Bye Bye Borderstan.com

After five years of publishing information about our neighborhood known to some as Borderstan, the blog co-founders of borderstan.com have decided to end its online run.  Many of us who live in the target areas of Logan North, Dupont East, and Cardozo-Shaw have enjoyed the information sharing and cross-pollination that took place during those five years.

The neighborhoods surrounding 14th Street have certainly come into their own during that time and perhaps we don't need this kind of blog any more.  With all of the money and development that has come into our neighborhoods, the need for sharing information about "future projects" is no longer there.  We are fully developed...except for a few parcels that remain unbuilt (but there are plans on file!).  As I tell newbies who stop me on the street, they should have been here 10 years or 15 years ago to buy the properties that are now being redeveloped, including our rowhouses!

As for covering the 3 ANCs that represent the target area, I often found Borderstan.com's coverage instigated unnecessary controversy and nasty comments, so I won't miss their coverage.  I tell residents and business owners to attend the monthly ANC meetings to see for themselves what happens and to not believe what they read on the blogs.  The information in blog write-ups is often inaccurate or misleading or designed to instigate.

BTW Borderstan.com joins seven other local blogs that have stopped publishing online.  You are welcome to visit my website and blog for continuing coverage of  "our neck of the woods."  I always argue for more facts and verbatim quotes.  In that spirit, I have provided a link to the co-founders' parting words...good-bye Borderstan!

Ted's Bulletin Restaurant NOW Open

At long last, the owners of Ted's Bulletin (pictured at left) have completed the installation of a tin ceiling, a deco-inspired interior, and a wonderful fountain-like lobby (with a marble floor) and a bakery.  I joined them last night to help open the new restaurant in the District Apartments building located at the corner of 14th and Swann Streets.

This is billed as a "Family Restaurant" according to the large print on the front windows.  I had a very good dinner last night, from soup to dessert.  Their menu features breakfast all day long.  They serve burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches and a choice of items for dinner. 

They also feature "adult milkshakes" and their famous flavored "pop tarts."  The bakery promises to make fresh donuts and bagels every day.  It is twice the size of their Capital Hill location...so enjoy!

Salvage Yard May Stop Reeves Center Swap for Stadium Plans

By now you may have heard that WAMU discovered that there is a salvage yard located right smack dab in the middle of the proposed soccer stadium.  The company has been there for decades and is owned by its employees.  There are 10-20-30 foot stacks of metal that would have to be moved...except that the owners do not want to move. 

The Council has til January 1 to review the proposal...stay tuned for more updates...

Dog Days are Here!

Dog Days are here again, so please take advantage of all the promotions and sales that can be had just by walking down 14th or U Streets.  So many venues, so little time!  Bring your friends and money to purchase sale items and enjoy a drink and a meal along the way...

BOOM Changes 14th Street

I get a lot of questions about the development along 14th Street from Logan to Cardozo-Shaw and I tell observers that the planning for this development occurred 10-15 years ago and what they are seeing is the result of a lot of money being directed and invested in our neighborhood. 

Don't forget that the Great Recession delayed some of these investments because construction funds dried up for a few years.

If you haven’t taken a stroll lately, check out this interactive guide to the recent development.

I welcome the changes and am pleased to have been part of the planning and development process, shaping the various projects to fit into our historic neighborhood.  Many community meetings were held during those 10-15 years and now visitors and new residents are witnessing the results. 

Long-timers are anxious for the construction phase to end and to have our neighborhood back!  In particular, the 1400 blocks of S, Swann and T have had to shoulder the burden and inconvenience of   the various construction projects but we can see that completion is near!

And the RAMMY goes to...

Bar Pilar, Nellie's Sports Bar, and Estadio.

These three local businesses have won RAMMYs, an award created by the Restaurant Association of Metro Washington to acknowledge the best and brightest restaurants and bars in the District.  Bar Pilar won for the "hottest bar scene;" while Nellie's Sports Bar won for "neighborhood gathering place;" and Estadio won for "upscale casual restaurant."

Congratulations to all of our local winners.  For a complete list of the winners in 17 categories, please visit the RAMMYs web site.  Please support our neighborhood businesses!

Ted's Bulletin Restaurant Putting on Final Touches

The owners of Ted's Bulletin are putting the final touches on their new restaurant at the corner of 14th and Swann Street.  The Art Deco themed "breakfast all day" restaurant is larger than their original location on Capitol Hill.  We are looking forward to the opening soon. Visit their website to learn more about menus and offerings.  See you at breakfast...