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| Photo courtesy of PoP |
Update: The new location will seat 223 inside, with additional seating for 104 outside.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Ping Pong Dim Sum Coming to Dupont
Update: The new location will seat 223 inside, with additional seating for 104 outside.
New Giant Slated for 3rd and H St NE
Good news for the H street corridor. The Washington Business Journal reports that Chevy Chase-based developer Steuart Investment Co. has lured Giant as the retail anchor for their 286,500-square-foot-project called 360˚ H Street. The Giant will fill 41,200 square feet of ground-level retail, with another 1,500 square foot bay yet to be filled.
The development, which will house 215 rental units and 270 underground parking spaces, has been looking for a grocery for its ground level for quite some time. Steuart Investment Co, led by Guy Steuart, also approached Harris Teeter, Yes!Organic Market and Trader Joe's.
Not all residents were thrilled to see Giant lease the space over the other higher-end groceries. H Street's ANC chairman, Kelvin Robinson, commented that the H street community “wanted to have a different level of store.”
However, the move appears to be a savvy one for Giant. As Tony Richardson (ANC 6C) aptly noted in response to some critics, "What’s so bad about Giant? Right now there’s nothing there.”
The new store will be two blocks from Union Station, along the much-anticipated (and yet unbuilt) NE streetcar line, and will be across from another residential development by Abdo, with an additional 480 units. Per DC's supermarket tax exemption program, it's likely that Giant will be granted a 10-year tax abatement at that location. Steuart Investment Co was awarded a $5 million abatement last year to build 360˚ H Street.
DC's Ward 6 councilman, Tommy Wells, has also expressed his support for the project. He was recently quoted by WBJ as stating, "This is a great next step in the revitalization of the H Street Corridor. I'm excited that Giant has been exploring more urban and transit-oriented store designs and I'm eager to see Steuart and Giant deliver on a vision that embraces the new streetcar and the proximity to Union Station."
Giant is also leasing retail space at the new Citymarket at O development--a highly anticipated project that will encompass the blocks between 7th and 9th, and O and P streets NW. The historic Shaw location will feature a 72,000-square-foot Giant, almost twice the size of the H St location.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
15th Street Bike Lanes Updated
Thought you'd enjoy this picture (from Beyond DC.com) of the new bikes lanes. I walked past them last night on the way home from Whole Foods...they look really nice, and there were a ton of people using them. I think 2-way, protected bike lanes are a great way to encourage folks like myself to bike, who otherwise might be afraid of injury.
Restaurant Review: Justin's Cafe
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| Photo courtesy of Thrillist.com |
I've heard Half Street referred to as the developer's walk of shame, with signs advertising coming attractions that have been indefinitely delayed. Certainly, the dining options in this part of SE (or, SE in general) are fairly limited. With talk of condos laying dormant and little new residential growth, I was worried that Justin's Cafe would be virtually empty. Even the management of Justin's had recently been quoted as expressing concerns about their post-baseball season profitability.
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So I was pleasantly surprised to find that, on this random Sunday night, Justin's had a decent crowd. 3 tables, and maybe 8 bar patrons...not bad, considering their occupancy must be, like, 30. The small size of the restaurant came as a surprise to me as well...I'd bet the developers originally intended it for a fast-casual lunch concept to service the nearby office buildings. But most of those buildings are empty and, well, the developers need a place to drink.
Speaking of drinks, I had heard that Justin's had a good beer selection, and the bar definitely didn't disappoint. Their drink menu (here) features beers from Oscar Blues, Oberon and Racer 5--to name a few. Happy hour runs from 4-7, with progressive pricing (4-6 $3 draft beers; 6-7 draft beers increase to $4, etc). The bar also features a weekly wing eating contest, and a Tuesday trivia night.
The food menu is very reasonably priced. Salads and sandwiches are all less than $10, and most of the pizza's are in the $10-$13 range. Almost all the menu items are named after streets in Justin's hometown of Charleston, So my bison burger? We OK, that was just called Bison Burger. But you want a white pizza? No no, that's a "Wentworth." You'll order at the register (it's the future of foodservice, I'm telling you!) and fill your own soda cup, but the waitress will bring out your order and clear your table. After a Nat's game I could see this being a hectic system, but Sunday night it worked out just fine.
We went the bar-food-ish route, and ordered the Bison Burger with fries and 'The Bull" (Italian sausage and pepper sandwich) with sweet potato fries. The sandwiches were good, but next time I'd try one of their salads or pizzas that seem a little more exciting (full food menu with prices is here). The fries were all house-cut, which lent some nice character to an otherwise standard side. And a few extras (ciabatta bread, speciality horseradish cheddar, etc) helped elevate the meal somewhat above that of a standard neighborhood bar.
All in all though, I wouldn't make a special trip to Justin's. It makes me feel bad to say it, because I think they're such a boon to the neighborhood and I don't want to see them go under...but there's just not enough nearby to draw me there. Next baseball season though, I definitely plan on some pre or post game action there. Justin's is half as expensive and twice as good as anything you'll find in the ballpark!
Monday, November 8, 2010
What $350K Gets You in DC
I'm starting a new regular post on the blog, because I love real estate so much. In the first real estate comp, I take a look at what you can get for $350K in DC's current rental market:
1 br 1 ba top floor condo in Dupont Circle (1904 R St NW #6)
This 573 sq foot condo isn't huge, but the location is key. You're only 1 block from the restaurants, bars and shopping of Connecticut Ave, 2 blocks from the Dupont Safeway, and less than a 10 minute walk to the Dupont North metro entrance and several bus lines. It's a penthouse unit, and because it's a back unit it's likely quieter than others in the building. The building also has central A/C, which is shockingly not that prevalent in DC condos--and a huge boon in the hot, humid DC summers. There are also some interesting architectural features to this unit...see built in bookcases, below
However, there are some negatives to consider. At this price point in this neighborhood, you're not getting parking--and street parking here can be difficult. The Redfin/MLS listing doesn't mention an elevator...which means you're carrying all your furniture up to the top floor when you move into the building. And, this unit doesn't have it's own W/D...you'll be sharing laundry facilities located in the basement of the building. The kitchen also has an odd, cramped layout...there's a bar next to the bedroom, adjacent to the kitchen...an attempt to add more counter space, surely.
DC Racontuer Conclusion: This would be a great buy for someone who is single, or has a million books. The neighborhood is an especially safe one, so that could potentially be a positive for a woman living alone. But, if you're someone who really loves cooking, this kitchen won't enthuse you. And for me personally, no W/D in the unit would be a deal-breaker...it makes the unit feel more like an apartment than a home.
If you're someone who would prefer a house to a condo, then you might like this next listing.....
2 br 1 ba attached row house with potential in Truxton Circle (1404 3rd St NW)
1404 3rd St is a much larger piece of real estate, clocking in at 1,236 sq feet.
This Victorian is described as a "fixer-upper" needing "some updating." The kitchen appliances are older and aren't stainless steel, and the bathroom could use some cosmetic updates as well....but all fairly easy updates and mostly cosmetic concerns that could be fixed by a younger buyer (or couple) over the period of a few years.
However, location may be a concern for some buyers. It's a little far to walk to the Mt. Vernon or Shaw-Howard metro stations, especially in the evenings, and the proximity to the rougher N. Capitol Street (2 blocks) may make some uncomfortable.
DC Raconteur verdict: This house would be an excellent choice for a young couple buying their first home, as long as they don't mind a little "sweat equity" and a neighborhood that could take as much as a decade to develop.
If you'd prefer a more centrally located property, there are still many affordable offerings in Columbia Heights that are both closer to the metro and to the convenience of the DCUSA shopping center (Target, Best Buy, etc).
2 br 1 ba basement condo in Columbia Heights (1458 Fairmont St NW #1)
Typically, basement condo units are a deal-breaker for me. But, the basement unit in this end-row house offers a lot of light and a large floor plan (1,008 sq ft). It has both front and back entrances, making it feel more like a home than an apartment. It also has a few "higher-end" offerings like a gas range in the kitchen and an in-unit W/D.
However, the kitchen appliances aren't updated, and instead of re-doing the counter top it looks like the developer decided to tile it over...not the most aesthetic choice:
This unit is a good choice for someone who wants the convenience to shopping and public transport offered by the Dupont condo, but with a nicer kitchen layout and without the need to share laundry facilities with your building-mates. However, basement units can vary greatly in the amount of noise that comes from the street and from the upstairs neighbors. I'd screen this unit cautiously before falling for it's bells and whistles.
Finally...if you're someone who drives frequently...or someone who wants a "fixer-upper" you can put your personal twist on, the above properties won't necessarily be your cup of tea. Perhaps you'd prefer something in Petworth, where homes tend to be larger but remain affordable (mostly because of their age).
4 br 2 br row house with yard and off-street parking in Petworth (764 Newton Pl NW)
This is definitely the most house for your buck. At 1,360 sq feet, this home has a basement that can be converted into a rental/in-law suite, a backyard, a second-level deck, and space for offstreet parking in the rear. It's also one of DC's desirable 3-level row homes.
However, I'd only recommend this home for someone who is a professional contractor or EXTREMELY motivated. The bathrooms need to be totally redone (see the vision of Pepto Pink, below) and pretty much all the flooring in the house needs to be ripped up.
Also, I'd remind folks not familiar with Petworth that there are safety concerns with this neighborhood. Most Petworth residents are families who have lived there for quite a long time and who would make wonderful neighbors. But it should be noted that there is still active gang and crew activity in Petworth...including a rash of shootings this past summer. While most of this violence can be classified as crew on crew, it can be very unsettling for those who live nearby.
1 br 1 ba top floor condo in Dupont Circle (1904 R St NW #6)
This 573 sq foot condo isn't huge, but the location is key. You're only 1 block from the restaurants, bars and shopping of Connecticut Ave, 2 blocks from the Dupont Safeway, and less than a 10 minute walk to the Dupont North metro entrance and several bus lines. It's a penthouse unit, and because it's a back unit it's likely quieter than others in the building. The building also has central A/C, which is shockingly not that prevalent in DC condos--and a huge boon in the hot, humid DC summers. There are also some interesting architectural features to this unit...see built in bookcases, below
However, there are some negatives to consider. At this price point in this neighborhood, you're not getting parking--and street parking here can be difficult. The Redfin/MLS listing doesn't mention an elevator...which means you're carrying all your furniture up to the top floor when you move into the building. And, this unit doesn't have it's own W/D...you'll be sharing laundry facilities located in the basement of the building. The kitchen also has an odd, cramped layout...there's a bar next to the bedroom, adjacent to the kitchen...an attempt to add more counter space, surely.
If you're someone who would prefer a house to a condo, then you might like this next listing.....
2 br 1 ba attached row house with potential in Truxton Circle (1404 3rd St NW)
1404 3rd St is a much larger piece of real estate, clocking in at 1,236 sq feet.
This Victorian is described as a "fixer-upper" needing "some updating." The kitchen appliances are older and aren't stainless steel, and the bathroom could use some cosmetic updates as well....but all fairly easy updates and mostly cosmetic concerns that could be fixed by a younger buyer (or couple) over the period of a few years.
However, location may be a concern for some buyers. It's a little far to walk to the Mt. Vernon or Shaw-Howard metro stations, especially in the evenings, and the proximity to the rougher N. Capitol Street (2 blocks) may make some uncomfortable.
DC Raconteur verdict: This house would be an excellent choice for a young couple buying their first home, as long as they don't mind a little "sweat equity" and a neighborhood that could take as much as a decade to develop.
If you'd prefer a more centrally located property, there are still many affordable offerings in Columbia Heights that are both closer to the metro and to the convenience of the DCUSA shopping center (Target, Best Buy, etc).
2 br 1 ba basement condo in Columbia Heights (1458 Fairmont St NW #1)
Typically, basement condo units are a deal-breaker for me. But, the basement unit in this end-row house offers a lot of light and a large floor plan (1,008 sq ft). It has both front and back entrances, making it feel more like a home than an apartment. It also has a few "higher-end" offerings like a gas range in the kitchen and an in-unit W/D.
However, the kitchen appliances aren't updated, and instead of re-doing the counter top it looks like the developer decided to tile it over...not the most aesthetic choice:
This unit is a good choice for someone who wants the convenience to shopping and public transport offered by the Dupont condo, but with a nicer kitchen layout and without the need to share laundry facilities with your building-mates. However, basement units can vary greatly in the amount of noise that comes from the street and from the upstairs neighbors. I'd screen this unit cautiously before falling for it's bells and whistles.
Finally...if you're someone who drives frequently...or someone who wants a "fixer-upper" you can put your personal twist on, the above properties won't necessarily be your cup of tea. Perhaps you'd prefer something in Petworth, where homes tend to be larger but remain affordable (mostly because of their age).
4 br 2 br row house with yard and off-street parking in Petworth (764 Newton Pl NW)
This is definitely the most house for your buck. At 1,360 sq feet, this home has a basement that can be converted into a rental/in-law suite, a backyard, a second-level deck, and space for offstreet parking in the rear. It's also one of DC's desirable 3-level row homes.
However, I'd only recommend this home for someone who is a professional contractor or EXTREMELY motivated. The bathrooms need to be totally redone (see the vision of Pepto Pink, below) and pretty much all the flooring in the house needs to be ripped up.
Hub Bub in Eastern Market
Hi all--Sorry it's been so long since I last blogged. Work has just been insanely busy!
Looks like there's quite a bit going on in the Eastern Market (Barrack's Row) neighborhood. Via PoP, I was informed of several new restaurants that have opened or will open soon:
8th Street Bar and Grill located at 727 8th St SE, featuring American cuisine, dancing and live 5-piece bands.
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Bavarian Beer Garden located at 720 L St SE, featuring European and American cuisine, and an outdoor summer beer garden for 200.
View Larger Map
DC-3 located at 423 8th St SE, an airplane-themed restaurant by the Matchbox team, featuring gourmet hot dogs.
View Larger Map
Looks like all great new options for the neighborhood!
Looks like there's quite a bit going on in the Eastern Market (Barrack's Row) neighborhood. Via PoP, I was informed of several new restaurants that have opened or will open soon:
8th Street Bar and Grill located at 727 8th St SE, featuring American cuisine, dancing and live 5-piece bands.
View Larger Map
Bavarian Beer Garden located at 720 L St SE, featuring European and American cuisine, and an outdoor summer beer garden for 200.
View Larger Map
DC-3 located at 423 8th St SE, an airplane-themed restaurant by the Matchbox team, featuring gourmet hot dogs.
View Larger Map
Looks like all great new options for the neighborhood!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Most Over-reported New Stories of the Week
Capital Bikeshare. I know! It's here! Everyone's excited (except for the people who live near Lincoln Park who got their's axed). Well, and that Canadian guy who complained about it (and later conceded halfway through his post/rant that the system is only half complete). But...please...no more bikeshare news.
Michelle Rhee. Yes, she's awesome. Yes, Gray will probably boot her. But please, enough in-depth analysis of her policies, her popularity, her role in the mayoral primaries, her ability to divide DC residents, etc etc etc. On that note, I'm seeing "Waiting for Superman" next week, in which Rhee makes an appearance (it's a documentary about school reform). Oops
Food Trucks. Food trucks vs traditional restaurants. New food trucks. Food truck reality TV show. Food trucks battling eachother for local "best of" titles. Food trucks tweets. Food truck "ghettos." Food truck=the new cupcake.
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