1100 block of Thomas Jefferson St.
GM, For One, Welcomes Our New EastBanc Overlords
At last month’s ANC meeting, one developer had three significant projects up for review. It would come as no surprise to anyone watching the Georgetown real estate market that that developer was EastBanc. Started in 1996, EastBanc has built a real estate empire centered squarely in Georgetown. And with every passing year and every approved project, the future of EastBanc and Georgetown have become more and more entwined.
Even for EastBanc, last month’s ANC agenda was significant. They are proposing to build a condo building where the Key Bridge Exxon stands, build a massive stone building on the parking lot of the Verizon building, and build condos behind the post office. While there are other developers working in Georgetown (for instance Argos Group is converting the Hurt Home into condos) none is having an impact on the neighborhood as noticeable as EastBanc.
Yesterday, the Washington Post took note of this. Columnist Thomas Heath wrote:
Washington developer, technology entrepreneur, restaurateur and nightclub owner Anthony Lanier prompted me to look at real estate differently when he explained the business discipline that built a Georgetown barony that occupies 60 buildings and enough square footage to fill eight football fields.
“We built a conveyor belt for renovation,” said Lanier (pronounced lon-YAY), 59, explaining the methodology that turned dilapidated townhouses into profitable stores and offices.
Lanier’s assembly line was made up of engineers, architects, historical preservation specialists, zoning lawyers and construction firms that could pump out renovated buildings one after another.
Heath then described the early investments of Lanier, including its first purchase at 3060 M St. (which is actually the now empty Ritz Camera store). From there, they slowly worked their way down M St. (and beyond) buying up distressed or run-down properties, fixing them up, and bringing in higher-end tenants. Fifty-eight buildings later, EastBanc has left its impression on the neighborhood. Continue reading
Filed under Real Estate
The Morning Metropolitan
Photo by Daquella Manera.
Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:
- Another perspective on the Hardy situation.
- GU student sexually assaulted on 35th St.
Filed under The Morning Metropolitan
Not So Long Ago: Wisconsin and N
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This week on Not So Long Ago, GM is stopping by the northeast corner of Wisconsin and N St. Today it holds Paolo’s Restaurant, but in 1993 it held Stoupsy’s Cafe. Actually, Paolo’s was there too, but only occupied part of the space they have today.
Stoupsy’s Cafe was a greek restaurant. There is a Stoupsy’s restaurant in International Square downtown and one out at the White Flint mall. GM can only assume they’re related. GM’s not sure when Stoupsy’s closed or when Paolo’s took over the space. Anyone remember?
Prior to being Stoupsey’s, this space was a Little Tavern burger shop (an old and now-gone Baltimore-based chain). You can tell that it was once a Little Tavern since it has the distinctive architecture of the chain. It’s funny, because GM never realized that Paolo’s was once a Little Tavern, but as soon as he saw Stoupsy’s, with the old paint job, GM knew immediately that it must have been a Little Tavern. According to one account, the Little Tavern closed down in the late 80’s.
Filed under Not So Long Ago
The Morning Metropolitan
Photo of cats, yearning to get out, by Michael Kessler.
Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:
- Absolutely fascinating article on the archeology going on with the streetcar track project.
- Shouty lawn signs not the tool of just one side in the ten year plan fight.
- Cleaning up the canal.
Filed under The Morning Metropolitan
Learn the Secrets of Georgetown Chefs Tonight
Tonight, CAG is holding its March meeting at Boffi in Cady’s Alley. There will be presentations and tastings by Al Nappo (Farmers and Fishers), Tom Crenshaw (Paolo’s), Mike Cherner (Mei N Yu), Chef Kahn (Mate), and Sal Ferro (Clyde’s). It should be one of the better CAG meetings of the year.
The event starts at 7:00 and the address is 3320 M St.
GM’s only wish is that Nappo brings along his bartender. They make some absolutely fantastic (and fantastically inebriating) cocktails.
Filed under Citizens Association of Georgetown
The Morning Metropolitan
Justice Douglas by M.V. Jantzen.
Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:
- Check out the new Vogue magazine this month, it contains excerpts from Carol Joynt’s upcoming new book.
- O St.’s version of “The Wave” featured in collection of shots of great murals around town. Anyone know the story behind it?
Filed under The Morning Metropolitan
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