DC Metrocentric

We just received word that a plan is in the works to try and reopen the Dupont Underground as an exhibition and event space for the arts community. There have been rumblings about what to do with the space for years. The space was originally a car barn for the Districts trolley system and more recently was a failed underground mall.

This rendering is what the refurbished space would look like if the the Arts Coalition for the Dupont Underground had their way. The coalition wants a long term lease from the city in order to recondition the space.

A bunch of local galleries are involved in the proposal including the Warehouse Theater and Gallery, Hunt Laudi Studio, and the Pink Line Project. We really do like the idea and its a whole lot better than letting the space sit empty for a bunch more years!

You may have noticed this week that construction has begun on the new Bike Station that we mentioned back in June being built at Union Station. We have been big fans of the very cool looking glass shell ever since we first saw the first futuristic design renderings. The 1,700 sq-ft building right by the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and 1st Street NE is designed for bicycle parking and bike rentals.

During the first two months of construction, parts of First Street will be shut down, but it shouldn’t have an effect on pedestrian traffic. The glass structure designed by KGP Studios will be able to accommodate up to 150 bikes, which is nothing compared to the facilities in European cities that can have upward of a thousand bikes, but it is moving our city in the right direction. We are really getting excited about this thing which should be open by next Spring.

What do you guys think about it?

No this isn’t New Orleans, it’s a house on Logan Circle that is undergoing a little renovation by Monarc Construction. This seems to be one of those deals where the house is for sale and being renovated at the same time. It’s a great location, and the building has a very original look that we like. Though someone should tell them the election is over!

[Photo: DCMetrocentric]

The never ending saga over what to do with the old JC Penny building in Silver Spring continues to hit road block after road block. The idea is to bring a music venue to Silver Spring, but the development project has had trouble from the start. The problems center around the details of the plan negotiated by the County Executive and Lee Development Group, and faces opposition from many in the community and the Planning Board. All the while the property has sat vacant for 18 year on a prime site in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring.

These renderings for the music hall are a little neon for our taste, but the sound bars on the facade, which look like they can change sure are a cool idea! We got word that all parties involved are still in contact so maybe they will be able to come back together and figure something out so the land doesn’t have to sit vacant for another 18 years!

[Rendering: Hickok Cole]

Not much has changed over the last hundred years at the corner of 14th and U Street NW. The corner building was originally the 14th Street Savings Bank (pictured left in 1906) but now is being refurbished and is looking for a new tenant. It’s amazing the building has survived all the changes U Street has gone through over the years. 

With all the changes going on in Rosslyn, this view of the “other” DCMetro skyline taken from Georgetown isn’t going to stay the same for long. With Rosslyn Central Place, the new Rosslyn Turberry, and the Moore Street building all in progress the skyline will soon have multiple buildings at over 470 ft above sea level. Now that’s a skyline!  

[Photo: MV Jantzen]

Lots of news in Mt Vernon Triangle lately, first they get the Sexy Safeway, and now Mayor Fenty has announced that the District has finally selected a development team led by the Donohoe to build a 260-room luxury hotel and a London-based jazz club.

We like to think the development teams selection had a little something to do with getting the official DCMetrocentric endorsement back in May! The project is being called “The Arts at 5th and Eye” and centers around a Shalom Baranes Architects designed building (pictured) for a new ME by Melia boutique hotel as well as the Jazz club.

The building will have balconies, a roof terrace that will serve as a “Green Roof”, and of course the rooftop pool! There will be also be 166 apartments 50 of which will be designated as affordable housing. The Zenith Art gallery is also official on-board to take space in the project.

Shaw - There was a huge fire department and police response to a fire on Corcoran Street this week, luckily no one was hurt and the effects were limited mostly to water and smoke damage. [Boarderstan]

Columbia Heights - Ellwood Thompson, the Virginia organic grocery chain seems to have finally signed a lease for their new location in DCUSA, no nicknames yet though. [New Columbia Heights]

NoMa - Hope no one wants to get any permits in the District this month. The agency responsible for issuing business and alcoholic licenses is going to be closed for the rest of the month. [Price of Petworth]

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

Well done with the guesses…

The Georgetown Victorian era home with all the trappings shouldn’t be on the market long… it’s listed at $2,998,000 which given its location and incredible curb appeal should make it a hot commodity.

WE WANT THIS HOUSE!

The new development at 1050 K Street is going to have one amazing rooftop. The registered Gold LEED building will have a penthouse art gallery with a bamboo garden and one incredible view. The idea is to create a space that can be used for the buildings occupants, as well as be rented out… 4th of July party anyone?

Art is apparently also going to be a big part of the project with displays throughout the building by leading architectural photographers including local photographer Franz Jantzen.

Check out the full buildings rendering…

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With all the turmoil on Wall Street its not surprising to hear that some of the fallout is landing in our area. The Washington Business Journal is reporting that the bankrupt financial firm Lehman Brothers has invested millions of dollars in D.C. area projects, including Monument Realty’s Half Street development near Nationals Park and Monday Properties developments in Rosslyn.

It’s unclear what effect this will immediately have on the developments, but the developers will definitely have to go else where for funding they haven’t yet received, and in the current market, that’s not going to be easy or quick, so expect some delays in the future.

There is something about bay windows that we just love, especially when they go beyond function and become an architectural highlight. This bay window on 21st street NW is made entirely of copper and the detailed work is just incredible. By design, bay windows are made to standout, but this one makes the entire house standout.

[Photo: DCMetrocentric]

We just got word from our friends at Washington Fine Properties that the Potomac mansion of Robert Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy Shriver is on the block for $11.8 million. Located in the Bradley Farms neighborhood, the 16,000 square foot classical Georgian-styled home sits on nearly seven acres. Those Kennedy’s sure like their compounds!