Ed. Note: As mentioned previously, Bloomingdale has been frequently teased with the possibility of getting a neighborhood bar. Hopefully the following tip will turn out to be true but as with all scuttlebutt please read the following as an unconfirmed report.

And the potential good news keeps on coming for the possibility of a bar finally coming to Bloomingdale. Now it looks like we may have a race on our hands. A reader writes in this scintillating tip – a bar called “Bloomingdale Hospitality” is looking to move into 116 Rhode Island Ave, NW and are in the process of applying for permits and licenses.

In late January I broke the news that Bloomingdale was close to getting its first bar (Rustik Neighborhood Tavern), to be located at 1832 1st Street, NW (near T St.), pending some permitting issues. Well 116 Rhode Island Avenue, NW is actually right around the corner so it’ll be interesting to see who makes it first. I’m really hopeful that Bloomingdale actually will get a neighborhood bar one day soon. And from all the folks I speak to, I think the first one to set up shop is going to be rewarded with a very grateful and loyal following…

I echo what the original tipster wrote:

“Here’s to hoping that with three projects on that corner, at least one will get finished!”

( Baraki is the third project referenced above.) As soon as a permit is posted I’ll be sure to update.

I think I’ve mentioned that the National Portrait Gallery (also housing the Smithsonian American Art Museum) is one of my favorite places in DC (located at 8th and F Streets, NW). I’m embarrassed to admit that I’d never actually checked out the awesome courtyard before. I don’t know how I’ve managed to walk around it every time… Anyway, it’s freaking awesome. Their Web site says:

“The enclosed courtyard with its elegant glass canopy designed by world–renowned architects Foster + Partners provides a distinctive, contemporary accent to the museums’ Greek Revival building. Foster + Partners was assisted by internationally acclaimed landscape designer Kathryn Gustafson of Seattle–based Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd. in the creation of the courtyard’s interior design, with a variety of trees and plantings, as well as a unique water feature.”

You can read more about it here (though at present there was no water feature). More photos after the jump. (more…)

It always boggles my mind how many things I have overlooked in this city. I think I’ve walked past this gatehouse hundreds of times located at 15th and Constitution (another is located at 17th and Constitution). It has a neat history:

A few more photos after the jump (including pretty cool high water flood markings) (more…)

But Virginia Linen Service want their linens back! Inde Bleu is located at 707 G Street, NW.

I’m actually going to be featuring some great architecture from GW this week but was struck by this sculpture located at the corner of 20th and G Streets, NW.

Name this church? Well actually you don’t have to name it you can just give a location if you recognize it.

Last week featured some extraordinary homes for house of the day honors. This week I need to go back to my roots and appreciate some classic row houses. I love the simple one above and find it a sorta palate cleanser.

When we judged nearby Ethiopian restaurant, Etete, a commenter mentioned Axum, a few storefronts south at 1934 9th Street, NW. I thought it was worth mentioning that the space was recently completely renovated. It’s looking really good.

Hope you can make it tonight.

Friday, February 26th from 6 to 8pm
At DISTRICT | 2473 18th Street NW

Well I’ve never heard of Gayot but it’s always nice for a local spot to get national recognition. They write:

“…it’s really one of a kind in DC, for no other place dares to tread where this eatery goes: Swedish waffles may be a breakfast option, possibly smoked Baltic sprats for lunch or dinner, or maybe a bison burger or pirogi in two different variations—the one filled with cheese also contains little-seen buckwheat.”

Domku is located at 821 Upshur St, NW.

This apartment is located at 406 L Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“If you’re looking for a prime apartment, right at Gallery place and moments from the Mt Vernon Square Washington DC area, you won’t find anything better than The V at CityVista.

* Kitchen pantry
* Granite countertops, maple cabinets, Whirlpool Gold appliances
* Walk-in Closet
* Washer and dryer in each unit”

I’ve been intrigued by these apartments since there is so much retail going in underneath. Does $2915 sound reasonable for a 2 bedroom here?

Photo by PoPville flickr user hellomarkers!

“Dear PoP,

In my backyard, I have chain-link fencing on both sides, sharing the fences with my neighbors. I’d like to put up a more substantial fence, but I don’t know who owns the fences. Do I own one and a neighbor another? Or do we both have to agree if we want to modify the fencing? I’m sure this is a common issue in our part of town, so I thought I’d throw it out there to you.”

We discussed a related fencing issue back in October. I’d think that you could just go up to your neighbor and say, “hey I’d like to put up a new fence, would you mind?”. If you are planning on paying for it I would be surprised if there was a problem. But for the record does anyone know the exact legal ruling here?

The shot above was taken by JosephLeonardo titled, “Behind Marvin”.

Below’s great shot is from Mr. T in DC from Park Road and 11th Streets NW.

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

This home is located at 413 Circle Ave, Takoma Park, MD:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“A 2003 renovation and expansion created this wonderful cape cod in Takoma Park less than 1 mile to metro, with front porch charm, a dramatic open floor plan and light filled contemporary spaces. The living room has a vaulted ceiling and open stairway to the loft level bedroom. One wall features a wood burning fireplace. The living room opens to a cozy dining area and large kitchen. French doors lead to the side yard. There is a separate office off the dining room. The lovely kitchen features granite counters and maple cabinets. Two main level bedrooms and a full bath complete the first floor. The lower level is finished, with new carpet, a second full bath and room for family,exercise,play space. Driveway leads to carport. 0.8mile to Metro.”

You can find more info and photos here. (Click on the first listing “FRONT PORCH CHARM MEETS CONTEMPORARY OPEN SPACE!!!
Takoma Park, MD”)

I know I don’t usually stray outside the district but I was intrigued by this home. Full disclosure: a friend of mine is selling it. But I’m curious what you guys think of the renovation and location. Does $499,000 sound reasonable?