Spotted: Work Underway on Several Projects

Yesterday was an eye-catching day for renewal in Shaw.

Last night, I noticed that scaffolding is up around Douglas Development’s historic properties across from the convention center at the corner of Seventh and New York Avenue, NW (where the Temporium was), 1005-1011 Seventh Street, NW. A quick look into DCRA’s permit database indicates that exterior façade work is what we’re to expect of this project.

Earlier in the day, neighbors saw workers inside 1320 Ninth Street (just north of Mood Lounge) and report that the full rehab of the long-vacant structure has begun. The rumor is that notable designer Darryl Carter plans to make the building into offices and a showroom for his firm.

Also spotted yesterday? Demolition has begun at 1539 Ninth Street, NW. The row home – vacant since a fire in 2007 – is about to undergo a total gut job renovation and be transformed into two condominiums. Check out my October Shaw Streets (PDF) column in the MidCity DC newspaper here for more information about this project.

And while I didn’t notice them yesterday, a few noteworthy projects with major movement recently are worthy of shoutouts.

First, after several months of dormancy, the mixed use building at 1501 Ninth Street, NW (corner of Ninth and P Streets) that will house Mandalay Burmese Restaurant is abuzz with activity and has risen three stories out of the ground. I hear it should be complete in the spring.

Second, demolition, asbestos and lead abatement work has been underway at Shiloh’s forthcoming $2.1 million Wallace Charles Smith Community Services building at 1531-1533 Ninth Street, NW.

Third, the renovation of the long vacant properties at Q, Ninth and Rhode Island (formerly known for the murals that adorned them) is really moving at a brisk pace. It’s so great to see the properties with new windows and lit up at night. I can’t wait to see the final product.

Finally, CityMarket at O celebrates the start of major construction with an event on Friday, November 18 at 10 a.m. The District sold almost $40M in city tax increment revenue bonds for the project this week, and closing on HUD financing is scheduled for the week of November 14. While some work is already underway, the next step will be the demolition of the Giant and excavation of the entire 2 blocks (except for the the historic market, which Clark is currently bracing to withstand the excavation).