Well, we’ve been monitoring this spot at 1522 14th Street, NW for a few months now. I’m happy to report that HomeMade Pizza Co will be giving out free pizza tomorrow. They also gave some out today but sadly I was too slow in getting the word out. I was able to check it out myself and have to say it’s a pretty unusual operation. I’ve never heard of getting pre-made pizza and then baking it at home. You can see their menu here.

They were giving out free medium pizzas and caesar salads today (and tomorrow 4 – 7 pm). Get ready to judge me – I ordered mine with pepperoni, onions and anchovies. Mmm. It was actually pretty good but if I’m gonna be honest, I prefer pizzas like Vace, Red Rocks, Pete’s and Moroni & Bros. over this one. It was pretty easy to make though – just put your oven to 425 and cook for 10-15 minutes:

If anyone else took advantage of the free pizza Tues. or does so on Wed. be sure to let me know what you think. They had slices of fresh cooked pizza, as well, to taste out front. After the jump you can see some photos of the inside (it is a small space as it is takeout only obviously). (more…)

Your captions in the comments and winner announced Friday. Matt G please email me directly because last week’s winner wants to donate their t-shirt win to you.

Last week a reader asked about how to do a basement dig out. A reader was kind enough to share his experience:

“After reading the comments it was clear that no one had enjoyed actual experience and that most of the comments were far from my recent journey from a 7,1 clearance to 9,4. Our house is a three story above grade row house that was built in 1911.

Our entire dig out went from Nov 9, breaking up the concrete, until Dec 30 for pouring the new slab. Underpinning the foundation was involved. New ground works were involved. The basement space is approximately 990 square feet on which sits a three story above grade house. The basement was vacant except for the boiler and hot water heater. Our intent is to turn the space into a 2 bedroom apartment.

All of the work was permitted through DCRA. The hardest part was getting one adjoining neighbor to sign off on the project. One did, the other did not. Because one adjoining neighbor would not sign, it took us an additional 2 months to get our permit. The process of working with DCRA, once you have plans, is straightforward.

The cost from our licensed contractor for all digging out, ground works, concrete, plans, new front stairs leading to the basement and new stairs in the back, was under 25K. We had considered other companies that offered bids of more than twice that amount. With the saving we hired a structural engineer who oversaw our contractor’s work. The SE cost was $1,500. Continues after the jump. (more…)

1230 4th Street, NW is filling in with some new rowhouses. Anyone know if there was a fire here a couple weeks ago? I didn’t see any evidence of fire so maybe I’m misremembering. At any rate it’s wild to see the once orphaned rowhouse start to get some company. Here’s what it looked like back in June.

This is a new (to me) piece from the alley behind P Street, NW between 14th and 15th.

Sorry I couldn’t get any closer on this one but I think you can see the expressive face.

Of course I’m digging the quasi vestibule here. Unusual tiling and a tree stump made this a no brainer for me…

I’m digging this one from Georgetown. Looks like it may have been a small factory or something at some point.

Tomatillo Taqueria is located at 1347 Connecticut Ave NW serving out of the Big Hunt space. According to Yelp it looks like it has been open since October and their users seem to like it. What’s the word here? Anyone try them out yet?

This building is located at the corner of 16th and L Streets, NW and houses the School for the Arts in Learning.

There’s some interesting art out front as well:

But what do you think of the building itself. I think it’s pretty sweet how they seemed to have built around the originally structure. Thumbs up or down?

This rental is located at 661 Morris Place, NE:

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The craigslist ad says:

“661 Morris Pl — Spacious 2 story one bedroom condo, in a small, comfortable building on a quiet side street. Boasts 900 sq. feet of living space and is an easy and safe walk to Union Station (Metro). Features numerous closets and unique layout including a large, sunny livingroom with gas fireplace, spacious Master bedroom (11’x20’), and full bath downstairs plus half-bath on main floor. The kitchen has new appliances, including dishwasher. Central AC and heat and in-unit washer/dryer.

Pleasant location with easy parking, amongst single-family homes on lightly used one-way street.

Cat and Dog friendly building, all utilities except electric included. No smoking.”

Does $1600 sound reasonable for this 1 bed/1.5 bath?

“Dear PoP,

A DC law question for you and your readers: Who the heck is liable for those icy sidewalks?? On December 23rd, two days after your “Sidewalks of Shame” post, I slipped on some ice on the sidewalk directly in front of my apartment building and broke my ankle. Bummer, but extra bummer because I am a waitress and now cannot work for 2 months. I tried to do some research on local liability laws and have ended up more confused than enlightened…

It shall be the duty of every person, partnership, corporation, joint-stock company, or syndicate in charge or control of any building or lot of land within the fire limits of the District of Columbia, fronting or abutting on a paved sidewalk, whether as owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, or otherwise, within the first 8 hours of daylight after the ceasing to fall of any snow or sleet, to remove and clear away, or cause to be removed and cleared away, such snow or sleet from so much of said sidewalk as is in front of or abuts on said building or lot of land.

As a “lessee” mentioned above, does this mean I am responsible for clearing my sidewalks? Or as I am not the “person…in charge or control” of my apartment building, does this mean my landlord will be paying my rent soon?”

Ed. Note: the comments that follow should not be considered legal advice. My guess is that if you live in an apartment building then they are responsible for shoveling. You need to check your lease right away to see what it says. What do you guys think?

I thought this was a great shot by dullshick.

Submit your photos via email or to the PoPville flickr pool here.

This home is located at 3047 N Street, NW:

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The fliers says:

“Gorgeous C. Zapatka designed renovation worthy of Architectural Digest. Three levels of exquisite in-town living. Flagstone patios and gardens in front and back. Elegantly sited and recessed back from the streets. Two blocks to Wisconsin Ave. Three bedrooms and two a half baths.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

I know I should probably have waited for tomorrow’s house porn post but I couldn’t wait, I was so intrigued with this house. I was most taken by how skinny it is and was curious what the inside looked like. What do you think about the home itself? Think it is worthy of Architectural Digest? It’s yours for $1,329,000.

Photo from PoPville Flickr user oconnicole

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. I’ll open this thread every Monday and Friday. So anything good happen to you this long weekend?