I’d say I get about a dozen emails a year to post this wild one from Columbia Heights. It’s got more flowers now than I can ever remember.

June 24, 2011

This was recently house of the day but I was encouraged to update because as you can see above the house has been painted. Nice.

June 9, 2011

Sorry for the late notice. From an email:

“Customer appreciation day is Tuesday June 28th from 5pm-9pm complement cocktail ,wine and beer and appetizer”

Fusion is located at 4815 Georgia Ave, NW.

Logan Circle Liquors is located at 1018 Rhode Island Ave, NW. The store looks pretty similar though the cashier is now in a new location.

Also they have removed this slightly terrifying/hilarious warning sign…

Somebody recommended I check out the Italian Embassy ages ago. I finally stumbled past it. Holy cow – it’s awesome! The Embassy is located at 3000 Whitehaven St, NW:

The building itself occupies 29,800 square feet, on a 230,300 square foot lot acquired from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in 1972.

The property boundaries are actually larger and include a fottpath into Rock Creek Park – commonly known as Lover’s Lane – that the Government of Italy decided to leave intact in an easement for the public’s continued enjoyment. As part of the agreement, the National Parks Service provides security and maintenance for the 1.4 acre parcel.

Out of concern for the environment special attention was given to preserving the existing treescape whenever possible during construction. As a result, the building blends naturally into its park-like surroundings.

The Embassy’s external facade is covered with approximately 42,000 blocks of rose Asiago marble (perlino rosato) that were custom cut to size at Italy’s Marina di Carrara, and carefully hand selected at the construction site.

The roof, notable for the elongated lines of its eaves, is covered completely with patina copper, resembling the natural oxidation of copper roofing on some of the surrounding buildings.

Italian artisans employed ancient techniques, faithful to a centuries-old formula invented centuries ago, to create authentic “Venetian terrazzo” floors for the atrium space.

The glass skydome was manufactured in California using specialized 3-D software applications, which simulated the assembly of the 270-plus thermally insulated glass panels. Despite the tight dimensional tolerances of the structure, the final on-site alignment process was accomplished successfully through the use of a sophisticated laser beam device.

Amazing details:

I’d love to learn the story behind their random lawn decoration:

If you have any fun or interesting animal/pet photos 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 with your pets name and neighborhood. I can’t guarantee I’ll get them all posted but I’ll do my best.

“Obvious (indoors) enjoying a visit from his friend in South Manor Park.”

“Hi, I’m “Little Bit”. I live off Georgia Avenue with my owner Juana.”

“This is Oscar, my sister’s pomeranian that resides in the U street area. He’s 12 years old, furry as hell, and loves McDonalds.”

This rental is located at 247 11th St. SE:

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The Craigslist ad says:

1BR/1BA English basement apartment located in Capitol Hill is coming available for an August 1st move-in. Features a full kitchen and bath with tile floors, stainless steel appliances, Jacuzzi tub, shared washer/dryer, etc. Carpeting throughout the bedroom, hall, and den.
Located only a few blocks from the Eastern Market Metro Station in Capitol Hill.

$1299/mo + utilities — Available August 1st (no short-term leases)

$1299/mo + utilities sound right for this 1 bedroom?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Crosb

“Dear PoPville,

I’m moving out to Petworth/Georgia Avenue from a “more safe” area, and both my family and I would feel more comfortable if I had the means to protect myself in case anything should happen. What are my options to protect myself beyond self-defense classes? Do people in DC carry around pepper spray and things like that, or is it just not done/illegal?”

First and foremost, the most important thing to remember whether you are moving to Petworth or Logan Circle or H St, NE: Be aware of your surroundings; don’t walk alone at night with earbuds and/or talking on the phone; don’t walk home alone from bars; follow your instincts – if something doesn’t “feel right” to you – don’t walk down that street etc.

As for self defense options – a lot of people have recommended classes like Krav Maga.

We spoke about some other self defense options here, where we learned you can not carry wasp spray for self defense.

“Dear PoPville,

I wanted to let you and your readers know about a “walk-through” of 11th Street taking place tomorrow which is being hosted by the mayor’s office and a group opposed to Constantine Stavropoulos’s effort to bring a Tryst/Diner/Open City type establishment to 11th Street.

The following message was posted at the 11th Street dog park over the weekend:

“Residents have requested a site walk thru of the 11th street corridor to encourage dialogue and responsible planning of this low-density commercial zone in light of the proposed project, Margot’s Chair coming to their community. Petitions that have circulated through the community have gathered over 200 signatures of residents that are opposed to a business coming to their community of this scale and operating on a 24 hour clock, 7 days a week… Please join us Wednesday 29th at 2:00 pm at 3415 11th street NW. – Francisco Fibres – Office of the Mayor”

It would have been helpful if the mayor’s folks had done a better job getting the word out (I’ve only seen this one sign), and that a time was chosen when most working residents could partake, but as I imagine that is exactly what the opposition group wants. I am confident that the vast majority of neighbors and nearby residents could not be more excited about Margot’s Chair coming to Columbia Heights, the redevelopment of a long vacant eyesore, the much needed jobs the eatery will bring to the area, and the additional security that more eyes on the street will provide. I encourage everyone to contact the Mayor’s office and notify them that a better time needs to selected so that as many people, not just those with an anti-revitalization agenda, can attend. Francisco Fimbres can be contacted at francisco.fimbres@dc.gov, (202) 442-8119 or (202) 664-6119″

UPDATE From Francisco Fimbres [confirmed via seperate email from Mr. Fimbres]:

Dear Mr. Krieger:

I am concerned about your messaging to the community. This is not a joint walk-thru or initiative. We are not hosting this meeting. You requested a meeting on site and we agreed to participate. The purpose of our site visit was to listen and observe. Our office is not taking any position on this matter. Your invitation to community stakeholders comes across as, if we are endorsing your position or rallying behind your cause. We are not.

At this time, our office is cancelling our site visit pending further review of your petition.

Best,
Francisco Fimbres

Photo by PoPville flickr user ivan | sciupac

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

Photo by PoPville flickr user mosley.brian

Photo by flickr user the_kid_cl

From MPD 3D:

1)Wayne Bridgeforth was sentenced to 4 years plus 1 year for his parole violation. 5 years is very good in that he’s received 1 to 2 years for previous similar crimes. We had 5 Community Impact Statements (last I heard). I went down to the sentencing hearing to testify this morning.

2) Craven Kemp got 22 months. He admitted to 12 burglaries. We got in 4 or 5 Community Impact Statements. I can’t say I find that as just; that’s less than 2 months per burglary. He does have a shorter record of convictions.

Thanks to the community members who allowed MPD to set up a sting operation in their house. Thanks to MPD for that effort and the rest of their efforts. Thanks to US Attorneys Anita LaRue and Stephan Rickard their efforts – especially in working with the Community Impact Statements. Thanks to CM Phil Mendelson for passing a provision in the last Omnibus Crime Act that allows continued minor offenses to be prosecuted as felonies. Lastly, many thanks to all those who wrote Community Impact Statements.

If you ever think dramatizations of court room scenes capture the real life drama, head to a sentencing hearings room next time you get called for jury duty. MPD makes over 50,000 arrest a year. That 15 minute sentencing hearing on the conveyer belt of justice is real drama particularly in the moments the judge hands down that sentence and the moment the convicted is lead off to jail.

One victim responds:

As a victim of a Burglary 1 where I was face to face with the burglar in my home, I am appalled by the sentencing of someone who committed 12 burglaries to just 2 months for each offense. My life and my health are forever altered by an individual’s actions crashing into my home. For such actions, a person would only get two months in jail makes me sick!

This house is located at 4401 7th St, NW:

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The flier says:

“Fantastic space in this unique Petworth detached home. 5BR/Den/Family rooms give you tons of space not to mention the large living room and combo dining/open kitchen complete with granite/stainless. Tons of light from the large windows, front porch, rear balcony, and side yard/patio. HWF on main level and wood-burning FP. Enjoy a completely renovated home, ready to start living”

You can find more info here and photos here.

Lots of readers have been sending requests that we take a look at this one. Does $549,000 sound right for this 5 bed/3.5 bath?

Photo by flickr user love40mp

From a press release:

Tournament officials today announced a first-class player field  featuring several former champions and runners-up, with the release of the entry list for the 2011 Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, an ATP World Tour 500 event, including ten Top 30 players. The field is led by top-ranked American Mardy Fish, currently No.9 in the world, three-time Legg Mason Tennis Classic Champion Andy Roddick (2001, 2005 and 2007), No. 10 in the world,  Austria’s Jürgen  Melzer, No. 11 – making his first DC appearance – and world No. 12 Viktor Troicki, 2008 runner-up. David Nalbandian, who made a spectacular Legg Mason Tennis Classic debut last year, coming in as a Wild Card and leaving with the trophy, will return to defend his title, while Americans John Isner, 2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic finalist and, James Blake, 2002 Champion and 2005 runner-up, Marcos Baghdatis, 2010 finalist and Lleyton Hewitt, 2004 Champion are also slated to return.

The annual tournament held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (16th and Kennedy Streets, NW) in Rock Creek Park takes place July 30 through August 7, and marks the 18^th straight year that Baltimore-based global asset management firm Legg Mason has been the title sponsor, the longest running tennis sponsorship in North America.

Located at 415 7th St, NW, Merzi recently opened up back in Dec. ’10. So far I’ve been hearing great things. So any must order items? You can see their menu here. For those who’ve been has the place been pretty crowded?

Boilermaker Shops

From a press release:

The new restaurants and grocery store will be located in three different buildings within The Yards and are to include:

Foundry Lofts Apartments:

Potbelly: The latest location of the popular neighborhood sandwich joint serving toasty warm sandwiches and hand dipped shakes. Opening first quarter 2012. www.potbelly.com

Kruba Thai and Sushi: A new restaurant from the operators of Teak Wood Thai & Sushi Bar and Regent Thai in DC and Galae Thai & Sushi Bar in Alexandria, VA. Opening first quarter 2012.

Boilermaker Shops:

Neighborhood Restaurant Group: Two separate concepts from this locally based restaurant group are planned for The Yards. Buzz Bakery, a popular full-service bakery, coffee shop and dessert lounge will open its third location, featuring fresh, made from scratch creations from award-winning Pastry Chef Tiffany MacIsaac, www.buzzonslaters.com. An innovative, new craft brewery — certain to gain a warm reception among DC’s vibrant and growing beer scene — will also debut at The Yards. Neighborhood Restaurant Group includes nine distinctive Chef-driven restaurants and bars such as The Evening Star Café, Vermilion, Rustico, Tallula, EatBar, Columbia Firehouse, Birch & Barley, ChurchKey, as well as Planet Wine, Red Apron Butchery and Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, a non-profit organization. Both Yards locations are scheduled to open late 2012. www.neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com

Thompson Hospitality: One of the largest minority-owned food service companies has plans for two restaurant concepts for The Yards. Austin Grill Express: a casual, funky Tex-Mex restaurant drawing on the experience of Austin Grill to deliver a unique menu and environment, www.austingrillexpress.com; and, brb — be right burger™, a new restaurant concept featuring delicious burgers made without any chemicals you can’t pronounce, www.eatbrb.com. Both are scheduled to open Fall 2012. www.thompsonhospitality.com.

Huey’s 24/7 Diner: A classic diner experience accented by traditional New Orleans dishes served in an Art Deco environment. Opening Fall 2012. www.hueys247diner.com

401 M Street Building

Harris Teeter: A full-service food market that offers the freshest, highest-quality and best selection of meats, seafood and produce available from local farms to products from around the world including a sushi bar, gourmet deli, café and wine department. Opening 2013. www.harristeeter.com

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