November 29, 2016

Church at 8th & Upshur to be demolished, new condos to be built

November 29, 2016/ Drew

The Rock Creek Baptist Church at 8th and Upshur, originally built in the 1950s, had been up for sale for quite some time, as the church prepared to move to Maryland. Now the sale is final and the congregation has moved out, leaving questions in the neighborhood for what comes next. The answer is a developer, ERB Properties, purchased the property and the lot next door, and plans to build four new multi-unit rowhouses.

Neighbor Chris Broderick was kind enough to pass along his notes from a meeting with the developer held Monday, November 28th at Ruta del Vino. I've added additional information as needed.

November 28, 2016

Twisted Horn gets a new name to go along with new menu, prices

November 28, 2016/ Drew

"We are a neighborhood restaurant," Shane Mayson, marketing director for the Hank's restaurants, "And we found the Twisted Horn concept didn't match as closely with that idea. We want to use this opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to the neighborhood."

November 23, 2016

Urban churches on the perimeter of change

November 23, 2016/ Lois Cooper

With the rapid development and gentrification of urban cities, along with the skyrocketing cost of housing in walkable communities, many of the people who once lived in the neighborhood have moved out. Most members commute to worship in the churches that they helped to build by raising money to construct and improve the structures. The churches in local communities are a reminder of the culture and history that was once essential and vital to life in the neighborhood.

November 18, 2016

Did you see that big balloon over Petworth?

November 18, 2016/ Drew

Being the curious sort who's also not shy, I walked over to ask ... what the hell is that? Ok, I said it much nicer. The truck was staffed by two gentlemen, who seemed amused at the questions we were asking.

November 15, 2016

The musical and visual journey of Bill Crandall and Místochord

November 15, 2016/ Drew

Petworth is more than porches, it's an amazing diversity of background, skills, age and talent. One of the people who help shape the cultural fabric of Petworth is Bill Crandall. Bill has lived in Petworth for over a decade, and has long thought of ways to help encourage the creativity in our neighborhood. That effort starts at his home, with his own art and a free show at the Third Floor on Sunday, November 20th.

November 14, 2016

Come support kids expressing themselves with DC SCORES Poetry Slam

November 14, 2016/ Drew

DC SCORES is a very cool non-profit that provides an after-school program to elementary and middle school children, teaching them soccer, community service and poetry. What they're really teaching is kids teamwork, respect and confidence to achieve their goals.

Learn about and RSVP for the Poetry Slam!

November 14, 2016

ANC 4D draft agenda for November meeting

November 14, 2016/ Drew

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4D meets on Tuesday, November 15th at Truesdell Education Campus 800 Ingraham St NW, from 7pm - 9pm.

November 14, 2016

Converting your basement into a rentable apartment? Here's what's involved

November 14, 2016/ Guest Contributor

There's a community meeting next Wednesday, November 16th on zoning and what's involved with converting a basement space into a legal rental. With the recent changes to DC's zoning regulations, many homes in Petworth changed from Zone R-4 to Zone RF-1, which allows for Flats or a two dwelling unit use of a property as a matter of right .

November 13, 2016

Petworth residents push for paid family leave

November 13, 2016/ Adrienne Chu

Anyone winding through the obstacle course of strollers and toddlers at the Petworth Community Market on a Saturday morning would agree that Petworth is experiencing a serious baby boom. The numbers back up the anecdotal evidence—the Petworth-Brightwood-Crestwood area has seen faster growth in the number of children than any other DC neighborhood.

So it comes as no surprise that Petworth is home to fervent supporters of the paid leave legislation now before the DC Council.

November 12, 2016

Featured property: 620 Farragut St NW

November 12, 2016/ Drew

This week's featured property is 620 Farragut St NW, offered by Michele Weinstein from Real Living|At Home. This four bedroom, three-and-a-half bath rowhouse has been renovated and updated for a modern feel. Check out the photo gallery and video!

November 12, 2016

Ruta del Vino, Petworth's newest restaurant, aims to please with a Latin-inspired cuisine

November 12, 2016/ Drew

Ruta del Vino, the new Latin Wine bar at 800 Upshur St NW, opens its doors to the public on Saturday, November 12th at 5pm.

The new restaurant had two preview nights this week to help the staff practice and get ready for the opening. My wife Heather and I attended the second night on Friday, and had a great experience. The restaurant is beautiful, especially after a year long tear down and renovation.

November 11, 2016

Holiday card drive for veterans - an easy way to say thank you

November 11, 2016/ Drew

Its that time of year again! We are collecting handmade holiday cards for the residents of the Old Soldiers Home / Armed Forces Retirement home here in Petworth. If you know an adult, office, child, daycare, or school that would be interested in making holiday cards to bring some joy to these individuals who have spent years or a lifetime in service to all of us, please spread the word and help us hand out a card to every retired soldier we can this holiday season.

Learn more...

November 11, 2016

A fire destroyed possessions, but a community can help support the family

November 11, 2016/ Drew

On October 31st, Serita Payton was at home with her family at 5002 Illinois Avenue when they smelled smoke. She rushed her kids and her mother outside, and watched helpless as a fire destroyed the home she rented, and killed their two cats which they were unable to rescue. Now her family is living in a hotel as they look to rebuild their possessions, and feel blessed they have each other and that no one was hurt. They need help getting back on their feet and into a home.