The Georgetown Metropolitan

Yesterday the historic neon sign on the old Georgetown theater was restored. It was taken down as part of the building’s renovation last September and sent to the same company that created it in the 1950s.

The restoration is beautiful. The swooping art moderne cap is especially noticeable. GM was surprised that the paint color chosen was blue. It was blue before the restoration, but GM believes it was actually painted black originally. GM can’t find it now, but he believes the sign was painted blue as part of the restoration done for filming of St. Elmo’s Fire:

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Photo by Marc Andre.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Bandolero is closed but it still has lots of serious legal problems.
• Arlington leader speaks favorably about the gondola (or at least favorably about talk about the gondola).

1300 block of 33rd St.

Another farmers market is coming to Georgetown. From August through September, every other Saturday the Cappella Hotel on 31st St. will feature a market from Heathsville, Virginia.

The press release from the hotel promises that “farm-fresh produce ranging from juicy strawberries to perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes and colorful purple carrots among a variety of other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase. Visitors can also enjoy warm pastries and hand-filled jars of honey.  Experienced farmers will be available to share their farming tips, culinary advice and more.” Continue reading →

Photo by Paul Goddin.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Fire at the Georgetown Harbour last night.
• Georgetown still the most expensive neighborhood on a per-square-foot basis.

Photo by L Current.

Back to the boys swimming in the canal for this week’s Old Georgetown in Color. Like the previous one, it’s from sometime between 1909 and 1919. It appears to be the same spot on the canal too. Continue reading →

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• What’s going on inside Halcyon House these days.
• Who bought Julia Child’s house.

1500 block of 33rd St.

Once Benetton was at the peak of US youth fashion. That time was the 80s. And not withstanding at least a couple decades of obsolescence, the once mighty brand clung to its prestigious real estate at the corner of Wisconsin and M St. in Georgetown. But it has finally folded; the store has sold the building and closed the shop.

The windows are covered in white paper and the store’s name has been removed from the facade. This is part of a final American surrender for the brand. Before last week, the DC shop was one of only two stores open in the entire country. Now only the New York City store remains open, but that appears slated for closing as well, GM has learned. Continue reading →