God I wish I had photos of what Lion’s liquors used to look like at 3614 Georgia Ave, NW. It was full of bullet proof glass and grime. This transformation is nothing short of astonishing. I spoke with some workers who said they anticipate opening in the next week or two. Another reader writes in (sending the photo above) and also says they heard they will be opening in 2 weeks.

Does anyone remember what this place used to look/smell like? I truly can’t believe how fantastic this is turning out.

Thanks to a reader for sending word of a “new coffee roaster/cafe” coming to 2904 Georgia Ave, NW. He writes:

“The owner was one of those typical super nice, optimistic Ethiopian guys and stressed that they would have their own coffee roaster. They have the tables and a coffee bar already set up, so it looks like they should be open any day now. I also heard that the same builder of the new nearby Condo, is now going to build a twin condo building on the same block where the auto mechanic currently is located. All this with the Jazz club across the street should make the tiny 2900 Blk of Georgia Ave quite the happening place!”

The Enterprise Theater and Jazz Lounge’s website says:

“Grand Opening. Event consists of 3 days of Music, Theater and Art. Official Kick off is Thursday February 2nd, 3rd and 4th. All events start at 4pm.”

2917 Georgia Ave. NW

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From MPD:

Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Division are investigating a double fatal traffic crash that occurred in the 400 block of Taylor Street, NE at approximately 3:30 am today.

On Sunday, January 29, 2012, at approximately 2:56 am, units from the Fourth District received several calls for the sounds of gunshots in the 700 block of Otis Place, NW. While responding, a MPD cruiser was flagged down at the corner of Georgia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue, NW, by an unidentified black male who stated that unknown suspects had just shot at him from a burgundy colored Plymouth minivan with Virginia tags.

A lookout was broadcast and another MPD unit observed a burgundy minivan speeding in the 300 block of Upshur Street, NW, passing through stop signs without stopping. A pursuit was then initiated and ended in the 400 block of Taylor Street, NE, when the suspect vehicle lost control, struck a tree, and then struck another MPD vehicle that was responding to the scene for support.

Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded at the scene of the crash. The two officers in the vehicle that was struck sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. All three occupants of the suspect vehicle were ejected. Two of suspects, an adult male and a juvenile male died of their injuries. The third male suspect was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The identities of the decedents are being withheld at this time, pending next of kin notification.

Evidence recovered indicates that the vehicle was involved in a shooting. MPD units returned to the scene where the male flagged them down, but have been unable to locate him.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

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):

Last week a reader wrote in about Dulcinea’s, a new Turkish/Mexican restaurant coming to 2618 Georgia Ave, NW. A new sign has gone up revealing more details. It’s a restaurant serving Mexican and Mediterranean food. Their Website says:

Dulcinea restaurant mexican (fajita, taco, enchiladas ets) and mediterranean food (humus, babaganuj, kababs)

Dulcinea Restaurant serving authentic Mexican and Mediterranean food. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with good service, reasonable prices, and a family restaurant atmosphere.

Our cooks are experienced and knowledgeable and our bilingual wait staff is prompt and friendly. Whether you’re dining in, delivery, or are just phoning in a carry-out order, we’ll make sure that you receive the best food and the best service at the best price every time!

Stay tuned for more updates as they get closer to opening.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe in DC

Dear PoPville,

For the past 3 years, 6-7 guys love to hang out on the wall/sidewalk outside of our next door neighbors house. They do not reside there and my neighbor does not know them. We often call the police on them, as they smoke weed, trash our lawns, and harass us as we leave the house. Two of these guys, I believe, are to blame for a series of muggings where intoxicated people are targeted walking home at night. And, these two men have not been caught in the act by the police.

One instance occurred a couple months ago. My husband I were driving home from Baltimore on an early Sunday morning (around 3:30am) when parking into our garage, witnessed the same two casing a mid 20 something male in an attempt to mug him. This man was in bad shape from drinking and was unaware that the two men were following him as he stumbled in an alley behind our home. We intervened, convincing our drunk neighbor to let us give him a ride to his house, thus eluding the mugging.

We reported the incident to the police however the next day the two guys were sitting with their buddies in front of our neighbors home. So we called the police again to make a report. Two weeks later, one of our friends who lives a block over from us reported being mugged while returning home drunk after a night out after work. She works in the service industry and had deposits/tips on her at the time. Two men approached from behind on her porch before she could put the key in the lock. She gave us a similar description of the two guys.

Then, Saturday night, we were home watching movies and I saw blue and red lights flashing on my window. I went outside to investigate. The police had responded to another mugging. Same type of incident – intoxicated guy mugged and violently hit in the face. This man gave a another similar description. I told the police again about the earlier incidents and where we believe the party responsible hangs out.

As far as we can tell, they are targeting people between Columbia Road to Kenyon between Georgia and Warder. And they tend to “hang out” during the day and evenings on Kenyon between the same blocks.

I want readers to be aware of these two men and be safe. Readers be aware – If you are drunk, don’t walk home in this area – get a cab and have the driver wait until you are inside. If you walk, go in groups.

Our best description -
Approx 5′ 10” black male medium complexion with ‘freckle marks’ on his face dreads/braids slim build early 20′s maybe younger
Approx 5′ 5″ black male dark complexion short hair heavier build early 20′s maybe younger

Any advice or information you could provide and what can we do so that these guys stop getting away with this?

The OP assured me they’ve again reported this to the Police but I will make sure they see this as well. I think a dual approach is necessary – MPD needs to patrol this area and patrons need to heed the original advice of not walking home drunk alone late at night.

The Lord of Petworth, has called Bill’s Seafood Kitchen, located at 3601 Georgia Ave. NW, his greatest DC secret. Over the new year holiday while I was away on vacation – I had heard reports that there was a shooting late one night in front of the store. While the shooting in and of itself is horrible, I’d say this just adds insult to injury. And I certainly don’t mean to belittle the actual shooting but this storefront is def. iconic. I was walking by this weekend and there is clear evidence of a shooting (nevermind the ridiculousness of a bullet hole in front of a Washington Ballet flier):

And on closer inspection I saw that the whole glass pane is cracked:

I don’t really have much more to say about this, except it is very sad all around and I hope the glass can be repaired.

This rental is located at 3644 Warder St, NW:

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The listing says:

“2 Blocks to Metro*English basement vacant for immediate occupancy*Separate Meter Electricity”

This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $1,000/Mo.

From MPD:

On Saturday night, the Fourth District experienced multiple robberies in a short period of time. Below are summaries of the robberies:

On Saturday, January 7, 2012, at approx. 10:30 PM, a complainant was walking toward her residence in the unit block of Kennedy Street, NW, when she observed a person approach. The person followed her into the gate and demanded the complainant’s property. The suspect tried grabbing the complainant’s purse and a struggle ensued. The complainant was struck by the suspect. The suspect then fled with the complainant’s property. The lookout is for a black male, 31-35 years old, approx. 5’10″, 165-175 lbs, med brown complexion, wearing a black jacket with white trim and a black knit hat.

Shortly after 11 PM, two complainants were walking in the 700 block of Rock Creek Church Road, NW, when they were approached by three subjects. The first suspect displayed a handgun and demanded the complainant’s property. The suspect obtained the first complainant’s property. The second suspect demanded the other complainant’s property, who complied. The suspects then fled the location. The third suspect stood as a lookout during the robbery. The lookout for suspect # 1 is a black male, 5’10″, 20-25 years old, 150 lbs, black clothing, black ski maks; suspect # 2 is a black male, 6’4″, 160-170 lbs, light complexion, think build, ski mask, wearing a gray sweatshirt and light colored jeans; suspect # 3 was described only as a black male wearing dark clothing.

Shortly before midnight, two complainants were in the 700 block of Newton Place, NW, when they were approached by two subjects. Suspect # 1 asked the first complainant a question and then punched the complainant. Suspect # 1 then told the second complainant to get on the ground and brandished a handgun. Both complainants gave their property to the suspects. The suspects then fled the area on foot. The lookout for suspect # 1 is a black male, 18-19 years old, 5’10″-6″, 155-170 lbs, dark complexion, think build, wearing black clothing. Suspect # 2 is a black male, 18-19 years old, 5’8″-5’9″, 160-175 lbs, dark complexion, wearing all black clothing.

This rental is located at 762 Rock Creek Church Rd, NW:

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The listing says:

“HUGE SPACE, LIGHT, AND GREAT LOCATION-YOU CAN SEE METRO STATION FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR! 2 LEVEL UNIT, 2 EQUAL SIZED BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, HUGE LIVING ROOM. LARGE KITCHEN WITH BREAKFAST ROOM ATTACHED. 2 A/C UNITS. UNHEATED SUNPORCH. SOME FURNITURE COULD STAY IF DESIRED. VOUCHERS WELCOME.”

This 2 bed/2 bath is going for $1,800.

Back in May ’11 we learned that a new taqueria was coming to the old Philadelphia Water Ice Factory at 2620 Georgia Ave, NW. I’m happy to spread the word that they quietly opened up last week. The place looks great:

Downstairs

Upstairs

And take a look at the December menu after the jump. (more…)

This condo is located at 610 Irving St, NW:

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The flier says:

“Best condo value in fantastic location and super condition. This darling condo is a 1 bdrm plus large den. It is located in vibrant Columbia Heights neighborhood – convenient to shopping, dining, Metro! And, in a well-managed building with low condo fees. Recently renovated with chef’s kitchen with granite counters, hardwood floors, washer/dryer in unit g & more!”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

This 1 bed/1 den/1 bath condo is going for $289,000 ($210 monthly condo fee.)

Photo by PoPville flickr user dullshick

From an email:

“Dear Georgia Avenue Business Owners, Nonprofits & Stakeholders,

Recently, the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force petitioned Mayor Gray to keep $1.44 million in funding for the Georgia Avenue Great Streets Project. The funds are available for business development. Several GA Avenue Business Owners and Stakeholders met and decided that we need/want to participate in “Making GA Avenue a Great Street”.

Please join us and invite other Stakeholders to discuss – What we want the GA Avenue business community to look like and what we need to do to Make GA Avenue a Great Street – on Thur. Nov. 17, 2011
@ 7pm at G II Lounge & Restaurant, 2632 Georgia Avenue, NW, WDC 20001
( GA Avenue & Fairmont St., NW). PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO OTHERS!!!

If you have questions please contact me at GABAGreatStreets@gmail.com
or (202) 549-0176,

Take Charge!”

A possible first step for a Georgia Ave Business Improvement District?

This home is located at 3035 Sherman Ave, NW:

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The flier says:

“Not a fixer upper-you can move right in! A great condo alternative. Brazilian wood flr. Decorative FPL (sealed woodburning “as is” ) Skylts. 3 blks to metro, shops, rest. New roof. Gas cooking. Outdr patio; front porch. Sherman Ave reconstruc proj featuring medians; tree boxes on going. Tub will be reglazed! High ceilings. Freshly painted Kit. updtes 2007. Home Warranty”

You can find more info here and photos here.

The reader is curious about what you guys think of the Sherman Ave streetscape project and how it affects prices. Also the fact that this went one went under contract in only 2 days. $299,800 sound right for this 2 bed/1 bath or you think it was bid higher?

I forgot to share this photo a reader sent in from cyclocross race at the Old Soldier’s Home a few weeks ago. Holy awesome!

The reader writes:

“That was really my first time venturing far into the AFRH grounds. Man that place is amazing — we gotta figure out a way for them to open it up at some point (even if it is just for more public events.)”

View Old Soldier’s Home in a larger map