The Georgetown Metropolitan

The S & R Foundation already owns two of the most impressive properties in Georgetown, and now they’re about to add a third. The arts and technology foundation has entered a contract to purchase the historic Fillmore School on 35th St.

This news was first reported by the Georgetowner yesterday. The newspaper indicated that the school would be used mostly as it is already being used, which is classroom and studio space:

[S & R Foundation] plans to use Fillmore as an arts incubator, which will serve as “a platform to grow talented artists in the fields of fine, visual and performing arts, maintaining the educational use of the building and its place as part of the vibrant arts landscape in the nation’s capital.”

Continue reading →

Photo by Ted.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Reason to give the Grill Room a second look.
• In praise of Georgetown in spring.

3200 block of P St.

Photo by Jon Hayes Photography.

It’s that time of year again when GM harangues you about caring for our precious street trees. So here is goes:

Water your street trees!

Despite the deluge last night, if you have a young tree on the sidewalk in front of your house or apartment, please, please keep it in mind this summer and water it. The basic goal you should have is to water young trees at least once a week (although on weeks like this, it’s probably ok to skip it), so long as you get a good 20-25 gallons of water.

If you have a gator (the green bags, which aren’t preferred anymore since they can hurt the bark if they’re not taken off when not in use) or the ooze tube (the brown bags, which are preferred now since you can leave them on without harming the tree) you should just fill it up and let it run. Continue reading →

1600 block of 31st St.

The French Market returns this weekend to Book Hill.The festivities start Friday and run through Saturday. Each day it is from 10 am to 5 pm.

This is always a great opportunity for huge crowds to descend on Book Hill, with stores from Q to Reservoir out showing their wares on the sidewalk. Like last year, this will also be a great example of temporary sidewalk widening, as the parking lane is shut down.

One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss is Yamomanem, a classic New Orleans jazz band who has the crowning achievement of having been the band at GM’s wedding. They play at the TD Bank parking lot Saturday from 10 – 1. Continue reading →

Photo by Mararie.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Georgetown has one of the best hamburgers in town (Bourbon Steak), according to chefs.
• Live Socially in this pricey condo being sold by a tech exec.

3100 block of O St.

Last year, the DC council passed a little noticed law designed to force gas stations to stay open. While the intent of the law was to privilege driver convenience over the property rights of gas station owners, the impact may be felt particularly in Georgetown.

The Washington Post first brought this preposterous law to attention last month. They wrote:

The council has prohibited the sale of property containing a gas station for “any other use,” or even the conversion of a full-service operation to a gas-and-go — without prior approval from something called the Gas Station Advisory Board. Under the law, enacted to little fanfare last fall, the only exception is “extreme financial hardship,” as the D.C. government defines it. Also, there must be an “equivalent” station a mile or less away to take the departing one’s place.

Prior to this legislation, some were questioning the need for a Gas Station Advisory Board at all. Rather than agree with that, the Council doubled down and declared by fiat that no gas stations may close unless the government says so. Continue reading →

Photo by mararie.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Anyone find a violin around Rose Park? If so, let GM know, the owner is looking for it.
• Violent robbery on Reservoir late Wednesday night.