A reader sends in the photo above and writes:

“the church at 5th and N NW is on fire. You can see flames coming out of the roof. There are several trucks on scene, and firemen all over the building. I talked to a few firemen and the guy who called it in, but no one had any details.”

@IAFF36 tweeted:

“501 N St. – 50 firefighters control fire in a church in less than 12 minutes.”

From an email:

Mark your calendar: On the evening of February 8, 2012, six notable Shaw galleries are staying open late and the Walter E. Washington Convention is opening its doors for a rare evening tour of its extensive art collection.

The Convention Center tour will start from the Mount Vernon Square entrance to the Convention Center and will last approximately one hour. The tour will start promptly at 6:30 p.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive at the Convention Center at 6:15 p.m.

Participating galleries include Civilian Art Projects (1019 7th St., NW), Contemporary Wing (1250 9th St., NW), Lamont Bishop Gallery (1314 9th St., NW), Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., NW), Maruka Gallery and Boutique (1300 9th St., NW), and Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., NW). Galleries will remain open until 9 p.m. for the Shaw Art Walk. Maps and descriptions of the galleries’ shows will be available at each gallery and at the conclusion of the Convention Center tour.

Following the art walk at 9 p.m., participants are encouraged to enjoy the art of the cocktail at The Passenger which is located at 1021 7th St., NW.

For more information and to view the press release, visit the Shaw Main Streets website:http://www.shawmainstreets.org/events/shaw_art_walk

To RSVP to the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/176021592502645/

Back in June 2010 we learned of plans for a new tavern and bistro called 6th Engine coming to 438 Massachusetts Ave, NW. Thanks to a reader for sending this awesome update with very promising photos. Can’t wait to see it in person!

Just got word from the folks at BicycleSPACE that they are moving from 459 I Street NW to 1019 7th St, NW (next to The Passenger) in Mt. Vernon Square. The move should be completed this Winter. Owner Erik Kugler tells me:

“We thought it would be a great location because it was formerly a hardware store and has that homey feel, it’s close enough to our old location, next to a high-quality establishment (Passenger) and it’s going to be out of the heavy construction zone in the MVT in the near future as that all gets redeveloped. We’re just scratching the surface of what we’ve set out to do with bicycle retail.”

For fans of BicycleSPACE – do you like this new location?

1019 7th St, NW

Dear PoPville,

I’ve thought for years this would make a great spot for a pub – same block as the Passenger,
across from the Convention Center, growing neighborhood. Any word what’s actually going in here?

Back in June 2010 I nominated these buildings for a horse’s ass award.

I hear that one of the buildings had a portion of the second floor that was threatening to fall off possibly after the earthquake. So I think Douglas Development (the owner) is taking the opportunity to gut all three buildings. At the moment there is no planned use for the space.

I love this mural/old photo on the side of Bicycle Space in Mt. Vernon Square.

Serious renovations have started on the building next to Mood Lounge at 1320 9th St, NW (near the Convention Center.) Back in May ’09 I shared some scuttlebutt that this would be the workshop/showroom for designer Darryl Carter. I still believe those are the plans.

Should be a pretty sweet reno. Stay tuned for the before and after photos.

From @DCPoliceDept at 5:57pm:

“Shooting at 1125 11th St NW avoid the area”

6:06pm:

“Adult male shooting victim at 1125 11th St NW avoid the area”

This rental is located at Rear 418 M St NW:

View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“Mt Vernon Square/Downtown/Shaw
Very nice studio apartment with an open floor plan. Like new kitchen, appliances, tile shower, sink and vanity, hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, two skylights, northern and southern exposures, lots of light, central AC, large California type closet, hot water baseboard heat, gas stove.

Private entrance.

Included in the rent is natural gas (stove and heat), electricity, water, sewer, trash, internet and cable TV.

Coin operated washer and dryer are available.

This apartment is located on the second floor of a historic alley house, in the Mt. Vernon Square Historic District.

Mt Vernon Square Metro is only two blocks (Yellow and Green Lines).”

$1450 sound right?

Sad news for Shaw this weekend. Just a couple of weeks ago we judged Taqueria Mexicana to very positive reviews. Taqueria Mexicana was located in the former Cafe Eagle and former Vegetate space at 1414 9th St, NW. I happened to run into the owner who was on a delivery and he told me that he had to close because the rent was simply too high. He’s gonna look for a new location but he is not 100% sure he will reopen. He may continue as a caterer and in the short term will provide catering on weekends.