Then and Now: 1715 Rhode Island, NE

Then: The Woodridge Rug & Carpet Company, sometime in the mid 2oth century. I like how it acknowledges its a bit of a schlep by using the tag line: “Ride a Little Longer — Save a Lot More”

Now: The building has been altered, but its still there. Now its the New Beginning Early Childhood Development Center.

Tax Relief for Business’ Impacted by Construction Proposed

I read in the Post yesterday that Tommy Wells (Ward 6) is pressing for tax relief for businesses on H Street, NW, and on 7th Street, SE, near Eastern Market. According to Wells, all the construction in those areas has severely impacted them and many business owners already have tax bills that are due.

Jim Graham (Ward 1) is concerned that the bill Wells has proposed is so narrowly worded. I’m going to have to agree with Graham on this one. If the City thinks this is a good idea, there is no reason why a measure can’t be written to provide tax relief to any and all business’ that have to deal with the fallout of extended construction.

While some areas of Ward 6 may be caught in the vice now, with all the construction planned, the several Great Streets initiatives hoped for — including Georgia Avenue — and the eventual street cars that will do to areas exactly what’s being done to H Street and Anacostia now, there is no reason why this can’t be well thought out and planned for.

Another Neon Sign I Like

Here’s another neon sign that I like. Its simple, but at least it has more than one color. As you can guess, this is the sign for the Lion’s Liquor store on Georgia Avenue south of Princeton, NW.

K Street, NW, Could be a Mess for a While

According to a DDOT news release, K Street will be undergoing repairs from April 6 through May 15th. I’m not sure how they will accomplish everything they intend to do in 6 weeks, as work includes repair of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and repaving the roadway between 12th Street and 18th Street.

Fortunately for rush hour folks, work is planned for off-peak hours. Unfortunately, the work will include temporary lane closures and parking restrictions. I work on K Street within this zone, and today is the first day I’ve seen any work.

Lost Restaurants: O’Donnell’s Sea Grill

This restaurant is a bit wild. I think I like the idea of going to a sea food place that has a clipper ship above its entrance door. Not to worry, they also served steak and regular dinners too.

Mural at 1715 Rhode Island, NE

While this isn’t the best art I’ve ever seen, I did like the fairy tale imagery. Its on the side of a building used by the New Beginning Early Childhood Development Center.

Designs for New Mall Museum Continue to Intrigue

Since the public exhibition of the six disigns for the proposed building to house the National Museum of African American History and Culture  opened on March 27, the impact of the choice has begun to sink in. Public viewing will run through April 16th at the Smithsonian Castle building.

I am please that while the designs are open for public comment, the comments will not be taken in consideration when the final desicion is made. I am also please that all six designs are contemporary, and it seems a genuine attempt is being made to embrace genuine architecture for this important, and last remaining site, on the National Mall.

I can’t say I like all the designs, but I can say they are all architectually significant. Yesterday’s Post included an article that not only gave an overview of the project, but critiqued each of the six designs.

This Date in History

April 8, 1920: John H. Parsons, formerly a sergeant of the Fifty-first company, Fifth regiment, United States marines, who resided at the Florence Court apartments, was presented with the croix de guerre with a bronze star.