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.

So – how does PoPville celebrate Valentine’s Day? Flowers? Dinner at a restaurant? Dinner at home? No gifts? Just a day like any other day?

Great Wall of China, Badaling, China

Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo, Japan

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bang Bao Bay, Koh Chang, Thailand

I love this turret from north Dupont:

From an email:

DC music lovers,
Join us for the documentary “Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune” on Wednesday, February 8, 7-9pm. Folksinger “Phil Ochs is a figure both glorious and tragic who haunts the history of the 1960s” (allmusic.com). “An unbelievable story of a true believer… one of the greatest the most passionate voices of the 1960′s was the first to be forgotten” (philochsthemovie.com).

Unlike the artists we’ve studied in our previous Salons, Ochs’ connection to DC is more tenuous — but this film’s incredible telling of his singular talent and tragic life make it essential viewing. As late as 1964, Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs were considered by many to be equals; Dylan famously chose rock ‘n’ roll, while Ochs stayed the narrow path of protest music. Sadly, Ochs has been largely been written out of history, but his music and spirit live in the countless artists and activists he inspired. This great documentary helps explain why. And we’ll go one step further in discussion before and after as we’ll be joined by Ochs expert Jeff Place — archivist for the Smithsonian Folklife Collections, Grammy winner and producer/writer of “Anthology of American Folk Music” and “Best of Broadside.”

Jeff’s full bio here, http://www.folkways.si.edu/about_us/staff.aspx
Film trailer here, http://philochsthemovie.com/

Wednesday, February 8 – Phil Ochs, from 7-9pm at the beautiful Watha T. Daniel Library in Shaw, 1630 7th St NW. Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/events/167593300003919/, is the best way to learn more about DC Music Salon and upcoming events.

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. (more…)

A lot of progress since we last checked in at 9th and I St, NE. While it’s not my favorite, it’s not the worst one I’ve ever seen. What are your final thoughts?

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 the name of your pet and 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.

Photo by PoPville flickr user yostinator

“This is Claire, striking a pose on her favorite rug.

Neighborhood: Mt. Vernon Square”

“This is a very sleepy Maybee. She lives in Pleasant Plains and is a big Michigan fan.”

This rental is located at 3711 Warren St, NW:

The listing says:

“Renovated from top to bottom in 2011!! A gem in Cleveland park!! Quick access to Tennly & Vanness METRO!!!!!! Beautiful spaces w/gleaming HW floors & high ceilings!! New windows!! GORGEOUS KIT.w/maple cabinets, granite tops & S.S appliances!! Breakfast bar open to Din R., Den w/ big windows overlooking private & fenced yard!! AMAZING designers bathrooms!! Master BR w/ sitting room!! GARAGE!! 10+++”

This 3 bed/3.5 bath is going for $4,500/Mo.

Image by PoPville flickr user hipchickindc

Dear PoP,

You recently posted my question about best practices in basement renovations (http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2011/12/dear-popville-basement-renovation-advice/#comment-438830). I got some great information and have talked to numerous people that responded. I’ve since realized that in order to move further I need to hire an architect.

Could you ask PoPville for recommendations? Despite it being a basement, I have great exposed brick and wooden ceiling beams throughout the entire ~1100 sq ft space. I’m hoping to go for a modern “loft” feel accenting the existing brick and wood, and I think there’s definitely room for some cool unique accents, which with the right architect, could make it a showpiece project.

Photo by PoPville flickr user sciascia

Looking for help registering a co-owned vehicle.

Anyone lose a pit-mix with a brown collar?

Anyone interested in in participating in a community cleanup?

You can find all the forum topics here and items for sale in the classifieds here.

Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80</a>

Join the PoPville flickr pool here and follow PoPville on twitter here on facebook here and google+ here.

Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

Photo by PoPville flickr user schmiddi

Dear PoPville,

A year ago I wrote in asking if the Columbia Heights fountain should be protected from damage from skateboarders. As per usual there was probably a 50/50 split saying yes it should be protected, the fountain was brand new and should not be damaged. The other half was arguing for skateboarder’s rights and yuppies should apparently move away if they want nice things. Well, it’s a year later and if you walk over the fountain you’ll notice there are broken or chipped tiles on every other square foot or so. Granted the tiles can break from absolutely anything but the most obvious and highest level of abuse I’ve ever noticed is from skateboards.

Should we keep letting this happen untill the tiles are all broken? Or until all the fountain heads break?

This home is located at 1376 F St, NE:

The listing says:

“Rarely found retention of elegance, epitomized by soft warm curves, and flowing formal space. Fits any scenario: Wedding Brunch/Rehearsal Dinner or Poker Night/Super Bowl Party! Not one of so many Ikea houses, but true turn-of-last-century grandeur, bathed in southern light, combined with current state-of-the-art systems & conveniences. Elegant plus fun! A peaceful refuge plus a rocking’ pad!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

This 3 bed/2 bath is going for $598,750.

Great news for Standard fans (14th and S St, NW.) I can’t believe it’s almost Spring already.