Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 1/16/2011

The list of open houses for Sunday can be seen here. The same information is shown in a map format with directions here. Scroll over the push pins on the map to get info on each property.

Not included in this list, I am doing preview tours on Sunday of Redstone Condos, located in nearby Park View. These are brand new construction, all 950 square foot 2BR 2BA condo units that include extra storage and parking, all in the mid-$300,000's. The address is 3577 Warder St NW, just a few short blocks to the Petworth Metro. Contact me directly at 202-641-5373 for an appointment to see.

seeeking referrals for home energy auditors

From a Bloomingdale resident:

I am looking for recommendations for home energy auditors. After December`s cold and a horrifying electric bill, I have to take some action. :)

Any recommendations from neighbors would be much appreciated! Thanks.

"aggressive panhandler" in LeDroit Park

See this 01/14/2011 message from a Flagler Place NW resident:

A group of 5 of us (4 guys, 1 girl) were walking up T street NW, towards the Metro, and turned right on 4th St by LeDroit Market when we were approached by a black male asking for money. He claimed he had just been robbed at gunpoint and needed $5 for Metro fare to get him back to Maryland and his baby momma. We politely told him sorry, we didn`t have any cash, but he proceeded to follow us for over 3 blocks to Oakdale St (between Elm St and V), loudly and insistently demanding we give him money. I told him if he didn`t leave, I would call the police. He got angry, started screaming profanities at me, and threatened to spit on me.

My boyfriend and another guy got between him and me, and he shoved between them, shouting at me while I called 911. The police dispatcher said they`d send a car, but I don`t know if they ever found him. He eventually turned down Oakdale and disappeared into the park back there. He was a black male, probably late 20s, with shoulder length dreadlocks. He was wearing a ski cap, red jacket, green sweatshirt and dark jeans.

To approach a group of 5 people ... he was obviously high and could have had a weapon, so people need to be careful in that area.

firehouse update from Brian Brown

See this 1/12/2011 message from LeDroit Park resident and North Capitol Street NW firehouse owner Brian Brown:

Feel free to let the neighbors know that we have all the necessary finances in place to proceed with the [firehouse] project.

We have obtained the necessary permits to demo the areas necessary and that is being done.

The windows are also being prepped for replacement.

Historic signed off on the architectural design of the replacement garage doors yesterday and those are being ordered.

Look for the ABRA application to come up in one of the next couple of ANC meetings.

LeDroit Park & Bloomingdale Heritage Trail working group is soliciting volunteers

See this 1/12/2011 message from Bloomingdale resident Christian Seitz:

LeDroit Park & Bloomingdale Heritage Trail needs your help!

Share our history!

LeDroit Park & Bloomingdale Heritage Trail Working Group needs volunteers, participants, old family photos & stories.

Many believe Washington is a city of politicians. We know better! It is a city of great neighborhoods.

LeDroit Park & Bloomingdale are working together to develop our Heritage Trail. Heritage Trails are self-guided walking tours of historic neighborhoods featuring trail signs that combine stories, historic photos, and maps. These trails teach residents and tourists alike about the rich history that makes up the fabric of our city. You've seen these trail signs in the U Street Corridor, Shaw, Adams Morgan, Barracks Row, Pleasant Plains, and several other neighborhoods.

Heritage Trails are developed in coordination with community working groups. The working group shapes the trail; collects neighborhood stories and images, decides what sites are important to neighborhood history, what should be included on the signs, where the signs should be placed, what the trail should be named, and more. We are beginning the process of developing a trail for LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale, and we need your help. A little time can go a long way. Volunteers / participants can share a photo and a story, organize responsibilities, pass out flyers, reach out to former residents or their descendants, record stories, or conduct research.

If you're interested in participating in this wonderful project, please contact Robert Sullivan at 202- 365- 8542 or rbsll@yahoo.com .

For more information on Heritage Trails, follow this link:
http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/things-do-see/trails-tours/neighborhood-heritage-trails

Big Daddy Running Club members -- no outside steps or staircases available in the general area?

Okay, the neighbor who asked about nearby exterior staircases or steps asked to have this additional message posted:

Big Daddy Running Club members:

Do any of YOU know of any outside steps that one can run up and run down in the general area?

Anything at Dunbar, Banneker, Howard, Trinity....?

looking for outside stairs to run up & run down

See this message from a Bloomingdale resident (who is aware of the Big Daddy Running Club):

I am looking for a set of outside stairs somewhere in the greater neighborhood that I can run and run down -- hopefully, not with restricted hours. But eager to hear about all outside steps that are available. Thanks.

Bloomingdale resident Zach Sherif: Designer lighting sample sale - 1/17 thru 1/23/2011

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Zach Sherif:

Designer Lighting Sample Sale - Monday January 17th thru Sunday January 23rd - By Appointment Only. 26 T St. NW. Please call 917 334 1488 to schedule an appointment.

Zach Sherif, an established NYC interior and lighting designer - and a now a new and proud fulltime resident of Bloomingdale - is opening up his studio and selling off the remaining 2010 inventory of his renowned and unique one-of-a-kind hand blown glass, brass and iron chandeliers. Zach has been credited for bringing chandeliers back in to style and is touted for his creativity, inspired vision and his passionate and intense love of lighting. Zach believes that ``…lighting is the single most important element of design in any room - it single handedly defines the mood.`` Clients include, to name just a few, Sarah Jessica Parker, Whoopi Goldberg, A-Rod and Naomi Campbell.

This is a remarkable opportunity to own one of his celebrated chandeliers - at 50% - 70% off - or have him custom make you a piece to size from his current stock of glass. Prices range from $175.00 for a smaller piece to $1,600 for a large regal dining or living room piece that would do justice to any home in the area. Zach is also available for interior design work - so if you need a quick makeover, staging or design for a single room or your entire home, give him a call to get a free estimate. He has an upcoming show in the spring of new lighting works at a local gallery - keep an eye out for it - you'll see it posted here!

seeking referrals for fire alarm monitoring companies

See this request from a Bloomingdale condominium resident:

Our condo building needs a new fire alarm panel, and is seeking referrals for fire alarm monitoring companies. Any good referrals?

2010 Real Estate Market Numbers for Bloomingdale

If you hadn't already seen this article in The Washington Examiner about home gains in the DC area, you may want to check it out.

So, how did we do in Bloomingdale in 2010? See below for an overview. (Note that I am happy to send the actual data for one or more of the reports below. Just shoot me an e-mail via sdesmarais @ urbanpace dot com.)

Settled House (fee simple) Sales Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, NW Eckington
2010
77 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $440,118.
Highest Sold Price $849,500
Average Days on Market 47

2009
75 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $417,957.
Highest Sold Price $879,000
Average Days on Market 76

Settled Condo Sales Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, NW Eckington
2010
24 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $319,262.
Highest Sold Price $528,000
Average Days on Market 79

2009
28 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $326,677.
Highest Sold Price $540,000
Average Days on Market 113

House prices in the neighborhood saw an increase. With inventory of available homes for sale expected to continue to be tight, we may see another bump in prices over the Spring Market. The other piece of good news is that we saw a decrease in the average period of time that properties are staying on the market. Condo prices in the neighborhood saw a slight decrease.

Best wishes for a great new year,
Suzanne

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 1/9/2011

After the general lull over the holidays, open house activity should pick back up again. Here are open houses scheduled for Sunday. Here is the same info in a map format with directions. To see info about properties on the map, scroll over the push pins.

just bought a house in the neighborhood - now seeking an architect or interior designer

See this request from a Quincy Place NW household:

We just bought a house on Quincy PL and we are looking for an architect or interior designer who could help us with floor plan and other interior work designer.

We are willing to negotiate the payment plan, but we are looking to pay on hourly bases. If you have done interior renovation in the area and have any suggestion we would greatly appreciate it.

Please contact me at solomon.beyene@gmail.com

.

? new basement-level coffee shop coming to south side of the 200 block of Florida Ave NW ?

A Randolph Place NW resident asks if anyone has info about what appears to be a new neighborhood coffee place:

Might someone know something about the new basement-level coffee shop coming -- located on the south side of the 200 block of Florida Avenue NW?

For about 3 weeks, we have seen a sign that says 'coffee house coming'...and there is a little neon open/close (I think) in the window. Very exciting.

North Capitol Main Street: upcoming schedule of events

See this 1/6/2011 message from Lonna Hooks, Executive Director, North Capitol Main Street:

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=tp9zhzcab&v=001_7pdtf0NbxO25e035S1jMpxo32GZyFdTFRe1ZX0f61wOomJxj-OuqHSHeP5qn1Sxe_eqRzIsgoL86IyCNGmVSfFSLYQSm_bkEDY8r3IcGX8%3D

North Capitol Main Street
Upcoming Schedule of Events

Dear NCMS Stakeholders:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Let's start the New Year off with a bang!

Join me for our 1st Board Meeting of the year.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011
7:00PM - 8:30PM
NCMS Office - 1703 North Capitol St NE
Washington, DC 20002

Please RSVP if you plan to attend to: lhooks@ncmsinc.org

And Beyond... Join A Committee!

North Capitol Main Street, Inc. (NCMS) invites you to help us continue the revitalization of our historically and culturally important neighborhood! Our important work is done through Four Standing Volunteer Committees which meet monthly at 7:00PM at NCMS headquarters, 1703 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Economic Restructuring and Design meet on the Second Wednesday - January 12, 2011. Promotions and Organization on the Third Wednesday - January 19, 2011.

For More Information & Commitee Details - Visit our website - www.ncmsinc.org

Drop us a line, or call us and let us know if you can come: NCMS Executive Director, Lonna Hooks 202-670-1703 or lhooks@ncmsinc.org

A Penny For Your Thoughts...

Take our short survey and earn a chance to win $100.00
We want to know how NCMS can better serve you.
Simply click on the link below to take this quick survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JSJ6MSK

Join Our Mailing List!

Show Your Support For NCMS

Help NCMS strengthen our community everytime you bank! Join our TD Bank Affinity Program (Code: A1919). All you have to do is let TD Bank know that you are a friend of NCMS. They will add you to our program and at the end of the year TD will give us a donation! It's quick - It's easy - It's a free way for you to support us! Call, stop by or email TD today if you bank with them already. Or stop by & open an account! They just opened up at 1275A 1st Street NE.

do you know who might own this dog found at Florida & Q St NW ?

See this late evening 1/5/2011 message from a Quincy Place NW resident:

On my way home last night I found the most adorable, neutered male, beagle mix dog. I spotted him near the gas station at the diagonal of Florida and Q Street NW round 10 pm. He narrowly made it across Fl. Ave. and came to me when I called him. He was a bit scared and shaking, but clearly someone`s house pet as he is well mannered and was not afraid of being approached. I brought him home with me and gave him some of my dog`s food and fresh water. He was not hungry, other than for dog treats, so is likely recently lost. Unfortunately he has no tag but probably belongs to someone in the neighborhood. I plan to take him to the shelter on Saturday. Attached is a photo I snapped last night. Please contact Melissa at 240- 498- 2481 if this is your dog, or if you know whom it belongs to.

seeking referrals for drywall installation

From a 1st Street NW resident:

I am seeking a recommendation on dry wall installation. I have recently had my basement redone and need to re install some dry wall.

Also, we had insulation blown in, so we need those holes patched too.

litttle lost dog spotted at 1st & V St NW

See this message from a household on the 2100 block of 1st Street NW:

We spotted a little dog in the middle of the intersection of V and First NW tonite. I sat down in the street and convinced him to come my way, and so he did, after a little while.

He looks a little bit like a Llasa Apso, but I'm no expert. I'm including a photo.

Here is a 1/5/2011 late afternoon update from the household that found this puppy at 1st & V Street NW:

The puppy that we found last night is now at the New York Ave Humane Society Shelter. He will be there for five days and upon evaluation, if not claimed, will be put up for adoption.

For claiming purposes we named the puppy Spencer. The vet believes he is a Shih Tzu and about a year old. He did not have a micro-chip and is not neutered.

Spencer is a great dog, happy and house trained.

seeking roofer referrals

See this request from a resident on Quincy Place NW, north side:

We have a gutter that needs to be repaired on the third story of the building. All the roofers they have contacted say they can`t do the work because of the historic nature of the gutter, or because the roof is too high and they don`t have the proper ladders. I`m wondering if anyone has any suggestions for people who they know can do this kind of repair.

North Capitol Main Street Clean & Safe Team December 2010 report

See this 1/4/2011 message from Lonna Hooks, Executive Director, North Capitol Main Street:

The NCMS team collected 1,740 bags for the month - this equates to 26.1 tons of rubbish collected.

The team also treated the area with rocksalt around bus stops, handicap ramps and fire hydrants. They also shoveled as needed during the inclement weather.

Graffiti and Poster removals for the month totaled 37.

Yoga District GroupOn for today !

Some stale news: An Eckington resident advises about a GroupOn discount for Yoga District for today: http://www.groupon.com/washington-dc/deals/yoga-district-dc?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=groupondc

$29 for Five Yoga Classes at Yoga District ($50 Value)

worth: discount: savings:
$50 42% $21

Company Information:
Yoga District
Website: http://www.yogadistrict.com /
Locations:
Dupont Circle Studio , U Street Corridor Studio , and Bloomingdale Studio

Looks like a good deal!
Good to see GroupOn reach Bloomingdale.