Proposal for 926 N Street, NW

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.

Sneak Peak: 934 N Street, NW

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! 

Rogue 24 to Host Ten Star Chefs

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

Go Rogue on New Year's Eve

(I know it might be a little early for me to post about New Year's eve, but this is pretty cool....)

Looking for a delicious and unique way to ring in 2012?  Look no further! Rogue 24 is throwing a New Year’s Eve cocktail party!  James Beard award-winning Chef RJ Cooper and his team will serve some of their favorite dishes from Rogue 24's center-stage kitchen, and acclaimed bartender Derek Brown will sling cocktails and some bubbly selected by Rogue's General Manager and Beverage Director JP Fetherston from 10pm to 2am.  Tickets for the event are $150 and are available here.  More details here.

Separate from the cocktail event, Rogue 24 will also serve their 24 course dinner from 5-10pm (last reservation is at 7pm) on New Year's eve.  Call 202-408-9724 for reservations.
 
Rogue 24's NYE Cocktail Party
December 31st 10pm-2am
$150 all inclusive
Format: Cocktail Party

Rogue 24 Opens Tonight

The much anticipated Rogue 24 officially opens its doors tonight in Blagden Alley.  The WaPo has a writeip about the groundbreaking restaurant by RJ Cooper here.  I had the privilege of getting a sneak peak of the space a few weeks ago, and it looks fantastic and the dining experience is going to be like no other.

If you are one of the lucky ones who's dining there tonight, let us know about your experience in the comments!

Rogue 24
922 N Street, NW (Rear)

Rogue 24 to Open July 27

I got a sneak peak at the interior of this much-anticipated restaurant this past weekend; it is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to experience it as a patron.

Check out the press release (PDF) here.

Rogue 24 Opening Nears

Chef RJ Cooper posted a status on Facebook today indicating that his much-anticipated restaurant Rogue 24 received its certificate of occupancy today. And I found the following video teaser showing the interior nearing completion.

Very exciting!!!

Rogue 24 Update: Spring 2011 Opening

Rogue 24 is one of the most highly anticipated restaurants set to open in the District of Columbia in 2011.  And it's opening in our neighborhood!  

I am constantly on the hunt for new information about the restaurant, and recently spotted its brand new website, viewable here.  The site projects a "Spring 2011" opening and provides the following description of what to expect:

ROGUE 24 is a 52-seat urban fine dining restaurant set to open in Washington, DC in Spring 2011. Under the vision and direction of Chef/Owner RJ Cooper, guests will experience a progression of small dishes that excite the senses, tantalize the palate and awaken curiosity. The open kitchen, situated in the center of the dining room, invites guests seated around the kitchen stage to interact with Cooper and his culinary artisans as they craft each course and beverage pairing for the 24-act performance. The one-of-a-kind dining room serves as a platform to showcase the edible art for an audience of diners curious to explore the philosophy and inspiration behind Cooper’s distinct and captivating menu. Cooper will be joined by pastry chef, Chris Ford along with other culinary craftsman. Derek Brown, acclaimed sommelier and mixologist will direct the avant-garde beverage program. The menu includes eight unique beverage pairings–a combination of wine, cocktails, and beer. All beverages will be prepared tableside by an experienced mixologist/sommelier. As the beverage program is an integral part of the entire menu, creative non-alcoholic pairings will also be offered.

Chef RJ Cooper's facebook page has also revealed a few tidbits of great information about Rogue 24, such as:

March 17 - "We start construction monday"

March 16 - "Washington DC has released building permits for 922 N St. NW Rear the home of Rogue24.....Let the hammering commence!!!!!!!!"

March 16 - "So some of the line up for Rogue 24:

On Pastry: Chris Ford-coming from Trummer's on Main

Sous Chef: Mikey Maksimowicz-coming from Vidalia and was the assistant for Vidalia 24 when we started it.

Sous Chef: Johnny Spero-coming from staging at Noma, Alinea and was at Komi

So this is just the start of a great crew."

March 3 - "Demo has started"

So exciting!