I always forget how awesome these sculptures are from Calvert in Adams Morgan. I haven’t seen anything like these sculptures bordering a front door anywhere else in DC.

You can see what the houses look like after the jump. (more…)

Great brownstone and details up top:

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1

From an email:

Using Doppler radar, the Farmers’ Almanac, and ancient methods of divination, we have discovered that this Saturday may very well be the coldest day of the year (or at least one of them), which can mean only one thing: group ride!

So don your mittens and balaclavas and lets get together at noon at the Washington monument for a chilly loop through DC and over the Key and 14th St. bridges into Arlington. Cue sheets will be on hand, but as a group we may abreviate or deviate from our plans for mercy of our fingers and toes.

The ride will end with ice skating at the sculpture garden if we are enjoying the chilly air, followed by mulled cider on Capital Hill for anyone who wants to join.

WHAT: Group ride on (what may be) the coldest day of the year.
WHERE: Meet at the Washington Monument
WHEN: Saturday, 1/22, Noon on the dot.
RSVP for the Coldest Day of the Year Ride on Facebook, and Keep an eye on our website for more details as they arise.

Lots of people are mentioning to me how this building is really taking shape. I can hardly believe my eyes. Accordign to DC MUD:

The matter of right development will come in at five floors, plus a penthouse, and will be no higher than 50 feet. A side yard area will be covered in brick and provide 11 parking spots for residents of the one- and two-bedroom units. What about retail? Linde said the area has a dearth of quality housing and is rife with vacant lots. “You need to put heads in beds before you start building any retail,” asserted Linde. Adding, “doesn’t do any good to put in a Trader Joes… or a Starbucks if there aren’t any people to drink the coffee.”

I’ve always thought this building has terrific potential. It is the former Langston school (located on P St, NW just west of North Capitol) and apparently at some point had a Jewish affiliation:

Anyone know the story? I know across the street there are plans to renovate an old school into senior housing (I think senior housing?).

Next door the (old) Slater School building (now a daycare?) could use a bit of an upgrade as well:

If you have any fun or interesting animal/pet photos or news please shoot me an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say what neighborhood you’re from or upload to the PoPville flickr pool. I can’t guarantee I’ll get them all posted but I’ll do my best.  I’m aware not everyone loves pets.  But they bring me (and others) a lot of pleasure.  It’s cool, hold tight, a new post is coming in a half hour, you can make it!

Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

Photo by PoPville flickr user Brandon Kopp

Photo by PoPville flickr user kc.corcoran

This rental is located at 2633 16th street NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“ONE BEDROOM LOFT STYLE APARTMENT AVAILABLE immediately for move in. Large windows, high ceilings, gas fireplace and balcony.

Our apartment homes feature a fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, garbage disposal and electric range). Hardwood floors, granite countertops, washer/dryer combo and spacious bathroom!!! All utilities and internet included in one price for all $2,500.”

I’ve always liked this building from the outside (I think I’ve nominated it for a ‘best spot for a morning cup of coffee’ as well.) Are you surprised that a one bedroom is going for $2,500 or does that sound about right?

Photo by PoPville flickr user nairdaecartal

“Dear PoP,

You know of any accountants in the area who specialize in dealing with homeowners who rent out part of their home, or at minimum have experience with same? Seems like it’s about that time of year….”

For those that rent out parts of their home – who do you use tax time? Any other good recs besides the usual chains?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Vileinist

Submit your photos to the PoPville flickr pool here. Follow PoPville on twitter here.

Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mylar Bono

“Dear PoP,

I noticed that one thing you think the area is lacking is movie theaters. Although we’re not a full-blown theater with popcorn and milk-duds, BloomBars (3222 11th St NW) screens independent films and documentaries every Tuesday evening. Most of the time we are joined by the director (or others involved in the film) either in-person or on Skype, or else with a subject matter expert.

This Tuesday (1/25) we’re screening “Wednesday Afternoons” with a live Skype Q&A with the director after the film.

Next Tuesday (2/1) we’re screening “Capoeira: The Dance of Freedom” with a demonstration & lesson with our capoeira instructor and students before the film.”

Sounds like a great movie option.

And while we’re on the topic of movies – a poll has just been released where you can help pick the schedule for next summer’s NoMa Summer Screen schedule. So many good choices!

This home is located at 1949 Biltmore St, NW:

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The flier says:

“Beautiful top to bottom renovation! Great open space on main level for entertanining, gourmet galley kit. w/ breakfast area, 5BRs, 4.5BAs, 3 fplcs, Stunining 2 story family room w/ loft, lower in-law suite, complete house sound system, parking and much more!”

You can find more info here and a mouse on house tour here.

It’s been a while since we had a good mouse on house tour – what do you think of this reno? Think it’ll go for $1,659,000? Nearby there is also an interesting one for sale (1922 Biltmore St NW) going for $1,625,000.

Wow, it was a lot harder picking a winner than I thought.  Dr. Dog is playing Friday Jan. 28th and Saturday, Jan. 29th.  Tickets available for purchase here.

Congrats to subpolka who wrote that they wanted to go to the show:

“Because I’m having two cavities filled that morning and will spend the better part of my day in a state of numbed, drooling misery. Dr. Dog is the only thing that could conceivably ease my suffering.”

I feel your pain. Congrats please email me directly so I can get you +1 on the Will Call List.

Next 9:30 club ticket giveaway coming on Monday.

“Dear PoP,

Before I moved to the District, I lived somewhere with a great adult school which had woodworking classes for cheap (I’m talking $80 for 10 weeks) at the local high school wood shop. Since I’ve moved here, I’ve been looking for a shop where I can develop my furniture making skills and, in general, use power tools. I’ve looked for adult schools, informal shop/tool co-ops, etc., but come up short. (On a related note, the adult school opportunities in DC suck. Would it kill a city of 600,000 to have a decent community college?) Anyway, I’m curious as to whether your readers know of anything along these lines that I can check out.”

The Community College of the District of Columbia just got a new home at 801 North Capitol Street NE:

“The new CCDC Center includes a nine-story, 88,000-square-foot space with new classrooms, computer and science labs, Student Success Center, a one-stop student services center, bookstore, college faculty and administrative offices, and fitness center.”

But to the original question – anyone know of a place where you can take woodworking classes?

Photo by PoPville flickr user caroline.angelo

And while we’re on the topic – a reader has a related question:

“My husband and I live in Mt. Pleasant and a few years ago we broke our wooden banister. We are desperately trying to find a carpenter that will work in DC, and take on small projects. We have found that the job is either too small to entice people or they don’t want to come into the district. We were hoping perhaps you or one of your readers might have a few recommendations for us.”

Anyone know of a good carpenter who takes jobs like this?

Photo by PoPville flickr user mosley.brian

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 week?