11/21/02: The Freshfarm Market behind Riggs just announced they will be open year-round. Hours for the winter market, beginning December 29, will be Sundays from 10 to 1. Sticky Fingers Bakery, new vegan bakery, open at 1904 18th St (north of T). Subway sandwich shop coming to former Georgetown Opticians at 1605 Conn Ave. WBJ says Lawson's Dupont location has unveiled "a new look and new menu." See "Retail & Restaurants," http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2002/11/11/newscolumn7.html WT reviewed new Hotel Madera restaurant, 1310 NH Ave. See "Neighborhood drawn to glow of friendly Firefly," http://www.washingtontimes.com/weekend/20021121-51000655.htm WBJ ran historical profile of "the trophy strip just north of the prestigious Mayflower Hotel." See "On Connecticut Avenue, retail strip still in fashion," http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2002/11/11/focus8.html WBJ looked at new 15-story apartment building at 15th & Mass Ave, with 269 units from $1,325 to $7,000. See "Post Properties beats many luxury projects to opening," http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2002/11/18/newscolumn5.html Logan Hardware is expected to open in January on P St near Fresh Fields. Owners are now looking for full and part-time employees, esp with hardware, plumbing and electrical experience. Contact info@loganhardware.com. Construction roadblocks have delayed occupancy of the Hudson (across from Fresh Fields) to about March. WBJ reports on now-glam former HoJo's. See "Kimpton opens chic boutique No. 5: D.C.'s Hotel Helix," http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2002/11/18/newscolumn7.html WP says "if you'd like to feel more plugged into the contemporary art world, it's time to connect with Fusebox, a sleek, smart, year-old gallery near Logan Circle." See "Here & Now," http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55594-2002Nov14.html See profile of Maison 14 and Kuna in "14th & U Rekindles Its Spirit and Soul: After a long period of dormancy, the gentrified corridor bustles with chic shops and delightful dining," http://www.cultureflux.com/issues/11112002/rebirth.htm WBJ reports that long-delayed project behind Metro at 13th & U is slated to break ground next month. The DC Dept of Mental Health will occupy space above two restaurants. See "Spate of projects enliven U Street," http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2002/11/11/daily48.html CD reports that in spite of claims by city officials, Target has not signed on to Columbia Heights project. See "Taking Note," http://www.thecommondenominator.com/110402_taking.html WP says Smith & Kenyon Auctioneers and Appraisers will open in former Kalorama Roller Rink at 1631 Kalorama Rd. See "A New Auction House Bids for Business," http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48585-2002Nov13.html Blade reported on new monthly gay event Feint at Staccato on 18th St. See "Feint for 'faux-mos,'" http://www.washblade.com/point/021115outindc.php3 See also http://www.meichler.com/feint/ Ben & Jerry's is rumored to be returning to Adams Morgan, at corner of 18th & Belmont. Cosi might sign onto new retail project on 18th St, in front of recently-completed Lofts condos. The owners of Perry's were close to having leased the Washington Grill space at the corner of Columbia and Adams Mill, intending to turn it into a French bistro. However, apparently Starbucks has offered more money and will move into that space. Georgetown's Social Safeway is getting a major renovation, including an in-store Starbucks. See profile of new Vespa showroom in Glover Park next to Theodore's, "Rev Up, DC!," http://www.cultureflux.com/issues/11112002/vespa.htm WBJ reports on new Swedish fashion store coming this spring. See "H&M inks deal in Georgetown Park," http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2002/11/11/story3.html See site for new 72-unit condo building with rooftop pool next to the C&O Canal: http://www.3303water.com/ Georgetown is piloting new parking meters on M St near 34th St: one in front of Revolution bikes and one across the street from Kinko's. "Each meter covers six parking spaces. There are two different types, one that covers six predefined (painted) parking spots and one that dispenses a paper receipt that you put inside your window. Soon the meters will be in operation and people will be required to use them. After New Years, the city will decide on one design and replace all existing meters on M Street with them." WBJ looks at neighborhood around Natl Portrait Gallery and Am Art Museum. See "A portrait of success: Museum project helps frame Penn Quarter's rejuvenation," http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2002/11/11/focus1.html Capitol Hill is poised to get some new bike lanes on North Carolina Ave SE between 6th and 11th. See "Online Communities Improve Neighborhood Policing: D.C. Police Use E-Mail Alerts, Internet Sites to Connect With Residents," http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33646-2002Nov9.html WP reported on McLean's plans for "a revitalization plan that envisions a new Main Street with broad sidewalks, outdoor cafes and a European-style flavor in the heart of its business district." Says this "vision plan" aims to make McLean more pedestrian- friendly and attractive. Quotes a county supervisor as saying "We're trying to totally change the look of McLean and encourage people to walk around and not drive around," and that the revitalization will give McLean "a greater sense of place." Zoning changes will allow office space to be used for upscale condos. Project will also include retail space and a civic plaza. Main Street "is designed to favor pedestrians. The plans call for tree-lined sidewalks bordering the Giant supermarket on one side and a new row of shops on the other, with a median large enough for kiosks in the middle." Also, brick crosswalks will be "part of an effort to beautify the busy thoroughfare and slow down its traffic." See "Ambitious Look Is Envisioned for McLean: Pedestrian-Friendly District With Cafes, Streetscapes Seen," http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33575-2002Nov9.html See "Metrobus Tries Out SmarTrip: 80 Vehicles Refitted To Accept Farecards," http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45780-2002Nov12.html See "Metro Cars to Keep 'Em Moving: Redesign Coaxes Riders to Step to Center, Reduce Crowding," http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56682-2002Nov14.html Tonight, November 21: 14th & U Street Initiative meeting, Lincoln Theatre. See http://www.14thandu.org/ See also http://www.logancircle.org/calendar/calpop.asp?EventID=112 Tonight: Dingleberries opens at Warehouse Next Door. 14 funny plays set in the bathroom (props by yours truly). Just $15! http://www.cherryredproductions.com/ Sunday, November 24: Home Rule showcases Doughmakers Gourmet Bakeware, 1-4. See [3] below. Sunday, December 8: Logan Circle Annual House Tour. December 8: Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, part of Winterfest weekend at Washington Harbor. Best regards, Michael |