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New Restaurant Coming to 903-905 N Street

2012-02-14T10:31:00.002-05:00

The Blagden Alley Naylor Court Association Blog reports that a new restaurant will occupy 903-905 N Street, NW -- what many know as the forme location of the club/event space known as "The Space."

BANCA says that Frederik De Pue Executive, who is Chef/Owner of 42° Catering and affiliated with Smith Commons on H Street, NE, has leased the building. He intends to open a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

To learn more about his plans, attend the March BANCA meeting (check the BANCA blog for details).

I will add this to the coming soon section of the renewshaw.com business directory.

Civilian Art Projects Presents Late Night Music and Dance

2012-02-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

On February 17, 2012, Civilian Art Projects will present an "epic late night music and dance happening" at the Warehouse Theater. Featured performance by Man Forever from Brooklyn (a drum explosion featuring Kid Millions of Oneida) Heavy Breathing from DC (Jeff, Amanda, Erick from Apes), Plasma Expander from Sardinia, DJ Jim, and a special guest DJ. The party will start at 10:30 pm and will take place at the Warehouse Theater (enter on New York Avenue) and entry is $10. Check out the facebook event page here.

MAN FOREVER, HEAVY BREATHING, PLASMA EXPANDER - LATE NIGHT
Presented by Civilian Art Projects
February 17th, 10:30pm
Warehouse Theater (enter on New York Avenue side) Cost: $10

Civilian Art Projects Presents "6 Painters"

2012-02-10T10:02:00.002-05:00

The current show on display at Civilian Art Projects is called “6 Painters” and presents new paintings by six contemporary artists working in a variety of styles and media. Artists include Tom Bunnell, Eric Finzi, Cavan Fleming, Tom Green, Nora Sturges, and Champneys Taylor. Each painter presents several works grouped together in mini-exhibitions throughout the galleries in Civilian Art Projects.

Be sure to check out this great exhibition. The gallery hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 to 6 pm. There's an artist talk on the final day of the show, February 25, at 6 pm.

Civilian Art Projects

1019 Seventh Street, NW, Second Floor

202.607.3804

Tom Green, "Puzzle," 1987

Eric Finzi, "Hot and Cold," 2009

Major Renovations to Bundy Field Underway

2012-02-01T12:29:00.000-05:00

Check out the Friends of Bundy website for all of the details on the latest amenity coming to our great neighborhood! There's going to be something for everyone, with new state of the art soccer, lacross, and softball fields and a new dog park!

Proposal for 926 N Street, NW

2012-01-31T10:26:00.000-05:00

The CCCA has the scoop on a plan for a three story, mixed use (fourteen residences, two retail spaces), fifty four foot tall building for 926 N Street, NW. The HPRB Staff Report (viewable here in PDF) indicates that the design is a work-in-progress (particularly with regard to scale, materials and detailing of the front and alley façades), and the project is on the agenda for tomorrow night's ANC2F meeting, so now is the time for community input to help shape how this project ultimately looks.

Here are some of the renderings:

What do you think of the current design for 926 N Street? Can a well designed modern structure be appropriate at this site? Or should a building at this site -- an entrance to Blagden Alley -- replicate existing alley architecture? What materials would you like to see used? What changes would you suggest regarding the current design?

Everytime I see a proposal for a modern building in a historic district, I'm reminded of a panel I attended in 2010 at the AIA called Context/Contrast: New Architecture in Historic Districts. The discussion was inspired by an an exhibition at the AIA headquarters exploring the role and realization of new architecture in urban historic districts. It was neat to see what a beautiful justaposition modern and historic design can be together, and it also explored some not-so-great examples of attempts at the same.

Shaw Art Walk: The Convention Center and Beyond

2012-01-30T11:55:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars: on Wednesday, February 8, six Shaw galleries will host open houses and the Convention Center will offer a rare evening guided tour of its extensive art collection! View the press release here and RSVP/share on Facebook here.

Below are the details:

A night of arts including a tour of the Convention Center’s art collection and open houses at six galleries

(Washington, DC) Today, Shaw Main Streets, Events DC, and ANC2C04 Commissioner Rachelle Nigro announced they will host the inaugural “Shaw Art Walk,” a rare evening tour of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center’s extensive art collection and open houses at six notable galleries. This special event will take place on Wednesday, February 8th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Ralph Brabham, President of the Board of Directors of Shaw Main Streets, noted “Shaw is the epicenter of arts in Washington, DC. Anchored by the Walter E. Washington Convention Center – which boasts the largest public art collection in D.C. – numerous galleries opened in the historic neighborhood in the past decade, all within walking distance of one another. This evening will be a celebration of our rich cultural resources.”

The 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.

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.

Following the event 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.

This will likely be the first of many Shaw Art Walk nights.

Shaw Art Walk: The Convention Center and Beyond

6:15 - Convention Center Art Collection Tour (Meet at the Mount Vernon Square Entrance to the Convention Center)

6 to 9 p.m. - Open House at Galleries

9:00 p.m. - After-Party at The Passenger

Facebook Event Page

NPS To Install Signage at Woodson Site Soon

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

According to this presentation (PDF):

The National Park Service is proposing to permanently install two exterior interpretive wayside panels in front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Historic Site in the Shaw community. The site was named after Dr. Woodson the “Father of Black History” and is located in a heavily trafficked urban community near Rhode Island Avenue, the Washington Convention Center, and several neighborhood schools. The panels will stand on the sidewalk in an unobstructed location in front of the home of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the future visitor complex area at 1540 9th Street which the NPS currently owns and plans to restore and operate as a staffed park unit with tours and visitor service.

The two panels are to be placed in front of the historic site on the sidewalk, in approximate alignment with the projection of the existing entry stairs. Two alternative locations for the panels are being considered. The first location is centered between the two window bays in front of the Woodson home. The second location is centered between the two window bays in the adjacent NPS property at 1540 9th Street, NW, which would be in between the historic home and the future entrance to the visitor services facility to be located at 1542 9th Street, NW. Because it will be several years before the visitor services facility is opened, the NPS prefers the first alternative, to locate the signs directly in front of the Woodson home, so that there is a more direct and straightforward connection to the historic home.

This project seeks to provide a limited interpretive experience for pedestrians, visitors and the tour groups who visit the site so that they may understand how Dr. Woodson, the Shaw community, and the organization he founded, Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, changed the nation and world. Until the home is completely restored and opened to the public, these wayside panels will interpret the site’s significance. The National Park Service hopes to install the panels between the second week of January 2012 before the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or by the end of February 2012, Black History Month, which Woodson started in 1926.

Sneak Peak: 934 N Street, NW

2012-01-24T11:45:00.001-05:00

If all continues to go well, 934 N Street, NW -- currently an empty lot near an entrance to Blagden Alley -- will soon be developed by HRYDesign Build. The HPRB Staff Report summarized the design (by Workshop T10 Design Studio) as follows:

The proposed flats would take the form of a traditional projecting bay rowhouse. Three stories tall and three bays wide, it would be clad in limestone panels of large coursing dimension. A two story projection bay of limestone and composite panel would provide a balcony space for the third floor. The façade cap is a collection of simple flat runs. At grade, a shallow areaway will provide light and egress for the basement rooms. A small penthouse, setback 20 feet from the front parapet, would provide access to rooftop decks both front and back.

See report here (PDF).

HRYDesign President of Internal Operations Gerry Coates promises this will have the bells and whistles as well as a Green Conscience. The interior will be finished using Non-VOC paint from Premier Eco Paints on Capital Hill.

Stay tuned as this beautiful building moves along!

Logan Circle Laundromat Now Open

2012-01-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

I received a postcard in the mail yesterday about the newly re-opened Logan Circle Laundromat at Eleventh Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The remodeled business features:

All new stainless steel 2011 Dexter high efficiency washers and dryers
Fully renovated interior and exterior
Quality wash and fold service
Affordable pricing and ample parking
Full time attendant on duty

It’s open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers wash and fold service (something that is pretty tempting to me…). Check out their website for pricing.

You may recall the laundromat closed for renovation in March last year, prompting speculation about redevelopment of the site.

Logan Circle Laundromat
1100 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
202.506.6607

Valor's Vision for Seventh, P and Marion

2012-01-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it yesterday, check out the City Paper's post about Valor Development's plans for the empty lots across from the Kennedy Recreation Center at Seventh, P and Marion Streets!

DC GuestHouse Closed; Estate Sale January 12 to 15

2012-01-03T16:21:00.000-05:00

Our neighborhood's quirky and beloved bed and breakfast at Tenth and O, the DC GuestHouse, has closed. According to their website:

DC GuestHouse Closes The last day of operations for DC GuestHouse was December 26, 2011. The DC GuestHouse family has decided to move on to new ventures and to a new home.

Through the years our guests have enriched our lives. For this we must thanks you. We have hosted people from all walks of life - celebrities, politicians, activists, religious leaders, business people, tourists and families. Many of you will stand out in our minds as individual, having become friends that we have anticipated returning to our home on a regular basis. After the first of the year, we will be moving to another fabulous house in Washington. Our family will be staying together, and we hope that you will stay a part of our extended family.

We also want to say thank you to everyone who made the DC Guesthouse such a success. To our staff and our friends, we say that we could not have done it without you. We hope, and know, that you will support us in the next chapter in our lives.

Our family wishes you much happiness and success in the coming new year.

Per the above flyer, the Guest House will host an estate sale from January 12 through 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rogue 24 to Host Ten Star Chefs

2011-12-30T11:46:00.001-05:00

While Chef RJ Cooper is out for heart surgery for ten weeks starting in January, ten amazing chefs will take the helm of Rogue 24's kitchen for a series of "Rogue Sessions." Sounds like a great concept -- sign me up!

Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery to Chef Cooper.

Rogue 24

922 N Street, NW (Rear/Blagden Alley)
202.408.9724

Rent Me: 818 Rhode Island Avenue

2011-12-29T13:22:00.001-05:00

Work continues full steam ahead at the once notoriously vacant properties at the intersection of Ninth, Q and Rhode Island (check out my previous post about the property here). The awesome gut-renovation seems to be nearing the final stretch, and it looks like they're getting the structure ready for a fantastic and detailed new exterior paint scheme (if you walk by, take note of the intricate paint scheme that's begun on the cornice on Q Street frontage).

Recently, banners went up advertising for lease the retail component of the project.

Here's to hoping something great fills the highly visible corner spot in the heart of Shaw!

Redevelopment of 1109 M Street

2011-12-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

On my walk to work this morning, I noticed construction activity at the former Laogai Museum at 1109 M Street, NW.

After doing a little digging, I learned that the property is being redeveloped by the CAS Riegler real estate development company (the firm behind such great projects as The Flatiron of Bloomingdale and Lionel Lofts on Fourteenth Street).

According to the project website, the all-residential project will deliver in Summer 2012. It will have eleven unique units, all featuring private outdoor space. To be known as "Standard Eleven," its rendering indicates that the bright red/orange facade of the former museum will be replaced by a less jarring, more appealing aesthetic:

Early Look at JBG's Florida Avenue Development

2011-12-20T11:33:00.004-05:00

The City Paper has an early look at JBG's impressive plans for its Florida Avenue parcels (acquired from WMATA this summer). Check it out here!

From SMS: Fun with Festive Flowers at Convention Floral Saturday

2011-12-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 17) from 12:30pm to 6:30pm, Convention Floral will host a "Fun with Festive Flowers" open house. A Facebook event page has been set up here.

Shaw Main Streets forwarded details of the event:

Convention Floral is transforming the shop into a winter wonderland and they want to help you do the same in your home!

Sit with Nubia, the owner of Convention Floral, and learn to create your own beautiful centerpiece for a personal touch to your holiday decor.

They'll provide the flowers and supplies plus light refreshments—just bring yourself and some holiday cheer. This is a fun way to kick off the season and your finished arrangement will be even more special because you made it yourself. Plus, Nubia will share extra tidbits on easy but eye-catching ways to decorate every room of your home.

The cost to participate will be 40% off the store value of your arrangement. This covers the sitting fee, cost of supplies, and refreshments. You can have your arrangement delivered anywhere in DC for an additional $11.95, or you can simply take it home with you.

Session times are 12:30, 2, 4, and 5:30. Each session will last about an hour. SEATING IS LIMITED; they can only accomodate 10 participants per session. Please call 202-939-0510 if you have any questions.

Convention Floral
1920 Ninth Street, NW
202.939.0510

From SMS: Tasting at Chatman's on Sunday!

2011-12-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

This Sunday (December 18) from 1pm to 4pm, Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe will host a "Holiday Treats Tasting." Check out the Facebook event page here.

From Shaw Main Streets comes word of this great seasonal gathering:

You are cordially invited to Chatman's Holiday Treats Tasting this Sunday, December 18th! The shop will be open especially for you to taste-test Chatman's biggest holiday sellers:

Coconut-Pineapple Cake

Banana Pudding Cake

Egg Nog Pound Cake

Red Velvet Cake

Apple-Gingerbread Crisp

The event is FREE and open to all. It's a great opportunity to chat with owner Debra Chatman and your neighbors, and try a few d'vine treats you may not have had before. There will be music, refreshments, and fellowship.

Chatman's D'Vine Bakery and Cafe
1239 Ninth Street, NW
202.290.3681

Week In Review

2011-12-16T17:01:00.000-05:00

I spent the past week in Austria (as evidenced above, Austrians go all out for the season), so I haven’t had much of a chance to post about the happenings of our great neighborhood. It seems I missed a lot of posts about Shaw while away, including:

Shaw’s Tavern has new owners (Prince of Petworth)
The Wonderbread Factory continues to spark interest (InShaw)
Changes in the neighborhood’s demographics have been the subject of thought and comparison (Urban Turf)
The Carter G. Woodson Site continues to inch toward renovation.(NPS)

Exciting stuff!

Go Caroling This Sunday

2011-12-09T11:59:00.001-05:00

This Sunday (December 11), ANC 2C04 Commissioner Rachelle Nigro invites all ANC2C residents to join her for an evening of caroling! Meet in front of Good Libations (1201 Fifth Street, NW, at the intersection of Fifth and M Streets) for an evening of caroling around the area.

Contact the Commissioner with questions at 202.670.1732, on Facebook at nigroanc2c@gmail.com, on facebook.com/votenigro, or on Twitter at @nigroanc2c.

From SMS: Holiday Party Monday!

2011-12-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

From Shaw Main Streets comes a reminder about its annual holiday party, which will take place on Monday:

It's that time of year, once again. Shaw Main Streets and the businesses of central Shaw invite you to celebrate the season at the annual SMS Holiday Party, featuring food and beverages from neighborhood businesses.

This year's party will take place on Monday, December 5, 2011, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Old Dominion Brewhouse, 1219 9th Street, NW, in the private party room.

Come enjoy food, wine and beer from new businesses and old favorites, meet neighbors, business owners, developers, and others who are helping to transform Shaw, and dance the Electric Slide, Shaw's official party dance.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. No reservations are required.

Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party 2011
Monday, December 5
7PM to 9PM
Old Dominion Brew House
1219 Ninth Street, NW

Maruka Presents Michael J. Singletary

2011-12-01T09:54:00.001-05:00

"Chocolate Mess 2," Michael Singletary

The Maruka Gallery is currently exhibiting the prolific genius of New York City's cultural provacateur, Michael J. Singletary, with his Chocolate Series. His Chocolate Series is an unapologetic romp through our romance and decadence of this addiction. Through the visual metaphor of chocolate, Michael draws upon generational culture, using acrylics and collage in collision with abstract realism to define a new artistic medium for the millenium.

Tonight (December 1, 2011), Maruka will host an artist's reception for the show from 6 - 9 pm. Meet the artist, enjoy his creativity, and explore his motivation with this addicting pleasure. Refreshments will be served.

For mor details, visit Maruka's website or contact them at 202.745.1881 or info@marukadc.com.

Maruka Gallery
1300 Ninth Streeet, NW
202.745.1881

Kelsey Gardens Raze Notices, Jefferson at Market Place

2011-11-23T10:46:00.001-05:00

I got a tip this morning that raze notices have been posted on the old Kelsey Gardens apartment complex, which was recently acquired by Jefferson Apartment Group ("JAG") and which finally should see the long-planned and approved redevelopment commence soon.

JAG now has the project listed on their website under the name "Jefferson at Market Place." JAG describes the project as follows:

Jefferson at Market Place is a mixed-use development located at the corner of 7th and P Streets in Northwest Washington, DC. The project will include 281 luxury apartments, 230 below-grade parking spaces, and 13,400 square feet of retail space.

Jefferson at Market Place will feature modern amenity spaces that will include a boutique-style lobby with a 24-hour concierge, state-of-the-art fitness center, resident business center, and community lounge with bar and gaming areas. Residents will also have exclusive access to two private courtyards on the ground floor, a landscaped roof deck on the seventh floor, and a large pool deck on the 8th floor roof.

Jefferson at Market Place is located less than three blocks north of the Washington Convention Center Metro Station and two blocks south of the Shaw-Howard Metro Station. The project has tremendous visibility with over 455 feet of frontage along 7th Street NW and will be located adjacent to the future City Market at O, a 1 million square foot mixed-use project anchored by a new 58,000 square foot Giant Supermarket.

From SMS: Small Business Saturday and Open House in Shaw 11/26

2011-11-23T09:49:00.001-05:00

This Saturday (November 26, 2011) is Small Business Saturday, a great excuse to patronize our fantastic local businesses and knock out some holiday shopping. It's also the date of the semi-annual Shaw Main Streets open house, so the day will be full of fun and prizes.

From Shaw Main Streets::

Free Food, Drinks, Shopping Bags, Posters, and Prizes at Small Business Saturday in Shaw, 11/26/11, 1-4 PM

On Saturday, November 26, 2011, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Shaw will celebrate Small Business Saturday, as part of a nationwide shop local promotion sponsored by American Express. This is the second year for the national promotion, but the first time DC Main Streets will participate. Bus posters featuring three Shaw businesses are part of the overall promotional package.

Check out the activities taking place on Saturday and come out and join the fun. Get free reduced size color reproductions of the Metro bus ads autographed by the business owners, and free Shaw Main Streets recyclable shopping bags, while supplies last.

Here's the schedule of events:

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Open House at participating Shaw Businesses. Free SMS Open House Passports available at each location will entitle you to enter a drawing for prizes from all participating businesses. Each business will provide free food samples, refreshments, or special offer coupons. Passports can be picked up at the three businesses featured in the bus ad campaign (see below), and other participating businesses.

1:30 PM: Poster signing at Wagtime Pet Spa and Boutique, 1232 9th Street, NW. Free 11" x 14" posters will be available, while supplies last.

2:30 PM: Poster signing at Cheryl A. Lofton and Associates and A Divine Shine, 719-723 T Street, NW. Free 11" x 14" posters will be available, while supplies last.

3:30 PM: Poster signing at Nellie's Sports Bar, 900 U Street, NW. Free 11" x 14" posters will be available, while supplies last. 4:00 PM: Drawing for prizes, Old City Green, 902 N Street, NW.

Beautiful

2011-11-21T13:40:00.001-05:00

I can't get enough of the construction webcam for CityMarket!

Buh Bye, Old Giant, Welcome, CityMarket!

2011-11-18T12:05:00.001-05:00

I attended this morning's Construction Kickoff celebration for CityMarket at O. Several dignitaries spoke under a tent next to the historic market . . .

. . . and then the fun really started: the commencement of the tearing down of the old Giant supermarket. Each speaker got a turn inside the excavator to take a whack at the grocery store. Mayor Gray took the first swipe. I think Councilmembers Brown and Evans were neck and neck for most impressive/forceful attacks at the 1970's era structure.

Exciting right?!