Looking for New Year's Eve plans? Here are a few of your Shaw-based options for ringing in 2010:
1. Corduroy - Start your new year in elegant style at Corduroy, which will be serving its regular, delicious menu. You can make a reservation here.
2. Acadiana - Acadiana is offering a 3-course fixed price meal for $56-68 per person with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. You can make a reservation here.
3. Morrison Clark Restaurant - The Morrison Clark Restaurant will offer a $65 priced fixed menu (viewable in PDF here). Reservations are encouraged; call 202.898.1200.
4. Vinoteca - Vinoteca has several great options for the evening, which can be viewed here. Reservations recommended.
5. Nellie's - No need for reservations at Nellie's, which will feature $3 Nellie beer and house vodka drinks until 10, $15 buckets of bud until midnight, a champagne toast, a d.j., and more until 3 a.m.
6. Town Dance Boutique - Tickets to New Year's Eve at town are $20 in advance (available here) and $25 at the door. At its website, Town is soliciting votes for the best song of the decade. The poll's results will feature in the musical programming for the evening. Doors open at 9pm.
UPDATE
7. 1905 Restaurant - The always cool 1905 Restaurant wants you to ring in the New Year with them. They offer a special 4-course prix fixe dinner followed by a celebration to remember!!! Call or email for details - 202.332.1905 or tony@1905dc.com.
I'm sure there are others I am leaving off... Let us know about other exciting options in the neighborhood by leaving a comment!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thinking About: Carter G. Woodson Memorial Park Design
With funding committed, 2010 should bring us a redesigned triangle park honoring Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The new park will be designed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which is awaiting the transfer of dollars from DDOT to begin the design process.
The artist designing the sculpture of Dr. Woodson created a conceptual park design (which can be viewed here), but the conceptual design is not likely represntative of what's in store. Personally, the conceptual design does not do it for me, as I do not think it relates well to the neighborhood or creates an inviting place. Below are my ideas on what I would like in the new park design.
Regarding orientation and flow, I think the sculpture of Dr. Woodson should be oriented toward the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Ninth Street for maximum impact. I think there should also be easy and clear flow from the historic Woodson home in the 1500 block of Ninth Street into the park, so the park entrance at the corner of Ninth and Q Streets and the view of the sculpture from that intersection should be significant.
Regarding the park content, I think the park should be an educational experience relating to Dr. Woodson. I think it would be neat to have quotes of Dr. Woodson inscribed in stone and inlaid into the paving throughout the park. I also think the park should be a beautiful natural space, with lots of trees, bushes and flowers.
Regarding the design, I think the park should be well lit with attractive lamp posts throughout, landscape and path lights and a spotlight on the sculpture of Dr. Woodson. I do not think benches should be in the park, but seating could be accomplished through low retaining walls. Landscaped berms behind the retaining walls would keep the park a safe and open green space. The paving and walls should be made of smooth stones for a sleek and natural but monumental look.
Below are some renderings of what I have in mind.
The artist designing the sculpture of Dr. Woodson created a conceptual park design (which can be viewed here), but the conceptual design is not likely represntative of what's in store. Personally, the conceptual design does not do it for me, as I do not think it relates well to the neighborhood or creates an inviting place. Below are my ideas on what I would like in the new park design.
Regarding orientation and flow, I think the sculpture of Dr. Woodson should be oriented toward the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Ninth Street for maximum impact. I think there should also be easy and clear flow from the historic Woodson home in the 1500 block of Ninth Street into the park, so the park entrance at the corner of Ninth and Q Streets and the view of the sculpture from that intersection should be significant.
Regarding the park content, I think the park should be an educational experience relating to Dr. Woodson. I think it would be neat to have quotes of Dr. Woodson inscribed in stone and inlaid into the paving throughout the park. I also think the park should be a beautiful natural space, with lots of trees, bushes and flowers.
Regarding the design, I think the park should be well lit with attractive lamp posts throughout, landscape and path lights and a spotlight on the sculpture of Dr. Woodson. I do not think benches should be in the park, but seating could be accomplished through low retaining walls. Landscaped berms behind the retaining walls would keep the park a safe and open green space. The paving and walls should be made of smooth stones for a sleek and natural but monumental look.
Below are some renderings of what I have in mind.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snow Show
It's gorgeous outside right now, with about ten inches on the ground and up to another foot expected throughout the day. Share your photos of our neighborhood covered in snow in the Renewshaw flickr group! I'll highlight submissions on here during the holiday week!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
HPRB Calendar Provides Insight into Future Development
HPRB has a meeting today (December 17) with several Shaw projects on the calendar. The following links (all PDFs) are to the Historic Preservation Review Board Staff Reports and Recommendations. While the projects still have to maneuver through the approval process, it is exciting to know people are still investing significantly in our neighborhood!
1. 907 N Street (a few doors west of The (former) Space) - the property owner seeks an extension of an approval for a conceptual design application that was reviewed by the HPRB in 2003. The project involved construction of a new three story plus basement brick row house in the vacant lot at 907 N Street NW.
2. 1316 8th Street - the property owner seeks conceptual design review for alterations and additions to a two-story rowhouse in the Shaw Historic District. The proposal calls for converting this two-story house into a four-unit apartment building with four stories. Currently, the first floor is located just above grade; the proposal calls for a basement to be excavated with an exterior areaway created to provide external access. The building would also be expanded up, with a traditionally-inspired mansard roof with dormers set flush with the front façade. A roof deck would be added on top of the new top floor. The footprint of the building would remain essentially the same, with the exception of balconies and an external stair added to the rear.
3. 901 U Street - Restaurant operator Brixton Pub, with FORMDesign Architects, seeks conceptual approval for exterior alterations and a new rooftop access structure and deck railing at 901 U Street NW. The existing ground level storefront bays will be replaced with new storefronts featuring fixed, multi-pane windows and wood paneled kickplates. The new entry at the corner will include a half-lite glass door, sidelights, and a transom. The second story windows will be replaced with ganged, one-over-one windows. The deteriorated condition of the historic masonry precludes removal of the formstone, but the applicant will clean and paint the exterior of the building so that it will appear more uniform. The proposal also calls for construction of a roof-top deck, access structure and rail, all of which would be visible.
4. 1932 Ninth Street - the architect and owner seek on-going conceptual design review for an apartment and retail building proposed on a vacant site in the U Street Historic District. The property backs up to 9-1/2 Street, NW, a former alley with a row of 19th century alley dwellings, where a new three-story building would be constructed.
1. 907 N Street (a few doors west of The (former) Space) - the property owner seeks an extension of an approval for a conceptual design application that was reviewed by the HPRB in 2003. The project involved construction of a new three story plus basement brick row house in the vacant lot at 907 N Street NW.
2. 1316 8th Street - the property owner seeks conceptual design review for alterations and additions to a two-story rowhouse in the Shaw Historic District. The proposal calls for converting this two-story house into a four-unit apartment building with four stories. Currently, the first floor is located just above grade; the proposal calls for a basement to be excavated with an exterior areaway created to provide external access. The building would also be expanded up, with a traditionally-inspired mansard roof with dormers set flush with the front façade. A roof deck would be added on top of the new top floor. The footprint of the building would remain essentially the same, with the exception of balconies and an external stair added to the rear.
3. 901 U Street - Restaurant operator Brixton Pub, with FORMDesign Architects, seeks conceptual approval for exterior alterations and a new rooftop access structure and deck railing at 901 U Street NW. The existing ground level storefront bays will be replaced with new storefronts featuring fixed, multi-pane windows and wood paneled kickplates. The new entry at the corner will include a half-lite glass door, sidelights, and a transom. The second story windows will be replaced with ganged, one-over-one windows. The deteriorated condition of the historic masonry precludes removal of the formstone, but the applicant will clean and paint the exterior of the building so that it will appear more uniform. The proposal also calls for construction of a roof-top deck, access structure and rail, all of which would be visible.
4. 1932 Ninth Street - the architect and owner seek on-going conceptual design review for an apartment and retail building proposed on a vacant site in the U Street Historic District. The property backs up to 9-1/2 Street, NW, a former alley with a row of 19th century alley dwellings, where a new three-story building would be constructed.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Spotted: Work Commences By New Owner of 1600 Eighth Street
In October, Shiloh Baptist Church sold its long vacant property at 1600 Eighth Street, Northwest (as evidenced by this listing). Kudos to the church for selling this notable corner property; this sale will help improve the safety, beauty and health of our neighborhood.
This past weekend, I noticed a new fence around 1600 Eighth Street and signs of construction. This initial work is likely for the purposes of stabilizing the property and making necessary interim repairs. Another round of permitting will ensue once the major overhaul plans for the property are in place.
Gleaning what I can from the online permit record, the new owner is a developer who won an award from the mayor's office for a fantastic building he constructed a few years ago at Tenth and Rhode Island. With that project as a exemplary of his work, I can't wait to see what he does with 1600 Eighth!
This past weekend, I noticed a new fence around 1600 Eighth Street and signs of construction. This initial work is likely for the purposes of stabilizing the property and making necessary interim repairs. Another round of permitting will ensue once the major overhaul plans for the property are in place.
Gleaning what I can from the online permit record, the new owner is a developer who won an award from the mayor's office for a fantastic building he constructed a few years ago at Tenth and Rhode Island. With that project as a exemplary of his work, I can't wait to see what he does with 1600 Eighth!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Weekend Shoutout: Shop in Shaw
In an e-mail blast, Old City Green sent out the following shopping list of great gifts from Shaw merchants:
Feel free to leave suggestions in the comments, and happy shopping this weekend!
1) A massage or gift card at Lunar MassageThere are, of course, many other fantastic gift options from our great neighborhood. Long View Gallery offers some small original oil paintings that would make a great and unique gift. Gifts certificates from any of our fantastic coffee shops (e.g., Azi's, First Cup, and Chatman's) or restaurants (e.g., Corduroy, Etete, 1905) or health spots (e.g., Shakti, Pilates in the Alley).
2) A pie from Chatman's Bakery
3) A bottle of "Spirits" from Modern Liquor
4) A trinket from Abou Master Goldsmith
5) A gift basket or gift certificate from Maruka
6) A squeaky toy from Wag Time
7) Discounts on Christmas items at 5th St. Ace Hardware
8) A gift of membership to Results Gym
9) Check out EarPEACE (www.earpeace.com)
9) A tree and greens and more from Old City Green
Feel free to leave suggestions in the comments, and happy shopping this weekend!
Old City Green Brings the Holiday Spirit
. . . in more ways than one!
First, from today through Sunday (December 11 through 13), if you buy a Christmas tree at Old City Green, National Pedicabs will deliver you and your Old City Green Christmas to your home. Cool, right? Get a tree (and other greenery), hop on a pedicab, and have you and your tree peddled home!
Second, this Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., Old City Green will have a live jazz band playing seasonal music! Refreshments will be provided. It'll be a great time to be in the area for some holiday shopping!
Also, ask Old City Green about how you can donate your tree for composting when the season comes to an end!
Old City Green
Corner of Ninth and N Streets, Northwest
202.412.2489
First, from today through Sunday (December 11 through 13), if you buy a Christmas tree at Old City Green, National Pedicabs will deliver you and your Old City Green Christmas to your home. Cool, right? Get a tree (and other greenery), hop on a pedicab, and have you and your tree peddled home!
Second, this Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., Old City Green will have a live jazz band playing seasonal music! Refreshments will be provided. It'll be a great time to be in the area for some holiday shopping!
Also, ask Old City Green about how you can donate your tree for composting when the season comes to an end!
Old City Green
Corner of Ninth and N Streets, Northwest
202.412.2489
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Spotted: 901 U Street Progress
This morning, I noticed that demolition work is underway at long vacant 901 U Street, Northwest, and a construction company sign is prominently displayed (though I cannot recall who the contractor is). Based on a review of DCRA's online permit tracking database, looks like their demolition permits were issued last month and the building permits are pending. As reported previously, a neat tavern with a rooftop summer garden is planned to occupy the very visible corner. I'm so excited to see it moving forward!
Launch Party for ReadySetDC at Long View Tonight
ReadySetDC will hold a launch party tonight (Thursday, December 10) at Long View Gallery from 7 p.m. until midnight. From the press release:ReadysetDC, the “Creative Urban Enterprise” will hold its official launch party on December 10th, 2009 at the newly reopened Long View Gallery at 1234 9th Street NW. The theme and title “For the Love of DC” reflects the website’s mission to promote and spotlight the urban renaissance that’s happening here in the nation’s capital and coincides with ReadysetDC’s new site redesign. “For the Love of DC” also marks the beginning of the ReadysetDC creative agency; offering branding, web design, photography, video, writing, marketing and newSounds neat!
media services.
“For the Love of DC” is an RSVP only affair and will feature several artist exhibitions as well as three live performances. There will be four photography exhibitions; Tracy Clayton, Lillian Cho, Paul Frederiksen and Vincent Gallegos, all DC-based photographers and contributers to ReadysetDC. Also included, will be the nationally recognized artists of “No Kings” Collective who will provide an original art installation coinciding with the event’s theme. “For the Love of DC” will feature DC music acts; DJ Tittsworth, Bullfight Academy featuring hip hop artist duo Henry Mills & DJ Fleg (AWR) and a special surprise rock band. The event will begin at 7pm with viewing of the art installation and photography. Performances will start at 7:30pm and run until midnight. Light fare and drinks will be available.
“For the Love of DC” will be an interactive experience, working with our sponsors, HP, Intel and Best Buy, to facilitate live testing of the HP ENVY. Event goers will have a chance to win a new Envy 15 Beats Limited Edition, which will be raffled off by DJ Tittsworth. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event for $5 each. A majority of the proceeds will benefit Arts for the Aging, Inc. (AFTA) a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides visual, performing, literary and intergenerational arts outreach programs specially designed to improve the health and enhance the lives of seniors throughout the metro D.C. area. Marvin, Modern Liquors and Fathom Creative are also sponsors.
RSVP: http://www.readysetdc.com/rsvp
Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199699428473
For the Love of DC
Launch Party for ReadySetDC
Thursday, December 10 7 p.m. to Midnight
Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Wounded Warrior Action Group at 1314 Ninth
The Wounded Warrior Action Group ("WWAG") recently established its home in the second floor office suite of the gorgeous 1314 Ninth Street, Northwest. Our new neighbors' honorable and noteworthy mission is to ease the burden on the wounded individuals and their families through political action.
This Saturday (December 12, 2009) from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., WWAG invites the public to get a glimpse into the life of soldiers and technologies used to protect our forces, and civilians, through an exhibition called "Airman to Infantry". The event will take place in the new (never-before-posted-about-here) gallery on the first floor of the 1314 Ninth Street, CRE8 Space Studio Gallery.
Wounded Warrior Action Group Presents Airman to Infantry
Hosted by CRE8 Space-Studio Gallery
1314 Ninth Street, Northwest
This Saturday (December 12, 2009) from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., WWAG invites the public to get a glimpse into the life of soldiers and technologies used to protect our forces, and civilians, through an exhibition called "Airman to Infantry". The event will take place in the new (never-before-posted-about-here) gallery on the first floor of the 1314 Ninth Street, CRE8 Space Studio Gallery.
Wounded Warrior Action Group Presents Airman to Infantry
Hosted by CRE8 Space-Studio Gallery
1314 Ninth Street, Northwest
Thursday, December 03, 2009
From SMS: Holiday Party Next Week
From Shaw Main Streets comes news of this year's can't miss neighborhood holiday party:
Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest
It always draws a great crowd from the neighborhood and beyond, and this year, Shaw Main Streets' holiday party will be in a new venue able to accommodate more guests than ever before.Fun!
This year's Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the newly expanded Long View Gallery, 1234 9th Street, NW. As usual, admission to the event is free of charge, and no reservations are required in order to attend.
In addition to food and drink provided by your favorite Shaw Main Streets businesses, guests will be able to enjoy the art on display at the gallery, as well as holiday spirit. You'll meet and mingle with neighbors, business and property owners, developers and supporters of Shaw's rebirth, local history buffs, longtime neighborhood residents, and city leaders and officials.
For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or visit www.ShawMainStreets.com.
Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Long View Gallery Presents Ads vs. Aids
Long View Gallery commemorates this World AIDS Day by opening a new retrospective exhibition of original advertisements combatting AIDS from the past twenty five years. The show features groundbreaking work that helped save lives and provides unique glimpses into the times in which the pieces were each created. From the press release:
The Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest
202.232.4788
In the mid- to late-1980s, while the medical world was grappling with how to combat the frightening and deadly new virus it discovered in 1984, admen like Jeff McElhaney were struggling with how to raise public awareness of the new dangers this microscopic and mysterious enemy presented. The show features 28 original pieces of propaganda-created mostly by ad hoc underground teams since established advertising agencies weren't quite ready to embrace the then-taboo issue on a corporate level-designed to sell everything from safe sex to HIV/AIDS support services. The exhibit represents a quarter century of ads for AIDS' sake and will be on display through the end of December.Be sure to check out this fascinating and important show sometime in the next month.
The Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest
202.232.4788
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