Comments on: Reader Sends in Awesome Columbia Heights Streetscape/Fountain Photos

By: Grateful

Grateful — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:41:33 +0000

What Jamie said. And not what fake-Joni says. The real Joni Mitchell ain’t that ridiculous.

For the newbies around here, that whole area was a mix of crumbling buildings, abandoned buildings and – more than anything else – empty lots from when stores burned down in April ‘68. This WAS a shopping district until then, and Park Rd was a car sales street in between 14th and 15th. That’s why the facade of that one building was kept and worked into the side of DC USA. It has a lot of history for locals.

Fountain looks wonderful. I’m so excited to see this part of the city come to life. Hard to believe we’re finally past the years where everyone would huddle in groups to exit the Metro at night and walk as fast as possible past the empty lots. I have no patience for fussy critiques over this detail or that with this amazing turnaround for the area, which was DECADES in the making.

By: Monty

Monty — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:03:44 +0000

I think the plaza will come to life once the water flows. And let’s hope I’m wrongheaded about what I referred to pessimistically as the metallic trees that appear to be going up this week: are these structures actually some type of modern lighting? I’m going to keep an open mind on this one but I do hope some sort of greenery will emerge in thie space….

By: Monty

Monty — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:46:28 +0000

What’s up with those hideous metallic artificial trees around the fountain? Is perenially metallic the new “green”?

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:18:07 +0000

Anonymous (the hipster) is a freaking idiot. Go to move to the next “up-and-coming” neighborhood for a cultural adventure if you hate the Columbia Heights smart growth development so much.

By: frank

frank — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:34:44 +0000

does anyone know:

is this a smart growth plan or an after thought?

who will maintain the space and the future plantings?

what happens here in the winter months? ice skating?

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:52:32 +0000

Ms. Mitchell…. They Paved Paradise?? Bwahahahahhahaaa!!

Obviously, you never saw 14th and Park Roads BEFORE DCUSA was built.

There waren’t no trees. And unless you consider dodging bullets (far more than you have to today) “paradise”….

Good grief. Some people just need something to bitch about I guess. This looks wonderful to me and as a near 20-year resident of DC in the immediate area, this is one of the best things the city has ever done.

By: Joel Lawson

Joel Lawson — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:19:02 +0000

Looks great; vast improvement. Sorry, Joni, but those trees were no paradise, just 11 young and unlucky trees lined up in a manner and setting that was essentially unusable (and factually unused) by most residents. This new fountain will become an instant hit for thousands daily.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:58:07 +0000

if the fountain is a water feature where kids can play I think it will be great!

By: CH Lifer

CH Lifer — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:02:06 +0000

Well, I’m pretty excited. Cant wait to see this plaza transition from a space to a place.
– CH, i know you have your flaws, but I love you all the same.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:21:52 +0000

looks like a good spot to skate. anyone?