Gossip about the Dupont Circle neighborhood (and beyond) in Washington, DC

11/14/08:                                        [134]

Submarina California Subs now open at 2029 P St.

1 West Dupont Circle Wine & Liquors now open in old
Burger King space, 2012 P St.

New CVS open in former Dupont 5 movie theater, with a
prototype shop for makeup. See “CVS Goes Glam: Chain
Launches Beauty 360 Store,”
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/shopping/shoparound/9939.html

Dupont Olsson’s has closed. See “Olsson’s Books and
Records Abruptly Closes,”
http://dcist.com/2008/09/30/olssons_books_and_records_abruptly.php

Meat Market Gallery has closed.

Dupont Grille (in Jurys) has closed.

Plans for art gallery below Dupont Circle: “Dupont
Underground, This Time With Art, Not Burgers,”
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2008/10/dupont_underground…
See also “Tunnel vision: Dupont Underground sought
for gallery,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/10/20/story…
See also “Washingtoniana: What’s Under Dupont
Circle?”
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/9645….

See post re DDOT’s plans for 17th St streetscape
redesign: “Missed opportunities on 17th Street,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1277

See “The High-Heels Make a Run for It, Decked Out in
Halloween Fabulous,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/28/AR200…

See “All roads lead to Dupont Circle,”
http://www.examiner.com/x-1151-DC-Alternative-Transportation-Examiner…

Review of 1610 16th St: “A Classic Look Outside,
Modern Touches Inside: 16th Street’s Barclay, Ravenel
Get an Overhaul,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/31/AR200…

See “Obstruction Charges Filed In ‘06 Dupont Circle
Slaying,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/30/AR200…

Fire at 19th and M: “Fire Damages 4 Buildings Near
Dupont,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/04/AR200…

See “New Hampshire Avenue contraflow design,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1416

Re Vida Fitness: “Fingerprints Used At Local Gym,”
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1008/558013.html

WP says Metropole has sold 52 of 91 units. See “Condo
Sellers Banking on Extravagance: Open Houses in D.C.
Lay On the Luxuries,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR200…

Rue 14 now open in old Pop space at 1803A 14th St.
See http://www.rue14.com/

Icon now open at 1821 14th St (geared for architects
and designers).

See “Logan Circle welcomes Bang & Olufsen store,”
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/20/new-look-on-logan-circle/

See “‘Dakota Cowgirl’ Space Continues to Take Shape,”
http://14thandyou.blogspot.com/2008/10/dakota-cowgirl-space-continues…

See “Historic review chickens and BZA eggs at 14th
and U,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1312

Room and Board might come to Rapture building. See
“14th and T heading toward big-box furniture,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1354
WBJ covers potential impact of Room & Board on
Urban Essentials: “On U Street, a national chain
creates a firestorm,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/11/17/story…

Plans for 14th & S: “I’m unique too!: Whitman-Walker
development plans,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1419

Hamiltonian Gallery now open at 1353 U St. See “New on
U,”
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2008/10/new_on_u_1.html

Ellwood Thompson’s coming to DC USA. See “Organic
Supermarket Signs Columbia Heights Deal,”
http://dcist.com/2008/10/07/organic_supermarket_signs_columbia.php

New YMCA: “14th and W Breaks Ground,”
http://dcmetrocentric.com/2008/09/30/14th-and-w-breaks-ground/
See also “YMCA to Rise Where Crime Once Ruled:
Facility Is Part of Mixed-Use Project,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/01/AR200…
See also “Perseus Realty starts on apartments,
YMCA,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/09/22/daily…

Cali Yogurt coming to old Miss Pixie’s spot in Adams
Morgan.

See “Hailing Changes for Cabs in Adams Morgan,”
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2008/11/hailing_change…

See “Two Shot Inside Adams Morgan Restaurant, One
Dies,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/28/AR200…

See “Adams Morgan Crime on the Rise,”
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2008/10/adams_morgan_c…

See “Trapped by Change, Economy: Mount Pleasant
Businesses Struggle to Adjust as Fortunes Sag,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/12/AR200…

See “Jet Set, Meet the Bus Bunch,”
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/travel/escapes/26bus.html

Ten years ago, before the Dupont Circle Update, there
was a web site called the Dupont Circle Review. See an
archive of that now-gone site at
http://web.archive.org/web/20010628042722/www.announce.com/khein/dupont/

Google Street View now includes DC. See
http://tinyurl.com/dupontview

Level One restaurant now open at 17th and R, below
Cobalt.

CVS Pharmacy CarePlus moving into old Universal Gear
shop at 17th & Q, and closing 17th & Church spot.

Old Dupont 5 movie theatre (1350 19th St) is being
turned into a CVS.

Nando’s Flame-grilled Peri-Peri Chicken coming to
1210 18th St, in former Candey Hardware location.

See “Hello Cupcake Opens,”
http://www.washingtonblade.com/blog?blog_id=20696

Mourayo is expanding into the old dry cleaners space
next door. See “Dish,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/16/AR200…

See review of Darlington House: “Great Expectations:
The restaurant that replaces Childe Harold doesn’t
deliver on its promise,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/19/AR200…

See “Arts Orgs Trying to ‘Turn On’ Dupont
Underground,”
http://dcist.com/2008/09/24/arts_orgs_trying_to_turn_on_dupont.php
See also “Arts groups trying to re-open Dupont’s
underground tunnels,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1225

Healing Arts Gallery now open at 1632 U St.

See “More details on New Hampshire Ave contraflow bike
lanes,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1113

See “After gay migration, 17th Street seeks a new
identity,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/07/28/story…
See also “What’s wrong with 17th Street? The
northern end,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1090

See “Median proposed for Conn. Ave. streetscape,”
(between Farragut and Dupont)
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1020

Finnish group Mieskuoro Huutajat (Shouting Men)
performed in Dupont Circle: “In Washington, A
Spectacle Of Shouting Finns,”
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94771363

See “Doughnuts Dumped in Dupont Circle,”
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2008/09/24/doughnut…

A cyclist was run over at 18th & R on July 8. See
summary at “Woman Killed by Garbage Truck in Dupont,”
http://dcist.com/2008/07/08/woman_killed_by_garbage_truck_in_du.php

Lifeguards at Francis pool were caught scamming
parkers. See “Did City Lifeguards Steal from
Poolgoers?”
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2008/09/04/did-city…

Merkado Kitchen is now open as as Commissary. See “An
Early Look at Commissary,”
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/restaurants/bestbites/9374….

See “Halo’s new glow: Four-year-old P Street bar gets
$200K renovation,”
http://washblade.com/2008/9-5/outindc/local/13218.cfm

Metropole’s most expensive condo (15th & P) going for
$6 million. See “Life in the Penthouse,”
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/8369….
See also “Delayed for years, Metropole set to
deliver,”
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/09/22/story9.html

Bang & Olufsen coming to 14th & Q.

Cafe Salsa opening soon at 1712 14th St.

“Church of the Rapture” building at T & 14th to be
home to a 24/7 Diner/Tryst combo, a Boundless Yoga
store and dance studio, and a comedy club. See “Yoga
Comedy: Plans for 14th and T Revealed,”
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2008/07/08/dinertry…

Pop (1803a 14th St) has closed.

See “Whitman-Walker Clinic to Sell Administrative
Offices,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR200…

Lululemon coming to Logan Circle. See “Lifestyle for
sale at Lululemon,”
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/03/lululemon-athletica-might…

Video of Logan Circle burgler: “Brazen Burglars Caught
On Tape,”
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0908/551891.html

See “Speaking of circles: 15th and New Hampshire,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1140

WP profiles Republic Gardens and Pure (formerly Bar
Nun): “Two Old Favorites, Reborn on U Street,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/07/AR200…

See “The JBG Cos. may build hotel on U Street,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/08/11/story…

WBJ says “In the upcoming season, Arena will perform
six shows in Crystal City and four in the Lincoln
Theater on U Street.” … “We’re hoping to do for U
Street what we’ve done for Crystal City.” See “Arena
Stage boosts Crystal City food scene, for now,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/08/18/story…

See “The Past, Polished: At the Brass Knob, The Old Is
New Again,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/13/AR200…

See “DDOT to Begin Pedestrian Improvements in Adams
Morgan,”
http://expressnightout.com/content/2008/07/ddot_to_begin_pedestrian_i…

See “Bloomingdale’s to open in Georgetown Park,”
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/09/08/daily52.html

See “Washington: A Step Behind in Walkability,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/08/AR200…
See also “How Walkable Is Your Neighborhood?”
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2008/07/how_walkable_is_your…

See “The hunt for the next hot spots: For generations
of suburban kids raised in traffic, mixed-use and mass
transit will define the future,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/08/18/focus…

Saturday, September 27: http://www.BikeDC.net.

New frozen yogurt store at 1515 17th Street: “Mr.
Yogato Arrives on Dupont Frozen Yogurt Scene,”
http://dcist.com/2008/06/27/mr_yogato_arrives_on_dupont_froyo_s.php

Tranquil Space now open at 1632 17th St. See
http://www.tranquilspace.com/17th_street.html

TangySweet, another frozen yogurt store, now open at
2029 P St. See “First Look: Tangysweet,”
http://dcist.com/2008/06/06/first_look_tang.php
See also “West Coast Yogurt Trend Arrives in Dupont
Circle,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/10/AR200…

Crepes-a-Go-Go now open at 2122 P St.

Hello Cupcake will open in July at 1351 Conn Ave.

Pasara Thai Restaurant now open at 1219 Conn Ave.

Preview of Darlington House (1610 20th St): “Three
Levels of Mood and Food,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/17/AR200…

Profile of 1807 18th St: “Dupont Market in Northwest,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/20/AR200…

See “Health-Minded on U Street: Cafe 1612,”
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/06/healthminded_on_u_st…

Problems at 1841 16th St: “Collapsing Inside Walls of
Rundown 16th Street House Forces Tenants Out,”
http://www.intowner.com/2008/06/14/collapsing-inside-walls-of-rundown…

See “What’s wrong with 17th Street redux,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=858

See plans for 16th and U: “Now those are bulb-outs,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1003

See “Adams Morgan intersection update,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=978

New Belgian cafe at 1781 Florida Ave: “An Early Look
at Locolat,”
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/restaurants/bestbites/8246….

A station manager and janitor in the Dupont Circle
station have been arrested. See “2 Metro Workers
Arrested on Prostitution Charges,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR200…

See “Lawson and Order: DCCA’s new gay president aims
for amity between Dupont residents and businesses,”
http://www.metroweekly.com/gauge/?ak=3561

See “Adams Morgan church to convert to Marriott
International hotel,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/06/23/story…

Florida Avenue Garage (1711 Florida Ave) sold for
$6.6 million. See “Former Verizon space in Adams
Morgan slated for redevelopment,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/06/02/story…

See “Cafe Collage Returns to T Street,”
http://dcist.com/2008/06/12/indie_ethiopian_coffee_returns_to_u.php

See “Posto Haste: Viridian Replacement On Way,”
http://amandamc.blogspot.com/2008/05/posto-haste-viridian-replacement…

CulinAerie to open at 1131 14th St (north of L). See
“Cooking School to Open in Thomas Circle,”
http://dcist.com/2008/06/19/culinaerie_cooking_school_opening_i_1.php
See also “Dish,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/20/AR200…

See “Catholic University Taps Developer to Create
9-Acre ‘Destination’,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/20/AR200…

New tenant for 1610 20th St (formerly the Childe
Harold). See “Oh My Darlin’: Darlington House Opens,”
http://www.dailycandy.com/washington_dc/article/36735/Oh+My+Darlin

See “Dupont’s 18th Street next for reconstruction,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=845
See also “Reconstruction planned for Dupont
Circle’s 18th Street,”
http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.05.16….

See “Club Chaos closes,”
http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=16885

MW says Cobalt is preparing to open a new basement-
level restaurant, to open later in the summer. See
“Cobalt’s Blue Re-do,”
http://www.metroweekly.com/nightlife/hearsay/2008/05/cobalts_blue_red…

Progress on Stead Park and S&T Parks. See “Dupont
Circle parks move forward - Evans pleased with DPR,”
http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.02.29….
See also “Stead Recreation Center to Temporarily Close,”
http://dcist.com/2008/04/28/stead_recreatio.php

See “What’s wrong with 17th Street?”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=763

Toutorsky Mansion at 16th & Rigss for sale. See
“Dupont Mansion on the Block,”
http://dcmetrocentric.com/2008/04/29/dupont-mansion-on-the-block/
See also “Ho-Ho-Ho: The Last Laugh,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/30/AR200…
See also “Toutorsky Mansion in Dupont Circle
headed for auction,”
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/04/28/story3.html

Profile of shop at 1626 U St: “Greater Goods: Think
Globally, Shop Locally,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/16/AR200…

See “Beautiful day in the neighborhood: Historic
Dupont Circle Main Streets works to preserve area’s
charm,”
http://www.washblade.com/2008/3-14/arts/home/12223.cfm

See “‘Not Quite Dupont’ to Some; an Inspiration to
Many,” re househunting in nearby neighborhoods:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/05/02/ST20080…

Essay on Best DC Supermarket, 1507 U St: “Standing in
the Express Lane for Change,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/18/AR200…

Simply Home’s retail half is closing to make room for
restaurant expansion.

Miss Pixie’s is now open at 14th & R.

14th & R homeless shelter is moving to 65 Mass Ave.
See “Central Union Mission Moves, Graham Celebrates,”
http://dcist.com/2008/04/02/dont_call_it_ni.php

Owner of Ristorante Tosca is opening “casual Northern
Italian trattoria” Posto in former Viridian space.
See “Ask Tom,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/03/06/DI…

Garden District’s “Interior Garden Shop” now open at
14th and Church.

Art exhitbit at 14th & T shut down. See “City Shutters
Art Space, Locks Up Goldfish Inside,”
http://dcist.com/2008/05/20/city_closes_art.php

The Corcoran College of Art + Design wrapped up a
class called “14th Street and the Creative Economy,”
and recently installed new window displays for Redeem,
Home Rule, Vastu, and Muleh. See “Final Projects
Installed in 14th Street Corridor!”
http://www.artcadeforum.com/?p=371
See also http://creativeeconomydc.blogspot.com/

NYT profiles Marvin. See “What’s Going On?”
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/fashion/13boite.html

See Dish re new restaurant “Eatonville” at 14th & V:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR200…

Donovan House now open at 1155 14th St, in former
Holiday Inn. See “D.C. is debuting a spy-themed hotel,”
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2008/03/dc_is_debuting_a_spy…

Now open at 1338 U St: “DEKKA - DC Fashion Art Music,”
http://dc.metblogs.com/2008/03/20/dekka-dc-fashion-art-music/

D.C. wants to redevelop Lincoln Theater’s parking lot
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/04/21/daily48.html
See also “Put the Money on the Stage,”
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2008/04/24/put-the-…
See also “DC’s Subterranean Jazz Secret,”
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2008/05/dcs_subterranean_jaz…

Ulah Bistro now open at 1214 U St. See “An American-
Style Newcomer on U Street,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/11/AR200…
See also “Ulah-lah!”
http://www.examiner.com/a-1365248~Ulah_lah_.html

Drag bingo has moved from Chaos to Nellie’s, every
Tuesday night.

See “Where Would Jesus Park? City goes easy on car-
driving Logan Circle congregations,”
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=34683

Proposal made for M St subway. See “What WMATA is
really suggesting,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=790

Harris Teeter finally open at 17th & Kalorama. See
“The District Welcomes Its First Harris Teeter,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/27/AR200…
See also “Harris Teeter Opens in Adams Morgan,”
http://dcist.com/2008/04/23/harris_teeter_s.php

See “Taxi Restrictions Are Heading for Adams Morgan,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/06/AR200…

See “In Transformed Community, Waiting for a Promised
Plaza: Conflicts Stall Work on Columbia Heights Civic
Area,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/12/AR200…

See “Newseum, a Developing Story: New Growth, More
Visitors Expected to Follow in Penn Quarter,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/10/AR200…

See “From Ruin to Rebirth in D.C.: Condos and Cafes
Have Replaced Gutted Shops, but Who’s Profiting?”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/05/AR200…

See “Bicycle-Sharing Program to Be First of Kind in
U.S.,”
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/us/27bikes.html

Bus station negotiating to move to Union Station. See
“No deal yet on Greyhound Bus station’s relocation,”
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/05/12/story…

Best regards,
Michael
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mvjantzen/

G-Star Raw replacing Sisley store (1702 Conn Ave).
Sesto Senso has bought the Childe Harold business.
See “Countdown for Chaos? The decade-old 17th Street
gay nightspot is forced to halt its entertainment and
now faces an uncertain future,”
http://www.metroweekly.com/gauge/?ak=3241
Current reports Chaos is closing.
Chop’t now open at 1300 Conn Ave (N St).
See “Dupont Circle ‘Main Streets’ Organization
Credited for Programs Helping Merchants; $5 P Street
Valet Parking Starts March 1,”
http://www.intowner.com/2008/02/08/dupont-circle-main-streets-organiz…
See “DDOT may restore two-way traffic on 15th Street,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=541
See “Candida’s World of Books is closing down,”
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/11/daily27.html
New “beer-forward and wine-friendly” restaurant to
open in old Dakota Cowgirl space (1337 14th St) on
April 15. Will have a dining room on the ground floor
and a spacious bar upstairs. See “Dish,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/05/AR200…
Owners of Timothy Paul (rug shop at 14th & RI) plan to
open new beddings & bath shop in the Matrix, next to
Universal Gear.
New shop Icon replacing View 14 sales center at 1821
14th St, selling “design tools for architecture,
interiors and lighting.”
Baltimore’s City Café is rumored to be looking for a
home on 14th St, potentially the Veridian space.
Arts patron behind http://www.pinkline.org/ is also
looking for a food/art/lounge space on 14th.
Activity seen at shuttered Chinese laundry at 14th &
Q; rumor has it this space might finally be leased.
See “With Sips and Nibbles, Cork Is Pulling Crowds,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR200…
See “Miracle on 14th St: Source Theatre Sees New
Life,”
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/02/miracle_on_14th_st_s…
Shelter at 14th & R must vacate its site by October
2009. See “Central Union Mission in Talks For New Site
in Downtown D.C.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/21/AR200…
Washington Blade is moving from 14th & U to downtown.
See “Less parking at 14th and U would solve many
problems,”
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=618
See “No More Hookers at the Washington Plaza Hotel?”
http://dcist.com/2008/02/06/no_more_hookers.php
Maggie Moo’s (1301 U St) was robbed 2/25/08.
Afternoon Ice Cream Shop Robbery Shocks Neighborhood
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0208/498892.html
See “D.C. plans to sell or lease parking lot of
Lincoln Theater,”
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/02/04/daily55.html
Ulah Bistro opening at 1214 U St. See “Crew From
Stoney’s, Tunnicliff’s Preps U St. Bistro,”
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/02/ulah_on_u_street.php
See “Sunday Parking to Be Fully Enforced in Logan
Circle,”
http://dcist.com/2008/02/06/sunday_parking.php
See “Jazzed Up About Reviving D.C. Landmark:
Development Projects Near Howard Theater Aim to
Resurrect Cultural Hub,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/24/AR200…
New bakery “Georgetown Cupcake” open at 1209 Potomac
St (near 33rd & M). Owners considering new locations,
to include Dupont.
Wednesday, March 19: “Celebrate Our Neighborhood”
2008 Annual Spring Fling & Silent Auction
http://www.dupontcircle.biz/springfling.htm

Maybe it’s been here before, but I haven’t seen its presence. Welcome to the disruption of the real estate industry in Washington, DC.

Michael encouraged me to attend a public forum on the proposed 17th Streetscape.

I have limited exposure to both the project, and to residing in Washington, DC. I have visited 17th Street many times over the past 10 years and found it so unique among vital neighborhoods that I have known. With that perspective, the ideas presented brought with them some feelings.

First, I am pretty impressed with the plans as they seek to highlight the vitality of this street, and snapped some photos which demonstrate this. There is a plan to add some color in the form of a colored strip of tile that will parallel the street. In addition, some helpful work on trees that will be sustainable will happen, and a novel plan to include LED signage over the street.

I began to think about what this street is, though, and what it means. It has been home to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, who have celebrated life and death. It continues to feed the emotions and stomachs of a population that struggles in its identity and for its health every day. As an example, there is a specialized pharmacy right next to one of the most popular bars.

I then began to think of the most thoughtful approaches to respecting the work of this community in other cities, such as:

Chicago, with its brand new Center on Halstead and the Halstead neighborhood in general, that highlights the achievement of GLBT leaders through its architecture.

Then there’s the Homomonument in Amsterdam, which “commemorates all gay men and lesbians who have been subjected to persecution because of their homosexuality”. I have stood in that square and remember the feeling of recognition and remembrance.

There’s Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, recently re-commissioned as a historical monument to one of that communities great LGBT leaders.

I also thought about the work that has been done on U Street, with Heritage Trail Signs, and signs proudly proclaiming the presence of Meridian Hill - Malcolm X Park. What presence should the new 17th Street Proclaim?

I understand that parks are not in scope for this project. At the same time, I ask the question - how would a person be aware that this street and community are home to some of the bravest people in our culture, at times forgotten in life, and in death? How could a streetscape identify the character of the community’s residents in a recognizable way, and beyond the fact that they throw a big party or two every year. What about the daily contribution the residents make to equality for all?

As Michael and I discussed this over lunch, he mentioned the work of Frank Kameny to me. Is Mr. Kameny the equivalent of Seattle’s Cal Anderson.

How would we think of remembering his contribution and everyone who came after him as we apply jackhammers to concrete?

Current reports Academy for Educational Development
may occupy former Visions space.
See “Armed assailant robs HRC’s Dupont Circle store,”
http://www.washblade.com/2008/2-1/news/localnews/11958.cfm
Candleman moving into MotoPhoto space (1601 Conn Ave).
Jurys renovation will include a new penthouse level.
DJ Hut has re-opened. See “Rebirth Of a Record Store,
and the Death Of Another,”
http://dcist.com/2008/01/31/rebirth_of_a_re.php
See “Alberto’s Pizza Reopens After August Fire,”
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2007/12/albertos_pizza_reope…
WP has info on Cafe Tropé (2100 P St). See “Making a
Move,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/18/AR200…
Post says Dupont 5 replacement is a “national chain
with a �new, exciting [retail] concept.” See “Closing
Attraction: The Dupont 5 Will Always Have a Tiny Place
in Our Heart,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/10/AR200…
WP profiles business at 1704 U St: “Henry’s
Delicatessen & Carryout on U Street NW,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/22/AR200…
See “Rat Jumps Into Baby Stroller in Dupont Circle,”
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/01/rat_jumps_into_baby_…
Update: “D.C. Rat Patrol Targets Dupont Circle
Park,”
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/01/update_dc_rat_patrol…
See “P St. Work Shifts to Section East of Dupont,”
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/01/p_st_work_shifts_to_…
DDOT study of alternatives for 15th St:
http://ddot.dc.gov/ddot/cwp/view,a,1249,q,643030.asp
Izakaya is being replaced with a Raku at P St WFM.Raku
See “An Early Look at Cork Wine Bar,”
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/restaurants/bestbites/6413….
See “Viridian Closes After Two Years,”
http://amandamc.blogspot.com/2008/01/viridian-closes-after-two-years….
See “Dakota Cowgirl, Titan’s Ramrod to close,”
http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=15790
See also “Into the Sunset: Dakota Cowgirl/Titan’s
Ramrod shuts its doors,”
http://www.metroweekly.com/gauge/?ak=3140
WP profiles Barrel House Liquor. See “Neighborhood
Mixer: As Rough-Hewn Area Goes Upscale, Merchant
Shifts From Beer to Champagne,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/23/AR200…
Article also says owner of Carry Out Deli will
leave when her lease expires in 2011.
WP has blurb on ACKC (1529 14th St), recommending the
$3.50 four-ounce shot of dark chocolate. See
“Audrey Hot Chocolate,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/22/AR200…
See “The Reeves Center Has Gone Green,”
http://dcist.com/2008/01/10/the_reeves_cent.php
Hotel rumored to replace Rite Aid at 13th & U.
WP reviews cafe at 2019 11th St: “Chix in the U Street
Corridor,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR200…
Review of Adams Morgan: “More than meets the eye,”
http://www.washblade.com/2008/1-11/arts/home/11869.cfm
See “New Traffic Pattern for Adams Morgan Harris
Teeter,”
http://dcist.com/2007/12/17/new_traffic_pat.php
See “Target Hiring, Opening March 9 in Columbia
Heights,”
http://dcist.com/2008/01/07/columbia_height_2.php
See “Developer Purchases Old Hecht’s Warehouse:
Historic Structure to be Renovated for Retail,”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/16/AR200…
See “Moving through Georgetown could get easier — we
need your input,”
http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.01.11….
See also www.georgetowntransportationstudy.com
Saturday, February 2nd: 17th St Streetscape Planning
Meeting. See http://www.dupontcircle.biz/17thStreet/
Best regards,
Michael
http://flickr.com/photos/77945684@N00/

[Delivered on 1/28/08. Amor populi Præsidium Reg!]

My fellow citizens, Dupont Circle is a neighborhood
called to greatness. And as the German poet Christian
Hebbel said, “nothing great in the world has ever been
accomplished without passion.”

Tonight I will review the accomplishments of the past
year, along with other changes to the neighborhood.

The greatest center of change was on P Street, where
the street itself was torn up and relaid, along with
new sidewalks and light fixtures. P Street has a near-
ideal mix of uses, with residential towers next to
hotels, and a variety of shops and services on the
street level, along with some of the city’s most
renowned restaurants. It is also blessed with a narrow
two-lane road, giving it a more neighborly feel than
Connecticut Avenue. And the majority of businesses are
local, with Starbucks and Subway as exceptions.

As always, the occupants of the street saw many
changes. A large project at 20th & P displaced two of
the best stores, The Third Day and True Value
Hardware. Custom doughnut shop the Fractured Prune
closed, but was quickly replaced with Aioli Meditalian
Gourmet. DC Hot was replaced with Goody’s. 21P was
replaced with Café Tropé. Mimi’s was rebranded as
Stars Bistro & Bar.

Change also came to Connecticut Avenue and its side
streets. Famed hangout the Childe Harold closed its
doors on 20th Street. Wine bar Veritas opened nearby
on Florida Avenue. Five Guys opened a burger joint in
the old Dupont Silver space. Studio 2000 closed shop,
with the HRC resources center moving into the
location. Conner Contemporary, one of Dupont’s premier
art galleries, announced a move to northeast DC.

17th Street suffered some large losses, as two
clothing shops left for new space on 14th Street.
Circle Bistro and Universal Gear joined Pop and Redeem
in their new neighborhood, creating a cluster of
clothing shops. But new life came in as well on 17th
St, with Picasso Gallery taking over the old Tapeheadz
space. And soon a yoga studio/wellness center will
open in the old Pena supermarket. CyberStop cafe
freshened up and became Cafe 17.

South of the circle had some changes of note as well.
The Written Word closed its Connecticut Avenue store
and re-opened across from Whole Foods. Clothing shop
Blue & Green opened. Dragonfly closed. Candey Hardware
closed. Graffiti closed. Irish pub James Hoban’s
replaced Cloud. Vapiano opened. And most recently, the
AMC Loews Dupont 5 played its last movie.
On 18th Street, Red Onion Records opened, and Peruvian
restaurant Inti replaced Caravan Grill.

On U Street, pet shop Companions closed, and was soon
replaced was ecology-minded shop Greater Goods. Health
Bar was rebranded as Cafe 1612.

A line from a Walt Whitman poem was engraved inside
the entrance to the Q Street Metro station.

As always, there was a flurry of activity around 14th
and U. Dakota Cowgirl (and Ramrod) shut down. In Whole
Foods Market, Izakaya shut down, but will soon be
replaced with a mini Raku. FedEx/Kinko’s opened up.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams replaced the old
Storehouse shop. ACKC Chocolate cafe opened up.
Universal Gear and Circle Boutique opened up. A
welcome new store for me especially was The Bike Rack,
nestled snuggly on Q Street. Coffeshop Sparky’s closed
down, but is now home to wine bar Cork. Big Monkey, a
comic book shop, opened up. New 2 U closed. Hunted
House opened. North of U, chic lounge Marvin opened.

The home of Source Theatre was the subject of much
debate, as the theatre company went bankrupt and sold
the building to Bedrock Billiards. After a flurry of
outside maneuverings, Source was reconstituted and the
building is now slated for a major renovation, and
will remain a performing arts venue.

On U Street, Rckcndy opened an adorable housewares
shop. CakeLove added a cupcake bar. Station 9 replaced
Cada Vez. Further east, sports bar Nellie’s opened,
shortly followed by gay club Town.

Adams Morgan also had a predictable round of changes,
the most notable of which were the addition of M’Dawg
Haute Dogs and a new outpost for Alberto’s pizza. A
new bus service, the Rehobus, was started, going
directly from Adams Morgan to Rehoboth.

In Georgetown, my prayers came true when we finally
got a Le Pain Quotidian, on M Street. This beautiful
shop should serve as a model for local entrepreneurs,
for 14th Street and beyond. And, proving that God
likes Georgetown, my other prayers were answered when
it was announced an Apple store would be coming to
Wisconsin Avenue. And progress was made on the new
Georgetown Waterfront Park, which should be a grand
addition to the city, and help connect us to the
Potomac River.

Downtown also saw its share of new development, though
mostly in the form of national chains deigning to open
in our city. Zara, Madame Tousaud’s, and West Elm
opened in the Woodies building, and hip salad joint
Chop’d opened on 7th Street.

As Jane Jacobs said, the point of cities is
multiplicity of choice, so all new developments are
welcome.

But there is more to life than shops and restaurants.
Our public spaces serve to connect us all, and should
be functional, clean, and inviting. Dupont Circle has
a number of parks, none of which is ready to serve as
a model. There has been talk of major improvements to
Stead Park, by 17th and P, but no action. The two
parks at S and T streets have also seen plans drawn
up with no improvements made. Proposals have been made
for the small park by 20th & Q, with a new tree the
only visible sign of progress. Dupont’s connection to
Rock Creek Park, known as P Street Beach, is underused
and not inviting.

And the park in the heart of neighborhood, Dupont
Circle itself, continues to be treated almost as if it
were merely a traffic island. Chocked off from the
commercial streets by four lanes of traffic, the
city’s liveliest circle needs our attention. The
plantings should be enhanced. The lighting should be
designed to charm, not to ward off. The fountain’s
water flow should be increased. And most importantly,
the fountain should be given underwater lights. It is
absurd that a sculpture by Daniel Chester French
should go unlit at night. I can’t imagine such a
significant memorial going unlit in Paris. I can’t
imagine it being unlit in New York. I can’t imagine it
being unlit in Peoria, or Dayton, or Tampa, or Denver,
or Dallas, or Minneapolis, or any city that is able to
realize what a treasure it is to have this gift from
previous generations, this gift that we neglect, that
we fail to capitalize on. Granted Washington is awash
in monuments and memorials, the majority of which are
similarly dark at night. Paris is known as the City of
Light; can’t that be a model for how we should treat
our treasures at night?

A Maori proverb says “Turn your face to the sun and
the shadows fall behind you.” So we look forward to
the new year, and the changes our neighborhood will
go through. Party on, and be excellent to each other.

-Michael
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77945684@N00/

Café Tropé to replace 21P (at 21st & P), featuring
French-Caribbean food.

See “Aioli Meditalian Gourmet in Dupont Circle,”

Childe Harold is closing. See “An Early D.C. Stage For
Musical Greats Has Quiet Last Call”

Health Bar is now Cafe 1612.

See “Don Graham’s New Pad: Rumor has it that the
Washington Post Company chair has bought in Dupont”

See plans for redesign of 17th St:
http://www.dupontcircle.biz/17thStreet/

Dupont Circle stores are decorating their windows for
the holidays:
http://www.dupontcircle.biz/holiday/

Jack Evans plans to hold a forum to hear ideas about
Dupont Down Under. See “Dupont Down Under resurfaces,”

See images from the High Heel Race:
Dupont’s High-Heel Race Isn’t a Drag
Dupont Circle High Heels Race - the Video
http://www.metroweekly.com/scene/?k=935
http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,31200-1290932,.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njxfV2jG9OU

Stats on Greater Dupont:
http://zipskinny.com/index.php?zip=20009

Garden District is opening 2nd location at 14th &
Church. See “Coming Spring 2008: Our 2nd Store”

Universal Gear now open at 1529 14th St. 17th & Q
location is vacant.

New cafe at 1529 14th St. See “Artfully Chocolate
Kingsbury Confections Now Open!”

Go Mama Go founder Noi Chudnoff passed away November
6th. See “The Shopkeeper Whose Sign Was ‘Open’”

Restaurant “Policy” coming to 1902-1904 14th St (by
T). See “Coming Soon”

See “Ten-Story Project proposed for 14th & U NW”

Republic Gardens has closed. See “Weeding the Gardens:
How debt and disputes prompted the eviction of a U
Street institution”

See profile of U Street Wine and Beer, at 1351 U St:
“Glass Action”

Review of new lounge at 2007 14th St: “Marvin’s
Belgian Soul”

Busboys and Poets owner will open new restaurant
across the street in Union Row. See “The Full Monty”

See “Single Alcohol Sales Double Standard in Logan
Circle”

WP profiles couple who moved from McLean to Logan
Circle. See “YourPick Good in the Neighborhood”

Hug-In at Rite Aid: ‘It Feels Nice to Hug’

See “New club ‘Town’ debuts this weekend: Ed Bailey’s
latest venue to include drag shows”
See also “Talk of the Town”
See also “Welcome to Town: Your exclusive first
look inside Ed Bailey and John Guggenmos’s new gay
nightclub,”

DC planning on “donating” land at 7th & S to private
business. See “D.C. Plans Project as Home for Radio
One: District Would Give Land to Developers,”

See “Adams Morgan Parking Problem An Uphill Battle,”

Change in plans for First Church of Christ, Scientist,
from condos to boutique hotel. See “City Paper Hotel?”

See “Robberies Prompt Adams Morgan Crime Site,”

See “D.C Circulator to expand routes,”

WP profiles new coffeeshop at 1st & R. See “Big Bear
Cafe in Bloomingdale,”

Harris Teeter coming to “Constitution Square” at 1st &
M NE. See “Grocery Store Shuffle in Northeast,”

Saturday, December 15: Holiday Booty Market, Natl City
Christian Church, Thomas Circle, noon - 6pm.

Best regards,
Michael