Buy Me: Deja vu

Remember this report about a Craigslist posting advertising the sale of 1546 8th Street last year? Well yesterday I found this Craigslist posting advertising that 1546 8th Street is again for sale, only this time for just $299,000 (last year it was marketed at $500k). Here's the text of the ad, with the contact info. deleted (email me if you'd like me to send it to you -- slumhistorique at yahoo dot com -- after the posting expires):

$299000 Rehab Property for Sale (NW - Shaw)
Distressed 2 BR, 1.5 BA rowhouse with finished basement--For Sale By Owner. Very close to Metro, shopping, and Convention Center. Property can be made livable, but ideally needs major renovations by investor or real estate developer to make this property comparable with other $500K+ houses on the block. Looking for a quick and uncomplicated cash sale.

At $299k, this seems like a well-priced rehab property. The location is excellent, the block is great, and the potential is boundless (I personally envision a really modern, 3 story addition in the rear with a roof deck over the existing structure).

Landscape Design Resources

We are contemplating an overhaul of the ReNewShaw headquarters' backyard and are interested in engaging a landscape designer to help translate our ideas into a workable plan. Does anyone have a good recommendation for reasonably priced landscape designer, preferably one who can oversee the project from design to completion?

Like many row home backyards, ours is multi-functional: it's a place to park, it's an entertaining space, it's an outdoor kitchen, it's a vegetable garden, it's a place for our dog, and it's a green urban escape. It serves all of its functions decently right now, but could use some upgrades and a professional touch. We want a modern, clean, cohesive look that's currently lacking. We want foundational plants and perennials that provide greenery and (some) color year round. We want a better parking surface that can double as a patio. And currently, we want a landscape designer who can deliver all of the above without breaking the bank.

I've been contemplating adding some more content to the blog about home improvement, design and garden stuff, so I'll likely document this process.

Redevelopment Plan for 1501 9th

Below are some renderings recently submitted to the historic preservation review board by Inle Development for the redevelopment of 1501 9th Street, NW. 1501 9th is located at 9th and P Streets, NW, and is the former home to Wings Motors. As reported here, the land went on the market earlier this year.

The plans call for a two story retail space with outdoor seating and two, two story residences with roof decks. The conceptual plans are subject to refinement during the historic review process, but I think they're a beautiful starting point and would do wonders for this notable corner. I believe that this is matter-of-right development, so once the HPRB signs off on the plans, it can move forward.

Kelsey Gardens To Become Addison Square?

I randomly perused Metropolitan Development's to see if there are any updates on the Kelsey Gardens Redevelopment (which will totally makeover the western side of the 1500 block of 7th Street and the north side of the 700 block of P Street with new residences with tons of amenities, ground level retail and below grade parking). One interesting thing I learned is that the project will be called "Addison Square." I'm all for ditching the Kelsey Gardens moniker, but Addison Square doesn't really do it for me -- it sounds kinda suburban. What do you think?

Anyway, here's the rest of Metropolitan Development's project description for Kelsey Gardens--err, Addison Square:

Washington, DC
1 Acre
256 Apartments
15,000SF Retail

Addison Square is an exciting example of the redevelopment potential that exists to transform deteriorating apartment communities into unique high-rise mixed-income residential communities. Addison Square is located in Washington, DC, one block north of the new Convention Center and situated in a rapidly progressing neighborhood that has a unique mix of retail, office, public space, and residential lifestyles.

Metropolitan Development worked carefully to create a development plan that included a large percentage of affordable units. Of the 256 apartments units on this 1 acre site, 54 will be provided for low income residents. 15,000 square feet of street front retail has also been incorporated into this urban fill project. Addison Square will contain numerous community features such as a state-of-the-art fitness facilities, underground parking, clubroom, and cyber cafe. Addison Square is another project that further illustrates Metropolitan Development's development goals of creating successful development in high-barrier to entry markets.

I can't wait for this project to get going.

Coming Soon: Veranda Patio Seating?

This morning I saw a sign posted on the glass doors by Veranda's patio indicating that they have submitted an application with DDOT for a "sidewalk cafe." I presume this means that the large cement patio along P Street might soon be a spot for dining. I think that patio could be the perfect late afternoon/early evening spot for a glass of wine with friends or for weekend brunch, so hope they're successful in getting the application approved. Anyone got any inside info?

Veranda
1100 P Street, NW
202.234.6870

Foundation Work Commences at 9th and Q

Foundation work is finally underway on this project at the southeast corner of 9th and Q Streets, NW. Rumor is that 1) Construction -- which was anticipated to commence full steam ahead last fall -- was previously delayed due to some issues with the city; 2) All permitting lights are now green for the project; and 3) Delivery is expected by year's end. WOOT!


Photo and report credit belong to Shaw Rez's eyes and ears, Drew.

The Post on Shaw

How'd I miss this WaPo article profiling Shaw?

Logan Row Phase II Delivers

It appears that Phase II of the Logan Row Development, located in the 1400 block of 11th Street, is nearing completion and that delivery is imminent. Developed by Ellis Denning Properties, Phase II is a 20-unit (one and two bedrooms), 4 story, all-new construction project. Phase II also includes a common roof deck (over Phase I) for all Logan Rowers to enjoy. Penthouses in the 4 story section feature private roof decks.

Long View Gallery To Feature Works by Scott G. Brooks

The Long View Gallery celebrates its latest show, a collection of new paintings and drawings by Scott G. Brooks, with an opening reception this Saturday night from 5 to 8 p.m. The show will be up from this Saturday, May 10 through June 7.

The show is entitled Under the Skin and is the largest exhibit of work by Brooks to date. These new works are meticulously detailed, heightening the allure of their quirky narratives. Highlighted against a backdrop of social, sexual, and psychological themes, the details only reveal themselves after several viewings and close study--with new meanings developing at every glance.

The premiere of a short film exploring Brooks's creative process as he prepared for Under the Skin will be shown during the opening reception. This is the most recent film in Brandon Bloch's series showcasing Washington DC artists.

Brooks's distinctive work is highly collected and sought after. Brooks’s collectors include David Arquette and Courtney Cox, Patricia Arquette, Billy Shire, movie producer Charles Wessler, and author Frank Warren of the Post Secret book and website.

The Long View Gallery
1302 9th Street, NW
202.232.4788