Buy Me: 1539 Ninth Street

1539 Ninth Street, NW

I noticed last weekend a sign on 1539 Ninth Street advertising the property for sale. 1539 Ninth Street is one of six structures comprising a symmetric set of buildings: 1539, 1541, 1543, 1545, 1547 and 1549 Ninth (1539 and 1549 are the bookends of the group and are twins). 

Having done a little research into the unique set of residential structures in the Shaw Historic District, I learned that the six homes were built in 1885 for a total of $18,000.  They were designed by a prolific D.C. Architect, N.T. Haller. Haller is recognized as one of the premier architects of his era and was responsible for designing the Warder Building, now the Spy Museum.

1539 is at the far right and is mirrored by 1549 at the far left. 
The gray home just right of center was on last year's Logan Circle House Tour. 
 (My apologies for the terrible photo) 

This stretch of Ninth Street is zoned R-4 and is in the Shaw Historic District.  1539 has beautiful unpainted brick facade with lots of detail and and off street parking in the rear.  It has been vacant and boarded up since a fire in 2007.  I think it could be a really fantastic single family home again with a little (or maybe a  lot of...) TLC.   If interested in learning more, the sign posted on the front of 1539 says to call 483-2453.

Long View Gallery Presents New Artists, New Art

This Thursday night (February 17, 2011) from 6:30 to 8:30, Long View Gallery celebrates the opening of a new group show entitled “New Artists, New Art.”  To attend the opening reception, RSVP to info@longviewgallery.com today. The show will run through March 13.

From the Press Release:

Meat Market by Shuan Richards (48” x 72”, acrylic, graphite, and oil on canvas)

Since re-opening in October of 2009, Long View Gallery has expanded its artist list to include talents from across the United States. This month we choose to celebrate the works of several standout new artists showing with Long View Gallery including Ryan McCoy, Shaun Richards, Jordan Bruns, Zach Sherif, Thomas Burkett, Amy Genser, Shawna Moore, Michelle Peterson-Albandoz, and Clyde Fowler. In addition to highlighting the incredible work by each of these artists, several of Long View Gallery’s favorites will be showing new and exciting pieces as a preview of what is to come. Join us, and many of the artists, at the opening reception to see the exciting new things happening at Long View Gallery!

Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest
202.232.4788

CityMarket at O: Facade Work Imminent and New Images

The CityMarket at O Blog has some updates that are sure to please all.  As discussed in detail on the blog, facade support work on the historic market should start later this month and take three months to complete, and full-on construction of the massive transformative project should start in late summer 2011 (knock on wood all goes as planned with HUD closing). 

Here are a few beautiful, new-to-me images of the planned CityMarket at O development from the CityMarket at O blog: 

New Giant grocery store at Eighth and O (see the historic market in the background, which will be incorporated into the new store)

West  building rooftop deck

East building rooftop courtyard and reconstructed roof to the historic market/new Giant

Looks awesome!

Valentines 2011: A Sure-To-Please Gift from Maruka

Maruka Gallery and Boutique has some fantastic and unique gifts for your loved one, from fabulous jewelry to handsome cufflinks to soothing bath products to gorgeous artwork.
Here's a message I just received from them:

Now is the time to strike an arrow through the heart of that very special crush. Be bold enough to string the bow and let your arrows fly. And your partners at Maruka are here to help with that perfect gift idea...

Our latest jewelry collection features new designs from Israel, in silver and gold with precious and semi-precious stones. We also have a fresh selection of cufflinks for the guys.

Natural healing, and soothing beauty products may be the right chord to striking the mood. We now proudly offer Bath and Body products from Kneipp of Germany, Massage Oils and Mists by Essence of Valley; and 100% natural soy and vegetable wax candles by K. Hall Designs and Elizabeth W.

And if beautiful art touches their sensitive soul, we have extended the Elizabeth Martineau exhibit at the upstairs Gallery. Select pieces of her vibrant creations are still available for purchase.

Stop by this weekend to grab something great!

Maruka Gallery and Boutique
1300 Ninth Street, NW (corner of 9th and N streets NW)
Washington DC 20001
202.745.1881
info@marukadc.com

garmetDISTRICT Coming to Seventh and New York

garmetDISTRICT is a pop-up retail space that will occupy the building at Seventh Street and New York Avenue from February 18 thorugh March 20. A project of Shaw Main Streets, Inc. and SiNGA, Inc., garmetDISTRICT will support local designers and artists by providing a unique space for them to display and sell their work. Several special events are programmed to take place at the site as well during garmetDISTRICT's duration. Funding in part provided by the DC Office of Planning and the generous support of Douglas Development Corporation.

Here's a recently released teaser video -- it's going to be so great to see this notable building brimming with life.

Valentines 2011: Corduroy

For those looking to impress their loved ones, acclaimed restaurant Corduroy features a Valentine’s Day dinner that will surely accomplish that mission. On February 14, Corduroy will offer a special three course meal $69 per person (excluding beverages, tax or gratuity). e menu will off er at least 5 choices per course. If interested, reserve as soon as possible on OpenTable.com or by calling (202) 589-0699.


Corduroy
1122 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.589.0699

Valentines 2011: The Passenger's Columbia Room

The Columbia Room at The Passenger always provides a unique and fun experience and would be a great Valentine's destination.  This year, they feature a great Valentine's day tasting menu entitled "Tastings of Aprhodesiacs and Elixirs."  The three course menu is viewable here and includes some intriguing drinks paired with delicious treats.

The Columbia Room at The Passenger
1021 Seventh Street, Northwest
202.393-0336 (reservations)

Progression Place Groundbreaking Monday

Although construction is already underway on the mixed use development called Progression Place at Seventh and S Streets, Northwest, the start of its construction was never properly celebrated like other area projects last year.  That will all change this Monday (February 7, 2011) at 11:00 AM when a "Groundbreaking Ceremony" will take place a few blocks away at The Lincoln Theater (1215 U Street, NW).  Featured speakers for the event include Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Chairman Kwame R. Brown, Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, and Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF President and CEO.

On a related subject, while I thought it was a done deal last summer, it's apparently now official  that the United Negro College Fund ("UNCF") purchased a 50,000-square-foot office condominium at Progression Place and will move its headquarters into the District from Fairfax.  

We indeed have much to celebrate!

Valentine's 2011: 1905

1905 is a fantastic destination this Valentine's Day, as Chef Matthew Richardson and Sous Chef Wilder Martinez have put together an amazing five course prix fixe menu for $55 (does not include tax, tip, or beverages). 1905 is small, cozy, romantic, and in high demand this February 14, so if you're interested you need to act quickly to make a reservation (e-mail tony@1905dc.com) because they're already halfway booked!

Here's a peak at their delicious Valentine's Day menu:

First Course
Saffron scented tomato bisque ~ gruyère gaufrette (v)
Maine lobster meatballs in aged sherry Newberg cream

Salad Course
Halved avocado dressed with Alsacienne aÏoli, cured olives, red onion, and Asiago croustade (v)
Roasted Beets with mixed greens and goat cheese in citron vinaigrette topped with candied pecans (v)

Amuse-Bouche
Wilder’s house cured duck prosciutto with apple relish and balsamic syrup

Main Course
Baked halibut ~ Smithfield ham cornbread stuffing, haricots verts, and dill beurre blanc
Filet mignon ~ Meyer Angus beef tenderloin with foie gras butter and red wine demi-glace over truffle whipped potatoes and baby bok choy
“Hen of the Woods” mushroom risotto ~ maitake mushrooms creamed with Arborio rice, served with grilled vegetables (v)

Dessert Course
Tiramisu
Chocolate bread pudding with raspberry coulis and toasted almonds

In addition to looking really tasty, a great feature of the menu is that it's vegetarian-friendly.


1905 Restaurant
1905 Ninth Street, Northwest, 2nd Floor
202.332.1905

Touchstone Gallery Presents Color of Love

This Friday (February 4, 2011), Touchstone Gallery celebrates the opening of its latest, fifty artist group show called “Color of Love.” The reception runs from 6 to 8:30. From the press release:

Image Credit:  Common Ground by Michele Cormier

"WHEREVER YOUR HEART IS, THAT IS WHERE YOU’LL FIND YOUR TREASURE." Paulo Coehlo

Touchstone Gallery announces COLOR OF LOVE, the upcoming February Member Show featuring many interpretations on the theme the "color of love".

This year, February is doubly the month of the heart: As well as containing Valentine's Day, it is also the American Heart Association's declared American Heart Month.

Fifty artists will have work on exhibition and their materials and color palettes will be as varied as their definitions of LOVE, including oil, water media, photography, sculpture, clay, wood + metals. And for many of the artists, also on view will be their venture in haiku to introduce their pieces.

Join us for a multifaceted exploration of the COLOR OF LOVE, and consider indulging your own exploration.

This heartfelt opening is on February 4, 6-8:30pm and can be enjoyed thru February 27, 2011.

For more information please contact Ksenia Grishkova, Director, at 202-347-2787 or e mail info@touchstonegallery.com

Touchstone Gallery
901 New York Avenue, NW
202.347.2787