DC Community Heritage Grants Available!!!

From DC Community Heritage Project's intern:

I am an intern with the DC Historic Preservation Office helping out with the DC Community Heritage Project. I thought some of your readers might be interested in applying for one of the DC Community Heritage Project grants due on May 1. The program is offering up to $2,000 for nonprofits working on projects to document and preserve DC's heritage.

We are having a grant workshop next Tuesday, April 21 at the Southeast Neighborhood Library form 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. If you'd like any more information you can get in touch with Albert Shaheen at grants@wdchumanities.org or you can find more details at the Humanities Council of Washington, DC website.

Thank you for your help and I hope you can pass this information along to folks who might be interested.

Best,
Eli Pousson

Seeking Adult Mentors!

Now who doesn't like promoting community service? At the request of Margie Hoerrner, the following is a shout out to people who want to become mentors as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Mentors Inc. programs.

Are you interested in making a difference in the life of a child? Consider becoming a mentor.

I am organizing a community mentoring program, in collaboration with Big Brother Big Sister, and Mentors Inc., for children ages 8-18 years old, in the LeDroit Park neighborhood of NW Washington DC. I’m currently seeking adult (21+ years old) mentors who are looking to make a difference in the life a child. Time commitment is one hour per week.

Please come to our community information meeting to learn more.

What: Community mentoring information meeting

Who: Adult mentors, 21+ years old, interested in making a difference in the life of a child.

When: Monday, March 30, from 6:30 - 8:00pm

Where: Florida Avenue Baptist Church, 623 Florida Avenue NW
***Please note that you will have to enter the building via the rear entrance off of U Street, at the corner of U and Bohrer (one block west of 6th Street NW).

RSVP: Margot Hoerrner, (202) 341-5686, hoerrner@gmail.com

43 Seaton Place, NW

I'm posting this listing for 43 Seaton Place, NW, at the request of the seller.

Check the place out at http://www.43seaton.com/

Looks quite lovely, doesn't it?

Rooting DC 2009. The 2nd Annual Urban Gardening Forum

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009

Who: Are you a community gardener in Washington, DC? A teacher with a schoolyard garden? A member of a garden club or block club interested in beautifying your neighborhood? Involved with a non-profit leading a gardening program? Or, are you interested to get involved with such community projects? If so, you are invited to attend this forum designed to bring DC Gardeners together to reconnect. Join us to share resources and foster partnerships between those who are working towards common goals of a greener, healthier DC!

REGISTER here. http://www.rootingdc.org/
Keep Rooting DC Free: DONATE here. http://www.rootingdc.org/donate
VOLUNTEER! Contact Liz Falk at 7thStreetGarden@gmail.com
to help either the weeks prior to the event and/or during.

Where: At the beautiful and historic Carnegie Library, 801 K Street NW.
When: 10 am - 4pm, a light lunch will be provided.
How Much: Just like last year, this event will be FREE and open to the public!

Firehouse Restaurant Update

This is an old pic before $100,000 of work was done on the building(although it still looks the same to me the last time I passed by it). Apparently, it is now for sale as the Bloomingdale blog notes. Brian Brown, the owner and developer of the property, posted an update on the Eckington listserv explaining what is going on:

I would like to give the neighborhood an update on the Firehouse restaurant project. Since many people joined this list midstream I will backtrack a little so everyone is on the same page.

Several years ago Nextgen Development was awarded the Firehouse via RFP where we were to be the developer and Mike Benson (operator of St Ex bar and café) would be the operator. Near the end of a year planning stage Mike Benson and his partners dropped out for personal reasons. Over the next 14 Months we met with approximate 20+ qualified operators and while there was interest from many operators, most were frankly afraid to take the chance of opening a restaurant in an untested neighborhood. Near the end of the 14 months we met Twyla Garett of Martini 2020 who upon looking at the site and the neighborhood potential rapidly moved forward to commit to the project. Nextgen proceeded to complete the acquisition and moved forward on the project. Unfortunately for Nextgen Twyla signed that agreement just as the financial mess hit nationwide. As a result four or five months after she signed the agreement the financing she had lined up disappeared and she defaulted on her agreement.

In spite of that default Nextgen made the decision to move forward on the project while we looked for a new operator. We committed to spending between $500,000 and $750,000 of our own funds while we searched for a new operator. (Note: this does not include the $100,000 in interest payments we have made to date while we carry this project) The work performed to date on the site is as follows:

95% completion of the exterior building restoration.

We addressed some environmental issues we became aware of

We completed 90% of the non-structural demo required for the project

We spent $250+k completing the architectural and structural plans.

We initiated structural stabilization of the building

Bid out most aspects of the critical systems so we could move quickly when we find the right operator.

During the time we were doing the above work we have continued to search for operators. While we have gotten close to signing a new operator over 7 times, each time something would surface near the completion of the deal that undid it. I will share two such situations here. One operator we found was in a financial cash position to move forward however one of the conditions they were looking for some nominal help from the city for their first 5 years of operation to make their numbers work.. Unfortunately while we had every indication from the city that this would happen (including legislation being introduced to that effect) however the deteriorating local economy killed the city’s ability to deliver that help in fiscal 2008 and that deal died. Subsequent to that opportunity collapsing we signed a letter of intent with another operator, and started working through the operating agreement, however 1 week after we signed that agreement their financing partner collapsed. (Their financing partner was Lehman Brothers)

During the time we have been have been marketing the space we have gotten a number of operators that expressed interest only if they could purchase the building as part of the transaction. In the past we declined to consider that because we wanted to make sure that we could fulfill our commitment to the community of delivering a restaurant on the first level of the building.

After discussion with several bankers regarding how restaurants are currently being financed we have come to realize that in today’s financial instability that the only likely way that a restaurant will get financing on this type project is if they use the building as collateral to complete the build out. While this was not true in the past the problems banks are having has resulted in it being nearly impossible for any other option.

To that end we have changed our marketing strategy to bring this project to market. Shortly you will see a lease/sale sign appear on the building. This is also being placed in Co-star, Loop net as well as the MLS as a sale/lease. The hope is to bring in an operator that previously might have rejected it because they could not lock in their costs by purchasing part or majority ownership of the project at the time they build-out the restaurant. It may be that we may just become general contractor on this project. Our intent is to still to find a way in spite of the financial environment to try to move this project forward. We are trying to think outside the box to keep this process moving. We have also reached out to the Council members’ office for advice/options also. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Brian Brown

The Inaugural Concert

On Saturday night, a friend of mine called me and told me she had a spare VIP ticket to the concert and asked if I wanted to go with her. Of course I said yes! Here are some pics on flickr from our pretty awesome seats.

We even had better seats than Virginia Senator Mark Warner! He sat behind us.

An Urban Neighborhood on the Rise

I thought this Washington Post article was generally positive and presented an accurate portrayal of Eckington.

Kudos to Mary Ellen Slaytor, the article's author. She had contacted me through this blog to get my thoughts and I'm glad that she was able to get a variety of viewpoints from the diverse Eckington population.

Are "Gentrifiers" Close-Minded?

Commenter AfroDC made the following comment to my post about Sursum Corda from December of last year:

Wow, it really is amazing to have confirmation about what African-Americans suspected of White people living in our neighborhoods. Your close-mindedness is sad. What's even worst is that you and your "hubby" are two reaons why 500 families will be displaced. The inhabitants of Sursum Corda, yes black and yes, some are drug dealers, weren't given the same opportunities as you or have the luxury to bike through and criticize someone else's neighborhood. Thank you again for confirming this for me, it helps me when we gather at nights to do our "kill-whitey" rituals.

In all honesty, I'm not losing sleep over this comment. I've engaged in this conversation many times before and frankly don't have the energy or time to write a long blogpost to defend myself nor do I think I even need to. But I thought I'd dedicate a post to the comment since I do think it's important that neighborhoods talk about these issues as they inevitably come up on a regular basis and especially whenever change comes into a neighborhood.

Attendance at James Bond Film Festival in NoMa

I've received some inquiries as to how well attended the James Bond in NoMa event has been. The picture above of the July 17 Moonraker showing should answer those questions. According to the Real Estate Bisnow article accompanying the picture, NoMa BID President Liz Price says the film festival has attracted about 200 people per show.

I actually haven't gotten around to watching a show as I am never available on Thursdays but anyone has any other experiences they'd like to share about the shows?

Au Bon Pain Coming to NoMa Marriott

So my blog has been on vacation for the last month or so but I'm hoping my postings will be start to pick up again.

That said, Au Bon Pain will be opening up at the Marriott Courtyard (which is also looking like it's coming along well for its expected opening next year).

And if you haven't noticed their signs up yet at the ATF retail space, we had reported that Five Guys was coming to NoMa. It has actually been official for the last couple of weeks.

Bloomingdale Farmers Market Starts This Weekend!

Sundays, May 18-November 23
10 am - 2 pm.
First & R Streets NW, next to the Big Bear Cafe

Go!

Greyhound moving on out, eventually...

I've always wondered how the Greyhound station would fit in with all of the developments going up around it. It's been there way before "NoMa" became a real estate buzzword. At the least, I thought the station would be spruced up as its run-down state become even more glaring next to the new buildings going up.

Now I know that it's up for sale and that in fact, selling the property and moving Greyhound inside Union Station has been discussed for some time. It's also been reported that there is a lot of excitement (at least among real estate people) about Greyhound's decision to sell because its location is considered to be a key part of NoMa's redevelopment. The city would like to see First Street NE as the heart of NoMa and as a neighborhood retail center where NoMa residents can hang out.

It gets easier to visualize NoMa as a vibrant business district as we hear more about big leases being signed, etc. but I still can't visualize it as a "neighborhood." Maybe when the residential properties are completed and the Harris Teeter opens, it'll be easier to. But for now, a NoMa neighborhood is still a ways away with none of the residential properties finished (have they even started any of those buildings?) and with Greyhound still planning to lease back once they find a buyer.

Bike Rack at the NY Avenue Metro

I just noticed this bike rack by Pound today. It's kind of in a random location, not right by the metro entrance. Maybe they put them there in anticipation of more street traffic due to people attending the James Bond film festival or for the hotel and eateries opening up?

They had reckless drivers back then too....

Thanks to a Bloomingdale resident for alerting me to this photo and story of a streetcar derailment in Eckington, circa 1919. Read all about it here.

Don't Forget...Artomatic Opening This Friday!

Don't forget! Over 700 artists and 300 performances will be at Artomatic 2008 and it's all starting this Friday at the Capitol Plaza I building (bad picture to the left) on 1st and M Streets, NE.

Highlights of opening weekend (from the NoMa BID press release) include:

*Unveiling of nine floors of 2-D and 3-D visual arts presentations by more than 700 local and regional artists.
*Flights of Fire--a fire dancing performance to be held outside at 9 p.m., Friday, May 9.
*"Electro-acoustic psychedelic world dance music" by Baltimore’s Telesma at 9 p.m., Friday, May 9.
*A Latin dance workshop with professional dance instructor Ibis Villegas, featuring salsa, merengue, samba, and other styles at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
*Progressive rock by Guardians of Iridescence at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
*"The Road to Success," performance art by Carolina Mayorga in the form of a new TV game show at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
*New wave/indie rock by Plastiq Passion, an all-girl band from Union City, New Jersey at 11 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
*An expressive drawing workshop with Giliah Litwack at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 11.
*"In-your-face" jazz/jam music "with a touch of funk" by Bethesda, JD-based Bassment Breaks at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 11.

More information and the full schedule of events is at www.artomatic.org.

Scenic Artisan at the Bloomingdale blog and other neighborhood artists will be exhibiting so more reason to go!

Pound Coffee Now Has Weekend Hours

As noted earlier, Pound Coffee now has weekend hours. According to their website and from when I passed by yesterday, they are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So no more excuses not to try them out!

Walking Tour of Eckington

I'm posting some pics I took of the Eckington walking tour. The rest are on flickr including random pictures of the neighborhood. Eckington Tour also has some tour pictures next to pictures of Eckington way back in the day. It was a very well attended tour of about 60 people, many of whom lived in the neighborhood and in DC but also included a surprising number of people who live outside of DC.

Waiting for the tour to start in front of the ATF building

Judd & Detwiler Building/XM Satellite Building at 1500 Eckington Place, NE

Eckington School, 111 Quincy Place, NE

McKinley Technical High School, 151 T Street, NE

The Old Car Barn at 4th & T Streets, NE

Bloomingdale Farmers Market to Start in May

According to the the Washington Post's 2008 Farmers Market Guide, the Bloomingdale Farmers Market on Sundays will start back up in May. The guide actually has conflicting start dates. The Map entry lists the start date as May 3 while the Market Listings has it as May 18. Since May 3 is not even a Sunday, I think the start date will probably be May 18. I've asked for clarification but haven't heard back so if anyone knows too, let me know. Either way, I'm looking forward to this earlier start date and making a visit to the market a regular Sunday event again!

Photo by In Shaw.

2020 Martini Cafe and Lounge Coming to North Capitol Street

For those who are dying to see some positive sign of life on North Capitol, which I'm assuming is most of Bloomingdale and Eckington, here it is.

The old firehouse will be developed into 2020 Martini Cafe and Lounge, a restaurant offering pizza, pasta, sushi, and a whole lot more.

Here is the Biz Journal article and Bloomingdale's post about this awesome news.

One thing I didn't read anywhere is when is it going to be done? It sounds like it's going to be a pretty big project requiring a complete renovation of the building. Is it too hopeful to think it'll be done in a year?

Delayed restaurant openings, losing Eckington Park, and safety escort services...

Check out NoMa BID's spring newsletter. It provides an overview of all NoMa-related happenings since the start of the year. Here are notables:

Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli and Sister’s Pizza & Mussels is expected to be open by June. That is probably very unlikely. It is already mid-April and although the space has been cleaned out the last time I passed by and I see what look like walls being built, I don't think it'll be done by June.

Coming soon are the ground breaking for several residential buildings, two of which are far away from Eckington (450 units at 1st and M Street NE and 300 unit apartment building at 60 L Street). But Trammell Crow Residential's 650-unit Eckington I is right in the neighborhood. That is the location of "Eckington Park." I don't really see any new activity at the park besides the occasionally residents running laps or playing with their dogs. Anyone notice anything new? Does coming soon mean some time this year?

Finally, BID is planning to launch a Safety Ambassador Program this month. These ambassadors I assume will be like those in other BIDs. Among their tasks is "providing safety escort services upon request." As an Eckington resident, I couldn't imagine using such a service (except super late at night when the ambassadors probably aren't working anymore).

But for those people who will soon be working in NoMa and are worried about safety, I hope these ambassadors will be able to appease some of your concerns. I've never felt unsafe walking or biking through NoMa during the day or early evening but I consider this area my neighborhood. I can completely understand not feeling too great in an area that you're not familiar with.