One reader asks:

“What happened to Annie & Teddie’s turned gelato shop?! They were supposed to come in September, though still nothing & soon it’ll be warm enough for gelato again.”

Sadly the retail space at the corner of Potomac and Pennsylvania Ave, SE is no longer going to become a gelato spot. I was told that the gelato folks had trouble navigating the permitting process. I’ve recently found out that the retail space has been sold. I’m not aware of a new tenant but will update as soon as one is found.

If you have a nomination for Danger Watch, send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail

A reader writes in:

“A big line on 14th Street, NW between Harvard and Columbia — they’re waiting for Section 8 housing. In a very long line, in 30 degree weather.”

Back in Aug. 2011 I I asked if you liked the idea of the Old Post Office Pavilion becoming a Luxury Trump Hotel. Yesterday GSA announced it’s gonna happen:

The Old Post Office is located at the corner of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in the Federal Triangle neighborhood. Recognizing that the building had outlived its usefulness as Federal office space, Congress directed GSA in 2008 to enter into a long term lease for the Old Post Office under Section 111 of the National Historic Preservation Act, thereby guaranteeing the restoration and retention of all of its historic features while allowing the private sector to determine how to develop it to its fullest potential.

“The Trump Organization plan will preserve the historic nature of the building and improve the vitality of Pennsylvania Avenue,” continued Peck. “This redevelopment represents good business sense on behalf of the American taxpayer, the Federal Government and the District of Columbia.”

After closely evaluating the submissions, GSA determined the Trump Organization proposal represented the strongest development team, best long term potential for the local community, and most consistent stream of revenue for the Federal Government. GSA is committed to effectively and efficiently managing the Federal real estate footprint to achieve the best value for America’s taxpayers and communities, consistent with the President’s Campaign to Cut Waste.

The Trump Organization proposal calls for converting the Old Post Office to a luxury hotel with more than 250 rooms, along with world renowned restaurants, a spa, and conference facilities, while preserving and enhancing all of its historic features.

In accordance with the request for proposal, GSA and the Trump Organization will spend the next year negotiating a detailed agreement for the building’s redevelopment – specifying building usage, historic preservation requirements and details of the Federal Government’s revenue stream. GSA will only move forward if an agreement is reached that provides a positive return for the taxpayer.

While negotiations proceed, GSA will relocate the existing Federal tenants in the Old Post Office, including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

If negotiations proceed as anticipated, redevelopment of the Old Post Office is expected to commence in 2014 with occupancy in 2016. At the end of the lease, control of the building will revert to the Federal Government.

The photos don’t do it great justice but you can sorta tell how unique it is. The Nigerian embassy is located at 3519 International Court, NW.

Right?

The Planet Chocolate City building is located at 3225 Georgia Ave, NW and has been vacant for years. Don’t you think this would make an awesome location for a Chocolate City Beer pub?

Dear PoPville,

Do you know what building this is on the corner of 7th and Constitution, NE? I always forget to ask at the drycleaners. Thanks!

Anyone know the story about that big red brick building?

Thanks to a reader for sending the photos of Progression Place coming above the Shaw metro on 7th St, NW. They write, “Admittedly not too thrilling, but still a solid sign of progress!”

This property is gonna make for some extraordinary before/after photos.

Back in Oct. 2011 we noted that a serious roof deck was coming to the Brixton at 9th and U St, NW. A reader writes:

“I have been glad to see the building directly across U St from Nellie’s being fixed up with what looks like a new roof deck. I noticed this morning that sometime this past weekend their faux-stone façade was painted white. I don’t know why they didn’t just take that ugly stuff off, but it is what it is.”

These are gonna make for some sweet before and after photos.

According to the Neighborhood Development Company:

“The project will consist of a sustainable, mixed-use affordable rental housing development with ground floor retail to be built at the intersection of Georgia Avenue, NW and Lamont Street, NW of Washington, DC.

The project is being jointly developed by NDC and Mi Casa Inc. It will contain 69 units with 10,000 square feet of ground floor retail. At least 50% of the units will be affordable at 60% to 80% AMI. Delivery is scheduled for the 3rd Quarter 2011.”

Not sure when the delivery is scheduled for now, but it’s def. encouraging to see demo start. Here’s a rendering of The Heights on Georgia Avenue (3232 Georgia Avenue, NW):

Thanks to a couple readers for sending the great photos of the Howard Theater sign going up right now. Howard Theater is located at 7th and T St, NW and plans on reopening in April 2012. You can see what it looked like in Nov. 2011 here.