DC Metrocentric

Back in 1895, DC residents apparently had a much wider selection of places to drink and “socialize” downtown. This map highlighted the 50 saloons and 109 purported brothels, or bawdy houses, in what was known as the “Hooker’s Division” of DC at the turn of the last Century. There were also 61 places within these few blocks where liquor could be purchased. 

Can you imagine what New Years was like in that area back in the day?  Just about the only place you can go these days to get that high a concentration of debauchery is Adams Morgan, minus the Bawdy houses of course! Have a great New Years, see you in 2008!

While it’s not quite as foggy as in this beautiful photo Timo Kosenko has captured, it sure is hard to see this morning.

This weather lately has really been creating some strange mornings in the area. Can’t it just snow some more?

Your weekly chance to take a stab at real estate appraisal.

Well done with the guesses for this Holiday edition of PriceChecker… 

All the results are in and this large townhouse in Friendship Heights (or Chevy Chase if you prefer) is on the market for a nice sum of $1.25 million.

We hope the pictures didn’t fake you out into thinking this was an old classic home, it was actually built in 1999 and is the end unit of one of those mini-town-home developments that builders tend to squeeze in everywhere!

How about a little before and after demolition action on this beautiful Friday?

Located on M street in SW SE DC, this old apartment building has been slated for demolition since last year. After many delays, the wrecking ball has finally fallen! This demo puts a cap on a year of major change for South West East DC and there is much more to come in the new year. We are looking forward to all the new construction around the new Nationals Stadium, as well as the plans for the new Waterfront Mall!

Hope the areas residents and workers are ready for a little noise in 2008 because there’s going to be a lot going on!

Check back later this afternoon for the Pricechecker Big Reveal!

(There is still time to get your guess in)

Still havn’t made New Years eve plans? Have no fear, there are still plenty of choices out there, but if you are looking for a place with history and great ambiance, you may want to try the Old Ebbitt Grill. 

Washington’s oldest and most historic saloon, the Old Ebbitt Grill was founded in 1856. Its present location at 675 15th Street, N.W. is in a beautiful Beaux-Arts style building and its interior evokes the classic Victorian style.

There are still tickets available and the night includes live music by Express, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast at midnight, live Times Square broadcast, balloon drop and dancing.

If you are all about atmosphere, The Old Ebbitt grill might be a great way to enjoy the new year! [Flickr Photo:DBKing]

On the Virginia side of the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria sits the waterside home of political consultants James “Ragin’ Cajun” Carville and Mary ”I’m Conservative” Matalin.

Known for their diametrically opposing political views, the couple has been at the center of US Politics for years and they had a significant impact on the 2004 Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns. Though a quick look at the interior of their home reveals who always wins the arguments at home.

The interior decorating of this house is so scary to us! It’s a mishmash of pinks and reds and looks like the home of a fairy princess, not a true blood Cajun! The exterior though is a classic inspired colonial townhome and it is sitting on a beautiful waterfront lot facing towards downtown DC. The latest Alexandria property appraisal puts the homes value at $4.1 million.

Can you imagine what it would be like to be their neighbor? The Carville/Matalin home is the end unit, but they share a wall with the townhouse next door, so it must get noisy with all the heated political arguments and cocktail parties that must go one every week!

 We highly urge you to follow the jump to see the worlds scariest and largest family portrait…

Read the rest of this entry »

Once there was a time when public transportation in Washington DC meant trolley cars and not Metro!

The trolley system of the 50s and 60s had an extensive infrastructure, much of which remains today. You may have even driven over some of the old exposed rails throughout the city. However the most significant infrastructure still standing from the trolley system is the “Car Barns” which were used to store these urban chariots when they were not in service. The one in Georgetown is being used as a business school, and the Dupont one was an underground mall for a while.

This interesting “Car Barn” (pictured) is located across the street from the Navy Yard on 8th and M Streets SE. Looking like a building straight out of Medieval Times, the building stands sentinel to another era.

Read the rest of this entry »

Your weekly chance to take a stab at real estate appraisal. Submit your guesses in the comments and closest guess gets the PriceCheck crown for the week. 

Out on the boarder of DC and Maryland sits the lovely neighborhood of Friendship Heights (You can even get away with calling it Chevy Chase). Only a block away from the metro and near all sorts of great restaurants and shopping this 3 bedroom colonial is ready for the taking. It’s got a fireplace, off street parking, and an eat in kitchen, what more could you ask for?

So take your best guess, and should you need some more information to help you, follow the jump for the realtor spin and another photo…

Read the rest of this entry »

This gorgeous picture by flickr user Pianoman75 captures lock #4 on the C&O canal in Georgetown in such interesting light. The greens, oranges, and reds all reflecting off the placid water is just beautiful. 

Usually, the paths along the canal always seem to look scary and dark at night, but this photo captures a bright and welcoming atmosphere! Makes us want to go for a stroll, if it weren’t so cold out!

Ok Washington, in the spirit of healthy holiday competition, whose Christmas tree did you like the best this year? The US Capital (left) or the White House (right)? And don’t let partisanship sway you! Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Well if you havn’t gotten around to putting up your Christmas lights yet this year, it’s probably not going to happen. Have no fear though, these people have taken extra care to make sure their homes exude the holiday spirit in the form of mega wattage! Without further adu, some of the best decorated homes and trees! 

Lots of apartment buildings in the area offer a wide variety of amenities to try and lure perspective residents, but some in the area have managed to really standout. Buildings like the Meridian (with multiple locations in the area) all have small putting greens on property. Full gyms have become a must, and even pools are becoming common.

However the pool at Senate Square in the H street corridor downtown is by far the areas best water related amenity! It has the largest rooftop pool in the area and has views of the monuments and the Capitol Building! During these dreary days of winter, we can just picture how nice it would be to sit back and relax on the roof in the summer.

Read the rest of this entry »