millenium

We appreciate PoPville giving us the opportunity to post the following excerpts from an interview with Millennium Decorative Arts’ owner Glynn Romero. The interview was in final production for publication when we learned the news that Millennium will be closing its doors for good at the end of the year – after more than 20 years of operation on U St. This news comes on the heels of the closure of two other similar stores in the area – Mara Home of 14th and U, and Simon Vintage of Shaw. We believe these events demonstrate the impact our rapidly changing and developing city is having on the retail landscape and neighborhoods of DC. Please keep local, independent businesses in mind the next time you shop for furniture, clothing and more. While national retailers and big box stores also contribute greatly to our city, it is the stores that you don’t find anywhere else that we believe give our neighborhoods their true and most valuable character.

glynn

How long has Millennium Decorative Arts been in business? 

Millennium opened in September of 1992. It was a multi-dealer store when it first opened (like an antique mall) where people rented spaces to sell only mid-century furniture and accessories. The original owners were Tom Mallan and his wife Trish. I bought it from a second pair of owners in 1998. It was originally two floors with a spiral staircase connecting the floors. I reduced the size to one floor in 2005, which it has remained, since then. (more…)


IMG_1064
14th and K Street, NW

EaterDC reports the “restaurant’s last day of business will be New Year’s Eve”:

“It’s been a long road for D.C. Coast, which opened back in June of 1998. At the time, K Street was a very different place. “At nine o’clock, it would be prostitutes everywhere; they just came out of the woodwork,” he said. He remembers a time when partner Gus DeMillo chased a group of working ladies down the street, brandishing a giant pepper mill.”

They also note the return of TenPenh (the old space is now the recently opened Tadich Grill) to the hinterland:

“The company will bring back its pan-Asian restaurant, which closed in 2011, in a new format, this time in Tysons Corner.”

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stetsons

You will be missed Stetsons, you will be missed. Some history on the building at 1610 U St, NW here. RIP

riverby
417 E Capitol Street, SE

In happier news – Riverby Books is back!

“We’ll reopen on Saturday Oct. 31 at 10am (both for book buyers and trick-or-treaters). But if you happen to wander by before then, please feel free to stop in!”


park-hardware
920 H Street, NE

A reader reports:

“I was in Park’s Hardware on H St. NE on Saturday, and the owner said that they’re planning to close at the end of November. I know you had something back in August about the building being up for sale – presumably this means they have found a buyer. She blamed declining business on the Home Depot a couple of miles away (although the Home Depot has been there since ’02). I didn’t ask what was going to be coming in to the space after they close. I’ll miss having a hardware store in walking distance, as well as their cool sign.”


el latino
3314 11th St, NW

A reader reports:

“Every few years, readers would write you and ask “where is that great smell coming from on 11th and Lamont Street in Columbia Heights?” The answer of course was El Latino Bakery.

It saddens me to report that El Latino Bakery is no more. My source from the block said that rent was raised and so they decided it was a good time to move to a bigger space in Maryland. They even had to cut the bars and wall in the front to move the ovens out.”

This is incredibly sad, and inevitable news… It follows news of the closing of Arthur’s across the street. I look forward to learning who will take over the space and I believe there is a strong likelihood it will be something cool – but now is time to grieve. RIP that sweet, sweet smell.


stetsons
1610 U Street, NW

Dean Clark tweets us:

“@PoPville Was at Stetson’s last night. Told the sale went through and they are closing end of September October. No word on replacement.”

Back in June we posted the devastating news, for some, that Stetson’s was for sale. At that time some protested vociferously that this was simply not true and I was told by many, many people on twitter that I was idiot (and worse.) As I said originally I love Stetson’s. I and my friends spent much of our 20s here – with nothing but fond memories, from what I can remember. It genuinely pains me to pass on news of the sale. There is now a leasing flyer from Douglas Development:

1610_U_Street_Flyer-(PDF)

Updates when an exact closing date is known. All I can say is – I am sad.


park hardware

Park’s Hardware is located at 920 H Street Northeast. The listing says:

“Great redevelopment opportunity on H Street; 4,600 square feet of retail space in the middle of the thriving H Street Corridor. Zoned C2A with ‘H Street Overlay’. High Ceilings, full lower level. Wide street frontage Prime area for H Street Retail District. Right across from Ben’s Chili and Rappaport Shopping Center. Tax ID 0933//0803 + 0933//0057 (total lot size 2675 sf)”

It’s going for a cool $2,500,000.


stetsons
1610 U Street, NW

Damn it! I spent a good part of 20s in Stetson’s. Ach, I think I’m becoming that old guy…

The listing says:

“Great opportunity for a restaurant on U Street. The property offers two floors of bar and restaurant space, rear patio, 24 tap line system and a lower level with a walk-in refrigerator, reach-in freezer, and ample storage. The business (Stetson’s Bar), Class C Tavern license, inventory and owned fixtures including two HD projectors convey. Zoned C-2-A. Appointment only. 24 hour notice required.”

It’s going for $2,400,000. Well, when in Rome, I’m off to set up a kickstarter page! For $50 you will get an ice cold 12oz Budweiser. For $500 you will get a 12oz Budweiser and a shot of your choice.

Oof, I’m so sad.


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