RSS FeedDumont Condominium Update (4th & Mass Ave NW)
Thanks to an anonymous PQL reader for letting us know that the Dumont Condominium has “temporarily” closed its sales office and for passing on a more definitive word that the 2nd (East) building will become apartments.
There has long been speculation that the East building would become a hotel or apartments. Since each of the Dumont buildings have their own rooftop pools, we were already heading down a path of two independently functioning buildings. But, at last check, that speculation had settled on the East building becoming a hotel. With this new update, we will tip the scale back towards speculation that the East building will be an apartment building.
But, that’s not all! Surf on over to the District Chatter’s blog to read several Dumont posts from this past week. Topics include the sales team being terminated and construction grinding to a halt (but some workers have since returned). The Chatter marks similarities in events of the Senate Square development near Union Station which started out as condos and then completely switched to apartments.
One Of These Things Is Not Like The Others
The Washington Monument. The United States Capitol. The National Gallery of Art. The Carousel on the National Mall?
Sure it’s been there since before many of us were born, but that doesn’t make it right. The Smithsonian carousel just seems so out of place to our eyes. The National Mall, home of so many monuments, galleries, and our Houses of Congress, seems like a strange place for a turn of the century merry-go-round. Ocean City’s boardwalk? Sure, that’s a great place for a carousel, ferris wheel, carnies; but not the National Mall.
If it’s supposed to be a work of art, shouldn’t it be in a garden setting like you find at the Hirshhorn or National Gallery? Do we just sound like an angry old man?
Wine Spectator Anoints Four PQ Spots
Macking a Mollydooker? Salivating a Screaming Eagle? Hot for a Haut-Brion? Then you’ve come to the right part of town as four Penn Quarter restaurants garnered the Best of Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s 2008 Dining Guide. Who were the winners of this higher level accolade? Le Paradou, Proof, Charlie Palmer Steak and The Capital Grille.
Just remember that these awards are mostly based on the wine list and not on the whole dining experience. In fact, the Wine Spectator got busted for giving an award out to a fictitious Italian restaurant so YMMV. Nevertheless, we generally agree that you don’t have to walk far in our neighborhood to sample great wine, whether it’s the real primo stuff or the more pedestrian fare. If you want to bring your own special bottle of wine to a restaurant, call ahead to determine the corkage policy and remember your corkage etiquette.
Where do you go to enjoy a glass of vin?
Wayback VII: Downtown Parking
Today, we’re heading to the Wilson Building in 1960 before the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center was constructed. Guess we know where everyone parked their car!
Photo credit: DDOT Historical Photo Archives