The Georgetown Metropolitan

Last week it was reported that Eastbanc was finally moving ahead with its long planned residential building at the intersection of Pennsylvania and M (where the Sandlot outdoor bar is now). I thought that was a good opportunity to dig back into this lots history with a Georgetown Time Machine.

Above is a photo from the DC Historical Society. It shows the Boys Club of Washington DC as it stood in the late 40s. Of course, the building itself was not originally constructed for the Boys Club. It was clearly a church. Specifically it was the Peck Memorial Chapel of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant (which later evolved into the National Presbyterian Church).

It was constructed in 1886 and used by the parish until 1938. At that point the building was sold to the Rotary Club, which used it to house the Boys Club until the late 40s when the Boys Club bought the land that later became Jelleff. Although the club sold the land to the city in 2009, it continues to operate the facilities (which are about to get a complete renovation).

The chapel build was demolished in 1951. A Lord Baltimore gas station was constructed in its place. This eventually was purchased by Eastbanc and itself demolished in 2018.

Here are few more photos of the chapel before it was demolished:

An aerial shot from the 40s.

Here is a mash-up of a view of the chapel with the modern day. Prior to the chapel being demolished, there was already a Lord Baltimore service station next door. The whole lot was replaced by a larger (award winning) Lord Baltimore station following the chapel’s demolition:

This was the building torn down in 2018.

Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• New Jose Andres-linked hotel moving forward.
• Longtime Georgetowner columnist, Mary Bird, passes away.

The annual Marine Corps. Marathon is this Sunday. And that means certain road closures will be in effect in the morning hours.

Specifically, from about 5:30 AM until about 10:30 AM, Key Bridge, M St. west of Wisconsin, Wisconsin south of M St., and K St. east of Wisconsin will be closed to auto traffic. (Pedestrians can still cross throughout the closures). Rock Creek will also be closed (and for a bit longer than the Georgetown streets).

So if you need to get around by car on Sunday, keep this all in mind and plan ahead. This is particularly true for residents along Water St. No cars will be allowed in or out of this stretch until late morning, after the runners are all through.

Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Chicken Pot-Pie-athon going on now!
• Eastbanc finally moving forward on M and Pennsylvania apartment building.

Two new retailers are coming to Georgetown, according to new Old Georgetown Board filings. The first, seen above, is for Kiehl’s. They are apparently moving into 3110 M St., which was most recently an Up/West.

Kiehl’s is a skincare company. If you happen to have or know any Gen Zers, you will know that that generation is obsessed with their skin care routine. So I think this opening is part of a bull market in that sector.

If you find yourself experiencing a bit of deja vu right now, that’s because Kiehl’s previously occupied this exact location. They closed around 2019. But they just couldn’t quit Georgetown (or 3110 M St. specifically).

The other notable new store is Huckberry, which is coming to 1239 Wisconsin Ave. This is another DTC brand looking to establish a brick-and-mortar business in Georgetown. Unlike most of the other DTC brands that have opened in Georgetown in recent years, this one is exclusively targeted at menswear. We’ll see if that’s a viable long term strategy or not.

Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• The new tavern coming to 33rd St. has already changed its name from Creme to the Lobby, which is an improvement, if you ask me.
• Some interesting business ins-and-outs.

The embassy for Romania appears to be opening offices in the former Long and Foster building at Wisconsin Ave. and Reservoir Rd. This information comes from a recent filing with the old Georgetown Board.

The filing relates primarily to security upgrades for the building:

Recently I’ve been wondering what was going into this building. Peeking in I could see they were constructing teller windows, which made me suspect a bank was moving in. But now I see that the windows will be manned by consular employees, not bank employees.

I do not believe this will be the capital “E” embassy for Romania. They currently use the far more elegant Embassy Row mansion on Sheridan Circle for that:

So I think the Georgetown building will be strictly a consular office, but time will tell.

Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Georgetown University hit with large data leak.
• Spooky stand up paddle board ride for charity.

Yesterday I told you about how leaf collection season is coming soon. But that also obviously means that leaf peeping season is even sooner. Here is an article I’ve written in the past giving advice on how best to enjoy this part of the fall around Georgetown:

Fall foliage is a little late this year in Georgetown due to the warmer days. But it’s right around the corner. And when it arrives, there are plenty places to take it in right here without hopping off for the country.

In 2013, Casey Trees pulled together some recommended walking routes around the city to take in the brightly changing leaves. In Georgetown it recommended a meandering trail through the heart of the village to enjoy its sugar maples:

Continue reading →

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Garden Club turns 100.
• Mini spa/art gallery opens on 31st St.