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.

Another amazing transformation, this time at 1240 Upshur St, NW. Annie’s Ace Hardware opens tomorrow Tues. Feb. 7th. I was also pyched to learn there will be a couple of zip car spots.

Full press release after the jump.

America’s most celebrated “helpful place” is opening its doors on Tuesday, Feb. 7, in Washington, DC. The new Annie’s Ace Hardware store, located at 1240 Upshur St., NW, in Washington’s Petworth neighborhood, will bring the company’s unique blend of nationally recognized customer service and quality home improvement knowledge and products to District residents.

Annie’s Ace Hardware is the first store opened by local resident and owner Anne Stom. The store has been designed to reflect the needs of Petworth and surrounding neighborhoods. “Our mission is to provide customers with convenience combined with superior service through one-on-one expert advice and assistance.” says Stom. “We are committed to becoming a helpful and valuable neighbor to the community, both inside and outside the walls of our store.” Many of the employees hired to staff the store are from the Petworth, Park View, and Columbia Heights neighborhood.

The 6,000 square-foot store is packed with thousands of essential products and supplies, including some of the most respected brand names and best-selling items in the home improvement marketplace. Key product offerings include Benjamin Moore paint, Craftsman tools, hardware, electrical, plumbing, and housewares as well as pet supplies, bicycle parts, and “green” products. Annie’s Ace Hardware will also offer key cutting, screen repair, glass and Plexiglas cutting, and propane exchange and will have a substantial lawn and garden section, which will feature native plants.

Stom said that community enthusiasm for the store has been gratifying. “We believe our store will provide excellent services to the area and will help build our local business community,” she said. “The feedback we’ve gotten from area residents since we announced our business has been overwhelming.”

Stom said she’s been pleased to be able to patronize other local businesses and entrepreneurs as the store readies to launch, including Rapid Reprographics and DC Shirt and Print. In addition, Stom hired a local artist, Torie Partridge, to design three large murals which now adorn the front windows of the store. The murals depict store offerings, as well as maps of the neighborhoods Stom expects to serve.

Getting to the store will be easy for District residents. It’s a short walk from the Georgia Avenue/ Petworth Metro on the Green Line and near several bus lines. A Capital Bikeshare station recently opened a block away, on the east side of Georgia Avenue and Upshur Street. And Stom has arranged to have two parking spaces for the car-sharing business Zip Car at the store.

“It’s been an incredible experience to interact with so many local residents and businesses as we’ve readied to launch the store,” Stom said. “We can’t wait to finally open!”

A grand opening celebration will take place the weekend of March 30 – April 1, to coincide with the launch of the spring season.

Annie’s Ace Hardware Store Info:

Store Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address & Phone: 1240 Upshur Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 202-726-BOLT (2658)
Located between 13th Street and Georgia Avenue across from Roosevelt High School athletic field; plenty of free parking.

Back in Oct. 2011 I first spotted a sign that a new Charcuterie & Salumi called Three Little Pigs was coming to 5111 Georgia Ave, NW next to the Petworth Fire Station. At the time I said, ‘Holy lord – this could be very very awesome.’ After peeking in the shop and talking with owners Jason and Carolina, allow me to amend my take – holy lord this is gonna be absolutely freaking amazing. I honestly and truly believe this may be the best thing, forget about Petworth, this may be the best thing to hit DC in years. It’s something everyone’s been craving – local, independent, and (from the sound of it) delicious.

So at the outset let me say they have an unbelievably good Website. You will find absolutely everything you can possibly want to know there, including some menu options, lots of background info on the store and owners Jason and Carolina, you can learn about the the farms where the food comes from and lots more.

What you won’t be able to learn from the website is the fact that Jason and Carolina are two of the most passionate, knowledgeable and kind proprietors you will ever meet. And you’re gonna be able to find that out for yourself if you’d like – this Sat. they are having a pre-preview open house at the shop (5111 Georgia Ave, NW) where you can learn all about their plans and see an artist put up a mural:

So when will they open for real? If all goes well they will be open in about a month. Like I said, the Website explains the vision and plans much better than I can but some things that I’ll emphasize – these people are not amateurs. The sophistication of the whole set up is truly impressive. Check out the 600 pound smoker:

It is equally as sophisticated as NORAD:

Other things we can look forward to in the future – classes, family style dinners, pickled treats including kimchi, homemade sodas, homemade mustards, homemade dried pastas, and obviously most importantly hand sliced everything.

Obviously we’re gonna have to taste stuff but if it’s as good as it sounds, well, I think it is safe to say this place will contribute significantly to the beautiful life. Stop by Sat. to say hi and see the potential for yourself.

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.

This rental is located at 8th NW at Webster NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“Peaceful, private, and unique carriage house/studio/cottage available as early as Feb 1 in Petworth!

Newly renovated a year ago. High ceilings and a skylight make it seem much bigger than a normal studio. Comes with its own locked storage space in the garage, so you can keep your living space clutter-free. Located behind a beautiful old Victorian house on a quiet street. The carriage house shares the backyard with the main house, so you can garden and barbecue. Utilities not included.

Super conveniently located — 10-12 minute walk to Petworth metro, or if you prefer, bike downtown in 25-30 minutes from the new CaBi (bikeshare) dock two blocks away at Upshur & Georgia. Safeway and CVS about 10-12 minute walk; 5-8 minute walk to YES Organic Market, Qualia Coffee. Easy bike ride or more leisurely stroll to the bars and restaurants on 11th Street (Meridian Pint, Red Rocks, Wonderland) and everything in Columbia Heights (Red Derby, Target, Washington Sports Club). A nice jog or bike ride to Rock Creek Park on the weekends. Free outdoor pool in the neighborhood during the summers. For the nerdy and frugal among us, the stately Petworth Library is practically across the street.

If you want to live on your own affordably, but not in a generic building or a basement apartment, this is a great option!

Move-in dates are somewhat flexible — let me know what dates you need in Feb or March.”

This studio is going for $1390.

From the folks at Chez Billy:

Chez Billy Preview Part Deux

Make reservations to preview a Four-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings from soon to open Petworth Restaurant.

After overwhelming responses, Chez Billy returns to Montserrat House on Thursday, February 2nd, with a preview of its menu for its Petworth neighbors. The new four-course dinner features seafood paired with French wines, offers seating at 630pm and 9pm and is priced at $75 per person including tax and gratuity.

You can make reservations here. Here’s what the menu looks like:

Rouget
Mediterranean Red Mullet with Baby Beets and Turnips,
Parsley Puree , and Sauce Vin Blanc

Soupe de Poisson
Traditional Provencal Fish Soup with Monkfish, Prawns,
Baby Squid, and Rouille

Maquereau
Pan Roasted Spanish Mackerel with Smoked Cauliflower
and Truffled Pommes Parisiennes

Fromage
“Selles Sur Cher” Goat Cheese with Homemade Walnut
Raisin Toast and Local Honey

Wine Pairings Included

Chef Brendan L’Etoile

Chez Billy is coming to 3815 Georgia Ave, NW (hopefully in March.) I went to the first pop up and thought it was awesome. Unfortunately I can’t make this one but I’m super eager to hear what folks think of the seafood options. Some folks were curious about the last meal. I’ll say the charcuterie was freaking amazing and the wine pairings were also ridiculously good. If anyone else went – what’d you think?

Last week I mentioned that a new dry cleaners had opened up at 3903 Georgia Ave, NW by Qualia coffee. Speaking with the owner the other day revealed a couple of interesting potential plans for the second floor. He is considering leasing the space to a yoga studio or possibly opening up a Chipotle style restaurant. Which would you rather have? If you think a Yoga studio do you think two yoga studios could survive since one just opened up at 4804 Georgia Ave, NW.

Beveragemania finally has a new tenant, Cuzzin’s, coming soon to 849 Upshur St, NW. I spoke to a worker who said that it would basically be a lot like Beveragemania, featuring coffee, drinks and ice cream. I’ll be sure to follow up when they open. At the very least, I love the name – this’ll drive grammar sticklers crazy but I knew other people used ‘s like I do

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 3800 New Hampshire Ave NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“The New Hampshire is in the process of being meticulously renovated. Only one efficiency is available for a January move in. Be the first to snag this fabulous home and receive a generous move in special – must move in by February 2012.

Located right across the street from the Petworth Metro, Safeway, CVS, Subway, and other conveniences. This apartment includes modern conveniences in a historic building rich with character.

Common area renovations include — lobby, halls, and community laundry room to be completed by March 2012.”

This studio is going for $1,400/month.