RSS FeedInauguration 2009: Port-A-Johns Stand Ready
We’re not sure if this really qualifies as a photo of the week but it is evident that this segment of 9th Street NW near the Mall is” facility ready.” WaPo lets you in on the details required to install and maintain the estimated 7,000 portable toilets for the inauguration. If 1.5 million people show up, that means each toilet handles just over 200 people. Thus, we estimate that this chunk of 9th Street NW will handle the needs of about 4,000 eager visitors.
Inauguration 2009: Homes With A View, Zenith Exhibit & More
Homes With A View
Staking out a prime inaugural parade viewing spot might be a real challenge. The magnetometers open at 7 am, some are warning of 2 hour wait times to be screened, the highs look to be just above freezing, and attendance should top 1 million for the day’s events. Once the parade route is full (estimated to be a population of approximately 300,000) no one else will be allowed on the sidelines of the parade route (US Secret Service Downtown Access Map [PDF]). No more spectators after that. Zip. Zilcho. Bupkus. Those of you numbering from 150,000 to 300,000 may want to stretch out on the rack to the six to seven foot range or choose a less Medieval alternative – bring your stilts.
There are homes with a clear view of Pennsylvania Avenue, however, and that may be one of the most unique aspects of living in our slice of Washington. Ruth Samuelson of the CityPaper takes an interesting look at those who have a home with a view of the parade route and some of those dwellers’ plans for Inauguration Day.
Two things are now clear. The first? Hope is a powerful emotion. The second? There is plenty of time to get your own private parade route view by 2013.
The View From Pennsylvania Avenue [CityPaper – Housing Complex Blog]
Zenith Gallery Celebrates Inaugural Inspirations
The Zenith Gallery (413 7th Street NW) is celebrating the inauguration with an exhibit of paintings and giclees of Barack Obama and other inspired works of art. Zenith is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday from Noon to 5 pm with the exhibit running throug February 8.
DC Government Releases Cool Inauguration Day “Walking Map”
The DC Government posted a nicely designed and colored map [3 MB PDF] on their Inauguration Day website illustrating bus routes, Metro stations and walking approaches to downtown for Inauguration Day. Decidedly missing are any approaches from the north. A bit odd that the folks in the northern half of the city were left out but it is nicely designed and colored.
Yet Another Inauguration Souvenir Store
A temporary store set up shop on 7th Street NW between the Red Velvet Cupcakery and the District Chophouse selling inauguration items. That makes not one…not two…but three stores where you can find January 20 memorabilia. Ahhh…capitalism is in the air.
New Shuttle Service: Gallery Place To H Street NE – Free!
Yesterday, Councilmember Wells and DDOT announced that a new shuttle service that will operate between the Gallery Place Metro (7th & H St NW) and the Minnesota Ave Metro! It will have a limited number of stops along H St NE and will only run from 5pm until normal metro closing hours. This service is should prove popular with the bar and restaurant patrons that live in northwest.
Before this service was announced, the only public transportation option from Penn Quarter to H St NE was the X2 bus. Not only is riding the X2 a whole evening of fun wrapped up into a short bus ride, it also does not have the most reliable schedule.
The new shuttle service is being offered for free and will run on a 30 minute headway schedule.
References:
– DCist – New Shuttle Service Makes H Street NE More Accessible (with photos)
– Frozen Tropics – H Street Shuttle Coming Soon
– Washington Business Journal – H Street shuttle arrives
PQ Weekend Guide – Inauguration Edition
This time around, we’re stretching the use of the term “weekend” to include inauguration day. Here are a couple of unique events that may not be getting as much press as they should:
The Art of Change will feature visual and performing arts, multiple dance floors, fire dancing and live music. DJs from across the mid-Atlantic region will be spinning an eclectic mix of musical styles on two dance floors, and in The Art of Change Galleries, displaying artworks created for this celebration. The Variety Stage will showcase performances all night long, including live music, comedy, belly dancing and spoken word poetry. And outside, attendees will enjoy fire-dance performances while dancing to up-and-coming DJs in the heated White Tent.
January 20, 2009 at 8 pm
The Warehouse Theatre and two neighboring buildings
1021 7th St. NW
Tickets are available immediately for $50 on the Art of Change website.
Sold Out! The Navy Memorial’s Naval Heritage Center will televise Inauguration Day activities live in its stadium-seating theatre, featuring a 46-foot by 16-foot HD screen. Guests will enjoy in-and-out access all day and clean, indoor restrooms. Catered box lunch is included in the ticket price. All members of the public are welcome. The Navy Memorial is located on the Inauguration Parade route, halfway between the Capitol and the White House.
January 20, 2009 – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
United States Navy Memorial
Naval Heritage Center (downstairs)
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Call (202) 380-0733 or visit www.navymemorial.org for a link to purchase tickets. $30 per person; limited seating