Anacostia's Newest Mural - What Do You Think?

Designed and painted by Bryan Conner, Anacostia's newest mural sits at the intersection of MLK Ave and U Street SE. It is bright, hopeful, and looks professionally done. It has cherry blossoms, a great MLK quotation, and buzzwords signaling what is important to the neighborhood: nurturing, community, light, culture, and respect.


the mural fades from being highly detailed to simple line drawings...


artist Bryan Conner spraying the final finishing touches...


I love the pop of the cherry blossoms...


the view from across the street...



I like this quotation because it really represents what's going on in the neighborhood: a growing dedication to seeing it develop into a place that it inclusive, beautiful, and bright. What do you think of the new mural?

(And remember what this spot used to look like?)

Facade & Mural Coming Down at MLK/GH

Well, that was quick. Due to a dangerously sagging facade, the new wood-block mural at MLK and Good Hope, along with what remained of the art deco facade of the old Peoples Drug are being torn down.

The corner in 1949:


the flourishing days of not-so-long-ago Anacostia...image from Historical Society of Washington, DC

Then in 2009:


when a truck bashed through the now-abandoned lot...

And in 2011:


see the Gateway to Ward 8 mural in the background...

And this afternoon:


notice the wood block in the crate...photo by @ruseriousingme


photo by @TheAdvoc8te

The above photos definitely show the mural being dismantled. I really hope that they take away all the debris rather than just backfill it into the hole. More updates as I get them...

Prime Retail Space Now Available on MLK

One of the reasons MLK Avenue doesn't have a ton of retail (restaurants or otherwise) is that it hasn't had a whole lot of available retail spaces come available. A lot of the retail space is taken by office users or is unavailable/has absentee owners/not in good condition. But, over the past couple months two great - and adjacent - spaces have come available: 2019 and 2021 MLK Ave.



The building on the left is the old Anacostia Bank building, and the one on the right has been (probably should not share this if I want the space leased) a funeral home for a number of years.


the buildings now...


...and in the early 20th century (Photo: Library of Congress)

But, they are located on a great stretch of MLK, between U Street and V Street, next to The Hive, along the future Anacostia streetcar route.



The buildings themselves are pretty cool. One has an awesome fish scale transom (see above), and both kind of have that classic small town charm that makes Anacostia unique.



At just $25/square foot, these buildings would be great for anyone looking to start a new business or expand into a neighborhood that - with the success of Uniontown Bar & Grill - has proven itself able to support quality local eateries.

If interested, Click Here for the listings (scroll to see properties) or call broker Carla Merritt at 301-702-3200 x102.

Sunbelt Rentals Coming to 2204 MLK

Here's some retail news for ya: Sunbelt Rentals, a construction equipment rental store, recently signed a one year lease at 2204 MLK Avenue. The owners had been holding out for a restaurant user, but decided to fill the space in the meantime.



This will be a good use for all the construction that is going on in the neighborhood. Plus, the more recognizable retail that moves into Anacostia, the more likely it is that other retailers give us a chance.

Let the MLK transformation begin!

the blog DC Metrocentric totally scooped me on this, but there is a great new building under construction at 2345 MLK Ave, about a block from the Anacostia metro station.


looking north on MLK Ave


inside one of the uber-chic residential units

The building will be completely mixed use: retail on the ground floor, with medical offices and residences above. Obviously this building is not in the historic district, but it looks like it will be a really cool addition to the neighborhood. I love it when developers don't skimp on architecture, and this design by Boston's Höweler + Yoon is pretty stunning.

It's projects like this that are going to lift Anacostia. Big cheer.

Click Here to see some of architect Eric Höweler's photos of the site preparation earlier this week

The Banana Tree coming to MLK Ave

the former abandoned car lot at MLK and Maple View is in progress to become The Banana Tree, a fruit and vegetable market by the founder of the Funky Flea Market in Northeast DC.



So far the lot has been cleared and the small building on site painted a bright green and yellow. When I spoke with the owner (a vegan), he said he was inspired by the lack of healthy food options in the neighborhood and plans to source his products from Maryland and Virginia farms.

Opening is projected for March 2010 when the next produce season begins.

used car lot no more

one of my biggest praises for the Fenty administration is that thing are actually getting done. Sure, some of the big plans don't pan out as expected and he sometimes jetsets around without telling the press, but there is a new kind of efficiency and modern work ethic in the city that's pretty great.


outpost of sketchy used car "sales" no longer

case in point: the slew of grimy / sketchy "used car lots" that weren't even legit businesses that lined many of the city's up-and-coming retail corridors. the administration heard the complaints that they weren't actually selling cars to the public, and in swoops the Fenty crackdown to get rid of them. Love it.


they even took the signs

this month the car lot crackdown finally made its way to the corner of MLK Ave and U Street:


and now, another developable lot...

I still need to check out some of the lots on Good Hope - anyone notice if the same is true there? Remember, if you see something sketchy or want something fixed, just call 311 (Mayor's citywide call center) or plug a request into the Service Request Center.

the evening afterglow

we've been getting some great evening weather lately. the clouds part just in time for the sun to lay a cool orange glow on the neighborhood:


totally classic church with a very alive & diverse congregation.

also, new windows at 2025 MLK?


i haven't yet seen the finished product - but i'm optimistic

sweet shot - just across the 11th Street Bridge

this is pretty great for a few reasons:

1. it is a fantastic shot of winter. this photo is cold.

2. because the capture isn't my own, i see the scene for what it is - this intersection still looks windswept and relatively uncared for, even though I've become used to seeing it this way. i mean, why do we have a boarded-up and crumbling hole as the welcome mat to Historic Anacostia? we can't get used to this stuff or it won't change.

3. the corner highlight serves as a good reminder that we still have a ways to go, and a front and center opportunity right here to change first impressions for the so much better.

the photo, My place of birth, by Flickr user marques_haven

Bury Building to get Makeover

in March I posted on this building at 2200 MLK, and asked that a reader please restore it to its original grandeur. Well, that is exactly what's happening. Thanks to the help of $1.1 million in TIF financing from the city, developer Four Points LLC will give the building a total back-to-the-future makeover:

then, July 4th circa 1919:

I wish the building next door still had its crown

now:

I will be glad to see this mural go



future, 2009-2010:

drawing not entirely to scale


loving the restored windows and doors

old photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, new ones by DG-rad, and renderings courtesy of Four Points, LLC

rainy day restorations

a bee's knees house on V Street that is undergoing a pretty extensive exterior restoration. Even in the rain:


down at 2026 MLK, these guys were busy replacing the storefront with something a little more historically appropriate. There is absolutely nothing not to love about surprise window replacements:


a sneak preview of what's to come:


photos by DG-rad

the Anacostia sign is back

After being off the facade of 1115/1117 Good Hope Road for over a year, the cursive "Anacostia" sign is back!



The sign is a landmark in the neighborhood, and helps define the area to all those coming down Good Hope and across the 11th Street Bridge.

And while the sign isn't the first one to grace the building...

Victory Grill, 1952. Ah, the days before 295.

nor was this the first location for the sign...

Anacostia Thrifty Liquor Store, 1205 Good Hope, 1947

...it is a welcome addition and adds a certain character to the intersection. A lighting ceremony is planned for Friday, November 7 at 6:30 pm.

Victory Grill photo courtesy of DCHS
Anacostia Liquors photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

Extreme Makeover: 1916 MLK Edition

okay, so the first picture is from april, but it kept the overgrown flaking paint chained up appearance until last week, when all of a sudden this aqua makeover started. Lookin' good.

if it looks jarringly sea-green in the pic, it really is pretty classy in person. and with its location right across from the future Anacostia Square (see reflection in the windows) and at the heart of the gateway, this is/will be a hot ticket spot for a jazzed-up storefront.

to lease this space, contact Douglas Development's Normal Jemal at 202-638-6300

the mighty warriors e x p a n d

I had literally just snapped a photo of the "storefront for sale" building pictured below when I heard someone remark through a car window "sold last week". A brief but all-smiles conversation and handshakes all-around later, I learned that Bethel Christian Fellowship's Mighty Warriors Ministry (remember the playground?) will be expanding into the storefront next door:



And although part of me wishes it were sold to a Top Chef contestant, a hip and happening gallery, or a used book shop entrepreneur, I'm glad for the space to be filled, and happy that this ministry can expand.

(one question, though: if the "exempting religious institutions from historic district/designation requirements" law is passed, does it include buildings that said institutions bought after the designation is in place?)

Auction! 2004 MLK

When:

Monday, November 10, 2008 at 10:30 A.M.

Where:

At the Property:
2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE

What:

Remember the old bowling alley? Well, it's going on the auction block on November 10th. At 22,000 square feet, this is a remarkable opportunity to redevelop along what will soon be the most active development block east of the Anacostia River. Get in while the getting is good.

What it could become: a CVS, a bowling alley / bar / restaurant, a museum, a boutique design firm's office with artsy retail on the ground floor, a grocery store (Trader Joe's would be perfect, thanks), etc and so on.

For much more detailed info, Click Here

Good Luck!

1916 MLK Upgrades

looks like Douglas Development is finally starting to work on one of their properties, located just west of the MLK / Good Hope intersection. Workers were installing new storefront windows and a new glass door today, as well as beginning to repoint the brick.

It looks like they are actively seeking a retailer or restaurant for the space:


i wish that the storefront windows were full-size...



Building Permit:
Repair and renovation to existing facade, including new windows, door, storefront and masonry repairs.

photos by DG-rad

a Cabbie's perspective

I recently took a cab into Anacostia, and upon entering from the 11th Street Bridge asked the driver if he came to the neighborhood much and what his perceptions of it were. He hadn't driven there in about two years, so I remarked at changes that I could point to: Anacostia Gateway, refurbished commercial buildings, cleaner streets, etc.

His response, although not a revalation, was interesting. He told me that in order for people to really recognize the changes in Anacostia, its gateways sorely needed to be addressed, especially at its most visible approach - the southwest corner of MLK and Good Hope:


He also said that although Anacostia Gateway was great, it is in the visual periphery (from this direction, at least), and therefore doesn't have the same effect on first impressions.


I'm sure that the corner will eventually change, but its "I look like a deserted failure" appearance only serves to scare people, retailers, and investment away. The AEDC's Welcome to Historic Anacostia sign would better serve the neighborhood on a symbol of its emergent success than on one of misrepresentative blight.

nice surprise

so I was just making the rounds, and noticed that this triangular building at the intersection of MLK, Pleasant, and Maple View (no lie, we have some nice street names) is being made over into Maple View Deli, a catering business and restaurant ...take out, but they are planning outdoor seating.



Awesome.

They hope to open in about two weeks, but the guy inside assured me there was still a lot of interior and exterior work to be done.

big loss

I love these old photos of Anacostia. They show a vitality and a life that we really want to regain, but are also a sad reminder of the architectural heritage lost as a result of so many demolitions. Unfortunately, most of the clapboard-sided commercial buildings are now gone, with only the brick ones remaining.


1900 Block of MLK, c. 1910

Below is the exact same view today. What is interesting is that 1913 MLK (fourth building from the left, above), although brick underneath, was once covered in wood clapboard siding to match its neighbors.


the leftmost building is 1913 MLK

While I try to not idealize the past and solely wish the neighborhood could look exactly like it did a hundred years ago, there's something to be said for the unique look of Anacostia that is more and more forgotten with each demolition. There's a certain fancifulness that has been lost, and, at least on our commercial corridors, a threadbare architectural heritage that we must vigorously fight to preserve.

...and yes, I am kind of obsessed with this block.

old photo courtesy of the National Photo Company Collection (edited by DG-rad)

on a nice day...

...this office building looks pretty great!



and while I don't think 2100 MLK is the most awesome building around, it is nice having a kept up property that actually supports office and retail tenants.



and get ready for some changes to this view (in a couple years) when the Anacostia Professional Buildings straight ahead in the photo are torn down, V Street is extended, and much taller buildings are built in their place.

I hope the big buildings step back a bit from the street so that what's left of the historic streetscape isn't totally overshadowed... then again Anacostia does need a big boost in density for it to really be sustainable long-term.

photos by DG-rad