Why Gentrify?!

I was shocked to see that the olive green (err, “lighter green”) townhouse on 10th Street NW is for sale. An open house was held this Sunday for the property at 2116 10th St NW (click address to take a tour of the house). It is listed with Sotheby’s at the bargain basement price of $1.25 million It’s a 3BR/2BA award winning modern townhouse with over 2,500 square feet. I always marvel at this house and the three others like it (I believe they were built around 2001). They are so interesting, architecturally. I’m not wild about the basic steps to the houses; they seem so utilitarian, but otherwise, they are cool townhouses, that I enjoy walking past on my various sojourns. The house is much nicer and larger than I imagined. Heck, who knew there was room in the back for a spa?

Now, was I shocked at the price? Yes! It’s a pretty sharp house, but I didn’t realize that this end of U Street or “North Logan” (what’s that about?) could fetch a pretty penny like that, but I should have known better. I’m not home appraiser. Do you think it is priced right? Of course, if this house was in Georgetown or Cleveland Park, it would be even more. Click below for a description of the house.

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I noticed that there is some sort of construction machinery outside of the boarded up church on 10th and V Streets NW, next to the Murano condos.  That church has been vacant since I arrived a couple of months ago.  But, recently, more boards have appeared, which is interesting.  According to the property records it is owned by 2105 10th St NW, LLC and 2101 Morning Bright, LLC.  I am not sure if they will be condos or a parking lot of some sort, but I am trying to find out.  I took these pictures yesterday evening. (more…)

The Murano condos at 2117 10th St NW look pretty great!  But, I want the developers to hurry up and wrap up whatever it is that they need to wrap up, so the sidewalk in front of it can be opened up to pedestrians such as myself, and possibly free up some parking.  The condos look complete, but I don’t see anyone living in there.  Sometimes, I’ll see a couple of business looking people go in there, and there will be a Mercedes two-seater parked out front.  I read here that sales began in October 2007, though the place was finished in mid-2007.  Based on the website, it will have about 12 units, of varying sizes.  I really like the exterior.  I’m concerned about what it will bring to the already tight parking situation we have over on that end of the U Street Corridor.  Some units will be provided with parking spaces, apparently.  Click below to see more pics). (more…)

I have been looking at this strange piece of art that suddenly appeared a not too long ago in this lot that is popular with the homeless just off U Street, on 10th Street NW, behind the Chinese carry-out, next to the green Bratton Realty house. It looks like some Col. Sanders type thing. I wish I had taken a picture of it before it got BROKEN, but I didn’t want the residents of the lot to get paranoid.

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