Shaw in Brief

Here are a few of the things I would have written substantive posts about this week if a) my computer hadn't been plagued with pop-ups that (until today) I couldn't put an end to; b) work hadn't been keeping me on overdrive; and c) my blogging motivation hadn't been distracted by the super bowl, super Tuesday, and the general appeal of being lazy:

1. I attended the ANC meeting last night. I'm sure others will report on some of the continual nonsense that characterizes the leadership of the Brooks/Thorpe regime. On a bright note, at last night's meeting I learned what's going on with the historic 8 story brick building in the 900 block of L Street (I think at 933 L?). For a while it's been gutted, with a crane, signs of construction and/or demolition, and a brick pointing banner out front. The architect for the project spoke at the ANC meeting and said the structure is being renovated into a 52 unit apartment building, with 9th story penthouses set back from the street. The historic 1920's facade is going to be restored. The ANC voted in unanimous support of the project. Once the HPRB signs off on it, the project should take another 6 months to complete. I think Commissioner Chapple will be posting electronic images of the development plan on his forum, assuming the architect so consents.

2. Over the weekend, by luck of being at the right place at the right time, I went on a tour of this building at 10th and Rhode Island Avenue. Y'all, this place is AWESOME. I think it's 3 units in all (2 two story units and a basement unit), all for rent (and likely leased out after this past weekend's showings). The unit I saw was spectacular--a great layout, great finishes, an elevator, and a phatty roof deck.

3. There's a Shaw Neighborhood Cleanup this Saturday, February 9th. Go here for details and updates. I think the plan is to meet at 5th & Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The cleanup will focus on the 5th & Rhode Island Avenue area cleaning up the usual suspects of liquor bottles, fast food, cigarette butts, etc. Bring gloves, friends, any additional tools you want to use for cleaning; Treebox Vodka will supply trash bags.

4. I can't wait to attend tomorrow night's reception kicking off the The Long View Gallery's latest show, an exhibition of new works by noted artists Jessie Mann and Mary Chiaramonte. This show has already garnered a lot of press, and the preview images from it are pretty stunning. Also on my brain is the gallery's new blog, which currently features a fascinating (sped up) video of the gallery's custom framing in action. The gallery started custom framing on site last fall and has already amassed a loyal following.