The Georgetown Metropolitan

After months of construction at the old Mr. Smith’s building at 3104 M St., the scaffolding was removed recently and it revealed historical details that the old awning hid.

Stores like to have awnings. Mostly because they can act as giant billboards. But as this work demonstrates, they can also cover up some nice architecture, in this case a stately row of transom windows. Compare the photo above with what it looked like before:

The awning covered up everything between the first and second floor windows. The new cream-colored trim also makes the details “pop”, but the awning is the largest change.

This sort of reveal also occurred when Francesca’s took over half of the Bristo Francais: Continue reading →

Photo by haveaniceday16.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Why a special deal for Eastbanc at Pennsylvania and M reveals how messed up the law on converting gas stations is.
• 1789, the Tombs, and F. Scott’s in gingerbread form.

3400 block of O St.

On Wednesday night representatives of the Levy Group and their investment partners, as well as architects David Adjaye and Laura Olin, presented new proposals for the West Heating Plant property. As GM predicted, one of their preferred options includes taking down the building completely.

The photo above shows their first option, which is a slight modification on their original proposal. Continue reading →

Photo by Albedo20.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• GU has a K-Pop star and he just dropped a new album.
• The new Club Monaco has a bar (which like most gimmicks will never get used and will be promptly forgotten).

1500 block of 33rd St.

Last month, the Georgetown BID announced a deal with the ANC and the Citizens Association to end the Georgetown liquor license moratorium. The deal was worked out by representatives of each group. (Mandatory disclosure: GM is a board member of CAG, but did not participate in the negotiations). However, when the proposal went for approval in front of the full ANC and the CAG board, some additional conditions were proposed regarding noise and other topics. Continue reading →

Photo by Ehpien.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• GBA VP, Hope Solomon, who has long complained about the holiday decorations around Georgetown, doesn’t like Georgetown Glow.
• GM missed this, but the Sovereign was claiming in November that they’d be open this year. It would be a great Christmas present!

1000 block of 31st St.

This week for Now and a Long Time Ago, GM is visiting the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and M St.

Nowadays there’s a drab gas station. But 64 years ago there stood the Peck Memorial Presbyterian Chapel. According to the history of the National Presbyterian Church the chapel was founded in 1886:

Covenant members were active on many fronts. In 1885, its women founded the Society of the Covenant, which through its successor organization, The Women’s Association, has operated continuously to this day. In 1886, members of Covenant founded the Peck Memorial Chapel as a mission outreach church in Georgetown, which provided vocational education for minorities and disadvantaged youth.

Continue reading →