More Changes to Come for 14th Street
Besides all of the new construction that can be found up and down 14th St, looks like our great street will also be getting some new features thanks to the District Department of Transportation.
On the menu for 14th:
- “twin-20″ Washington Globe lighting
- teardrop pendant lighting for street illumination
- dedicated bike lines
- pedestrian “bulb-outs”
- for key intersections, like those at Rhode Island Avenue, Florida Avenue and U Street, crosswalks and sidewalks will get special iconic identification
- cement sidewalks will give way to London pavers
- new street furniture such as garbage bins, tree boxes and bike racks
While 14th street was designed as a major thoroughfare by L’Enfant, it does have to wait until DDOT finishes the other projects that are part of the Great Streets Initiative.
To read the full article by DC Mud, click here.
Development Aplenty for 14th Street
That’s basically the gist from a recent article from Urban Turf describing the more than several projects currently happening and planned for the 14th Street corridor.
The District by The JBG Companies and Grosvenor
And when I say several, it’s literal. From above Florida Avenue to south of Rhode Island Avenue (on 14th), there are a total of 10 residential projects that are in the final planning stages or are under construction. Read more
Vastu Shoutout: Regina Miele & Arts@1830
(Image by Luis Gomez Photos)
A couple of nights ago, Vastu co-owners Eric Kole and Jason Claire attended a soft opening of Regina Miele’s new gallery, framing and studio space, Arts@1830. Regina (an artist herself and friend to Vastu) formerly occupied Raven Arts which was above Bar Pilar, a couple of doors down from our showroom.
Borderstan describes the new space as being “clean and spare, white from floor to ceiling. A moving wall at the back of the gallery space can push forward towards the front, to allow for more framing space, or backwards towards the studio, for a bigger gallery.”
We want to wish Regina the best of luck with this new gallery and hope you all will come out and support her.
You can see more pictures from Tuesday’s soft opening/media night here and while you’re at it, “Like” Regina’s new gallery and studio on Facebook!
Places to go | Folks to know – DC
If you’re in The District and you haven’t made it over to Cork Market yet, you should definitely go…. now! Just kidding… but, you should try them soon. We don’t love them just because they’re on our block, but because everything is delicious and the staff is very knowledgeable about wine. For eats – try their organic gummy pandas, espresso brownie and turkey BLTA sandwich. For drinks – well their specialty is wine, so ask for suggestions of what to try from the Cork Market team.
Places to go | Folks to know
Midcity Caffe recently opened up its doors (above Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnot) and the reviews so far have been pretty good. Caffe hours are greatfor an early morning run or afternoon snack, especially if you work in the neighborhood. You can also stop by with your laptop and get some work (or non-work) done since they offer complimentary WIFI. The 50s era diner design is charming and works well for the space. As for the food and drink, we’ve heard only good things. Personally we’ve had the black citrus iced tea and whole wheat bagels, both delicious!
If you haven’t been, definitely give it a try!
1626 14th St, NW | Washington, DC 20009 | 202-234-1515
Our new neighbors!
For weeks we’ve been peeking at the signs in the door, listening to the drilling, sanding and hammering wondering when the project next door to us would be complete.
Well, according to Going Out Guru, Tom Sietsema, it’s now official – our next door neighbors plan to open the doors to their 5,000 square foot Latin-Asian establishment in September. They’re calling their fusion destination “Masa 14″.
Chef Kaz Okochi of Kaz Sushi Bistro and Richard Sandoval of Zengo wanted to open a new destination to drink and dine in the neighborhood. The two business partners plan to meet in Washington in the near future to discuss the menu and chef for this project.
Masa 14 will feature reasonably priced small plates ($7-$14) and specialty cocktails. It will include a 40-seat bar (but no counter for sushi) and what Chef Okochi describes as a “sleek” interior with wood, stone and brick finishes.
Restaurant location 1825 14th St, NW | Washington, DC 20009
We’re counting down the days!
New kids on the block
Well, new kids on the street really… 14th Street NW is quickly becoming a destination for both great retail and food. In recent weeks a number of new restaurants have opened and more are slated to come. The Washington Post recently took a detailed look at the influx of restaurants on 14th. Below is a quick look at what’s hapenning on our street.
Cafe Salsa, which serves nuevo Latin cuisine, opened last month. They offer good food, great mojitos and salsa lessons.
Policy opened within weeks of Cafe Salsa. This new spot serves small plates, tasty drinks and good music. Blog, DC This Week, posts on DJ events that seem to be Fridays starting at 10pm.
One of the toughest reservations to get in the capitol city is at The Gibson, located near the corner of 14th and U Street NW. This hot destination (which opened fall of last year) is a cocktail-focused speakeasy owned by the same folks that own Marvin’s.
There are a number of places planning for openings this summer through the fall. Owner of Busboys and Poets will open Eatonville, a restaurant that pays tribute to author Zora Neale Hurston. The menu will include healthy southern style food. An unnamed seafood restaurant is on it’s way, a coffehouse and even rumors of a sushi bar.
So, if you haven’t been to Midcity in a while - its definitely worth the trip!
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