas):

“‘just give me one thing that i can hold onto
to believe in this livin’
is just a hard way to go’

Johnny’s Half Shell opened June 21, 1999 in Dupont Circle, and today we let you know that our last meal was served on March 14th, 2020. (more…)

“it is with profound gratitude that I announce that Wisdom’s closing its doors after exactly 12 years of business.”

By Prince Of Petworth


1432 Pennsylvania Ave, SE via Wisdom

Thanks to Joel for passing on from Wisdom:

“Friends, patrons, and gin heads-

it is with profound gratitude that I announce that Wisdom’s closing its doors after exactly 12 years of business.

In 2003, I developed a dream-that quickly became an obsession – of opening a neighborhood cocktail lounge. The cocktail resurgence was in its infancy and at the time there were very few resources to learn about the craft. That challenge was part of the appeal. I spent a lot of time and energy researching and experimenting with flavors and recipes. After years of military service, I found a city and neighborhood to plant my feet and finally take a leap of faith.

In October 2008, I opened Wisdom – DC’s first cocktail bar. It was an uphill battle on many fronts. I opened an upscale cocktail bar in an underdeveloped part of Pennsylvania Ave SE during a recession, with a culture that had little knowledge of cocktails, and in a city that I knew almost no one in. Some would call that foolish and others would call it brave; I suppose the truth is somewhere in the middle. Chasing this dream sparked passion and purpose, which stoked the fire of persistence. We always had to fight for our customers and could never take them for granted. That is probably what made the bar so special. (more…)

Brooks Brothers Permanently Closes Dupont, Georgetown and Friendship Heights Locations

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending: “ran by the Brooks Brothers store on Connecticut in Dupont, and appears that a number of “Retail space available” signs went up over the weekend. Website confirms the location is now closed permanently. Between this and the Georgetown location closure, may be the death knell for Brooks Brothers in DC.” (more…)

“D.C. United Announce the Departure of Head Coach Ben Olsen”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by John Goucher

From D.C. United:

“D.C. United have announced that Ben Olsen will depart as head coach of the club effective immediately. Assistant Coach, Chad Ashton will assume the role of Interim Manager.

While Olsen will no longer move forward as the head coach of D.C. United, he and the club are working together to determine a new role for him within the organization. (more…)

The Codmother Sign Removed From U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

On Thursday we shared the sad news from the Codmother’s owner Tolga Erbatur, which simply said “Farewell Mother.” I’ll be honest, a part of me was hoping that we’d witness another miracle but alas I was saddened to see:

Thanks to Diego (and everyone else) who sent The Codmother’s legendary playlist preserved on Spotify.

One last look at the poster for posterity: (more…)

“After 25 years + 6 months, as these strange days take their toll on us all, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Dupont Circle location”

By Prince Of Petworth


1350 Connecticut Ave, NW. Photo by Flickr user Dan Zink

From an email (thanks to all who forwarded) from Proper Topper:

“After 25 years + 6 months, as these strange days take their toll on us all, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Dupont Circle location, the sweet little shop we’ve thrived in and loved for so long. Too small to safely distance, too few shoppers downtown, too hard to hang on any longer … too familiar, right? My heart goes out to everyone suffering loss right now.

We look forward to welcoming you into our Cathedral Commons shop (3322 Wisconsin Ave, NW), just a couple of miles north and large enough to navigate more safely. And we always welcome you online, where our virtual shop is lush with new offerings to brighten your day and lighten your way. When have you ever needed our whimsical, comforting treats more?

But right now, I would like to take a moment to honor our long run in the spot and the neighborhood we loved so well. (more…)

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