Georgetowner • October 8, 2014

Bonhams
Edgar Degas (1834-1917)
Danseuses et contrebasse (‘Dancers and bass’), ca. 1879-1880
oil on panel
ca. 1879-1880
Auction Date: Nov. 4, 2014
Estimate: $400,000 – $600,000

Part of the Impressionist and Modern Art Auction, this rare oil by Degas shows the painter at work again on his beloved dancers. With the recent 2012 exhibit at The Phillips Collection, “Degas’ Dancers at the Barre,” and the recently opened “Degas’ Little Dancer” at the National Gallery, this painting is a piece of a reinvigorated history for any Washington collector. This auction covers works from the dawn of Impressionism to the fracturing of traditions in the Post-War period, from Degas to Dalí, covering the movements that define recent Western Art. Artists represented include Monet, Bonnard, Sisley, Pissarro, Rodin, Picasso, Miró and Ernst ,to name but a few. www.Bonhams.com

Andy Warhol (1928 – 1987)
“Campbell’s Soup I,” 1968
The complete set of ten color screenprints on wove paper.
Auction Date: Nov. 2, 2014
Estimate: $250,000-400,000

Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup I,” a complete set of ten screenprints, is the centerpiece of the Modern & Contemporary Art sale, featuring works by Calder, Dubuffet and Bertoia, among others. These screenprints were purchased directly from the artist
during one of their first showings at Leo Castelli’s gallery in 1968 by Lois Cowles Harrison,. The daughter of famed Warhol collector (and founder of Look Magazine) Gardner Cowles Jr., Cowles Harrison was an avid and early collector of Warhol and other Pop artists.

Potomack Company
Rare Gilt Bronze Mounted Kingwood
Meuble de Milieu
By Joseph-Emmanuel Zweiner, Paris, ca. 1880
Auction Date: Oct. 18, 2014
Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000

Cabinetmaker Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener (1849-1895) was born in Germany and moved to Paris to practice his craft. He was renowned for his copies of 18th century furniture from public collections and won a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889. This cabinet is after a design by Charles Cressent (1685-1768). www.PotomackCompany.com

Doyle New York
Willem de Kooning (1904-1997)
Woman, 1965
Oil on paper laid to panel
Auction Date: Nov. 11. 2014
Estimate: $200,000 – $400,000

This seminal de Kooning will be offered with Doyle’s Post-War and Contemporary Art sale on Nov. 11, from the Estate of the Honorable Roy M. Goodman. The piece was initially acquired directly from the artist by New York State Senator Goodman (1930-2014), who was a dedicated and effective advocate for the arts in New York for more than forty years. Senator Goodman was even named an Ambassador for the Arts by the National Endowment for the Arts “in recognition of his unwavering support of the arts and cultural affairs.” The work is inscribed to Goodman by the artist himself on a notecard affixed to the reverse.

Georgetowner •

Oktoberfest in Cady’s Alley

In the tradition of Munich, Bavaria and Deutschland, Oktoberfest was celebrated in Cady’s Alley Sept. 27 and 28. The retail alley became a Oktoberfest fun fair with Bavarian food provided by Kafe Leopold, a soft pretzel cart, a two-story central beer hall that featured seasonal German brews and a fun zone filled with games and attractions. The weekend festivities were sponsored by EastBanc, Inc., and Jamestown Co.

IN: Mama Rouge Set to Open Oct. 14

Mama Rouge, the new Southeast Asian Bistro, replacing Bangkok Joe’s at 3000 K St., NW, will open Oct. 14. Chef and owner Aulie Bunyarataphan and husband and business partner Mel Oursinsiri are working at the same spot at Washington Harbour near the entrance. Expect a nice mix of Southeast Asian and French influences from the chef’s family. The restaurant’s name comes from Bunyarataphan’s grandmother.

IN: Yummi Crawfish’s Grand Opening

Yummi Crawfish, “the traditional Cajun crawfish experience of Louisiana,”1529 Wisconsin Ave., NW, held its grand-opening party just about all day Sept. 26. If you “like” the restaurant on Facebook, you will get 15 percent off your bill on your first visit.

OUT: Subway Closed

The Subway sandwich shop at 1363 Wisconsin Ave., NW, closed suddenly last month.

OUT: La Fourchette to Close

La Fourchette on 18th Street is set to close. Chef Pierre Chauvet and his wife Jacqueline will also sell their apartment next door. Also adjacent to the classic French restaurant, Jonathan Cho of Sakuramen will be opening a new pan-Asian place at 2431 18th St., NW.

Palisades Safeway Property Up for Bid; New Law Passed

While the owners of 4865 MacArthur Blvd., NW, where a Safeway grocery store has been for decades, say that the store “will consider a short-term leaseback post closing,” the future of the Palisades Safeway is unclear.

Passed Oct. 7, legislation by the District Council prohibits use of restrictive covenants being placed on land, formerly occupied by grocery stores. “Some national grocery store chains use restrictive covenants or land use restrictions to prohibit new grocery stores from filling the space of their former stores when they vacate,” according to one of the law’s sponsors, At-large Councilmember David Catania.

KLNB Retail lists the 64,815-foot commercial site with a bid deadline of Oct. 6 and a close of escrow of no later than Dec. 12. The property is assessed by D.C. tax office at $3.2 million. The loss of the Palisades Safeway would leave the neighborhood with only the Georgetown Safeway or stores in nearby Arlington.

Cerberus Capital Management bought Safeway, the nation’s second-largest grocer for more than $9 billion in March and is merging it with Albertson’s, the fifth-largest grocer.

Watergate Hotel Under Reconstruction

Work has begun to renovate the Watergate Hotel, “a $100-million project that will significantly increase the number of guest rooms and return the property to its former luxury status,” according to the Washington Business Journal. Reconstruction will gut “all 13 floors of the vacant, 277,000-square-foot building on Virginia Avenue, NW, replacing plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems and installing high-end, imported finishes.The room count will go from 251 to 348 . . . The work will also result in two new restaurants, as well as a rooftop bar, renovated ballrooms and spa and fitness areas.”

Georgetowner •

The Council received exciting news last week that one of the major credit rating agencies feels our city’s financial position is stronger than ever and has increased our bond rating another level — a move that will save District taxpayers millions of dollars over the next decade.

Fitch’s Ratings, one of the firms I meet with every year as Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Finance and Revenue, raised its rating of our bonds from AA- to AA. What this means is that when we issue General Obligation bonds to fund infrastructure projects or school modernizations, it will cost the District less money. Because of the work we have done over the last 15 years to bring the city out of the Control Board era, Fitch, in line with the other major ratings agencies, has continued to express confidence in our financial position and the Council’s work.

Since 1999, when I took over the Finance Committee, the city’s bond rating has improved from BB+ to AA, an 8 level increase. Additional reasons Fitch cited for the increase were solid reserve balances, well managed pension and other post-employment (OPEB) obligations, the multi-year expenditure and revenue forecasts, and proactive budget monitoring. I see improving the District’s financial position as one of my chief concerns as your councilmember. Because of this financial stewardship, I can continue to push for better, smarter and more cost-efficient city services to move the District forward.

I would also like to take a moment to congratulate The Georgetowner on its 60th anniversary of providing information, support and a constant sense of community to all of us in and around Georgetown. It’s an honor for me to be a part of its rich history by writing this column every two weeks. Because of The Georgetowner’s trusted reputation in the community and loyal readership, I always feel that this column is one of the best opportunities to share my perspective on what is happening in our community and in the District’s government with my friends, neighbors and constituents.

I am a devoted reader of The Georgetowner and have several articles from over the years hanging in my office. In 1995, the publication did a profile of me, when I was a relatively new councilmember, headlined, “Evans: Coming of Age on the City Council.” That article always reminds me of how much the city has grown in the past 20 years and how important The Georgetowner has been as a thoughtful, informative resource throughout my career on the Council.

I want to wish Sonya Bernhardt, Robert Devaney and the entire team at The Georgetowner congratulations on 60 years of publication. I look forward to continuing to read the newsmagazine for another 60 years!

Georgetowner • September 29, 2014

Georgetown Community Fair and Tailgate: Registration Now Open

October 3rd, 2014 at 10:00 AM | Event Website

The annual Georgetown Community Fair and Tailgate is an opportunity for the Georgetown community to come together! This free event will include food, music and a variety of family-friendly activities. Additionally, for those who register online in advance, there are a limited number of free tickets to the football game, which will be at 12:00 pm against Harvard University.

Faculty, staff, students, neighbors, families, friends …
all are welcome!

Guests can register for the tailgate and free tickets to the football game.

Address

Georgetown University; Lawn of Wolfington Hall (directions below); 37th and O Streets, NW

Twentythirtysomething Book Club (T.T.B.C.)

September 25th, 2014 at 07:30 PM | julia.strusienski@dc.gov | Event Website

Are you a local reader between the ages of 21 and 35? Looking for a more casual book club experience? Then join us for Twentythirtysomething Book Club (T.T.B.C.), a new book group for younger adults.

Our September selection, Chang-rae Lee’s 2014 novel “On Such a Full Sea,” takes place in a future America in which cities have become labor colonies. Young heroine Fan works in the settlement that was once Baltimore, but she soon departs in search of the man she loves.

Address

Breadsoda; 2233 Wisconsin Ave NW

Capital Harvest on the Plaza

September 26th, 2014 at 11:00 AM | Free | JRoberts@ITCDC.com | Tel: (202) 312-1552 | Event Website

Visitors can gather new recipes and watch live cooking demonstrations while shopping among local vendors serving farm-fresh foods.

Address

Terence Blanchard Quintet

September 26th, 2014 at 08:00 PM | $40 | anne@burgessmgmt.com | Event Website

Five-time Grammy winning jazz musicians and film composer Terence Blanchard returns to Blues Alley! From Thursday, September 25 – Sunday, September 28, the Terence Blanchard Quintet will perform over four nights, with two sets each night: the first show at 8pm and the second show at 10pm.

Address

BLUES ALLEY; 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Cady’s Alley Oktoberfest

September 27th, 2014 at 12:00 PM | FREE

On Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 from 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., the Cady’s Alley corridor will transform itself into a bona fide German Oktoberfest funfair with Bavarian food provided by Kafe Leopold, a soft pretzel cart, a two-story Central Beer Hall featuring authentic seasonal German brews, Alpine music and a Fun Zone filled with games and attraction

Address

Cady’s Alley; Georgetown. 3330 Cady’s Alley, NW

12th Annual Turkish Festival

September 28th, 2014 at 11:00 AM | Event Website

The festival will include Turkish dance and stage performances, an authentic Turkish bazaar featuring 25 vendors showcasing everything from Turkish jewelry to clothing and home accessories, Turkish cuisine from local Washington DC restaurants, a Turkish coffee and tea tent with the ever-popular Turkish coffee fortune-tellers who will be reading fortunes from coffee grinds as well as a “Kid’s Tent” featuring hands-on activities for children of all ages.

Address

Pennsylvania Avenue NW; between 12th and 14th streets

12th Annual Michael Wilbon & James Brown Celebrity Roast & Golf Classic

September 29th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | $250 for roast; $500 to play golf; and $1,000 combo package includes 2 tickets to both events. | adrienne.laborwit@dccap.org | Tel: 202-783-7938 | Event Website](http://www.dccap.org/golf/)

Join Mike and JB for a celebrity “roast” of Washington Bullets legend and NBA Hall of Famer Wes Unseld. The evening, sponsored by the Washington Wizards, starts with a cocktail reception and silent auction featuring priceless sports memorabilia, travel and dining packages and more, all to benefit the DC College Access Program. The Roast is part of a two-day event that includes a golf classic at Lansdowne Resort. Attend the roast, play golf or both. See website for details. RSVP by September 12.

Address

The Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave., N.W.

Chefs Behind Bars: Part 3

September 29th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $40 | blumenthal.jd@gmail.com | Tel: 610-999-2131 | [Event Website](http://ce.strength.org/events/chefs-behind-bars-enjoy-cocktails-created-your-favorite-chefs)

The Taste of the Nation DC committee will host a final cocktail competition at The Gryphon to benefit No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America.

Guests will enjoy cocktails by eight of DC’s hottest chefs, including host chef Joseph Evans (The Gryphon), Jason Gehrig (Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.), Danny Lee (Mandu), Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop), Andrew Markert (Beuchert’s Saloon), Harper McClure (BRABO), Matt O’Herron (Sona Creamery) & George Rodriguez (Tico).

Address

The Gryphon; 1337 Connecticut Ave NW

Georgetowner •

At-large Councilmember Vincent Orange, chair of the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, was joined by Councilmembers Anita Bonds, Yvette Alexander and Marion Barry as well as members of the D.C. small business community at a rally Sept. 23 that posed the question: “Where’s the $1 billion?”

The rally’s theme referred to the D.C. government’s alleged failure to comply with the Small, Local and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Act of 2005. The law requires D.C. agencies to allocate at least 50 percent of their expendable budgets towards services provided by small business enterprises based in the District of Columbia. Upon passing in 2005, the law was interpreted as one which would help smaller local organizations thrive through doing business with the District, allowing for local economic development and an increase in D.C.’s tax revenues.

A report provided by the Office of the D.C. Auditor reveals that as of third quarter 2014, only 17 percent of the Small Business Enterprise expenditure goals were met by the District. The report additionally points out that a total of $995,854,922 in funds designated for SBEs was spent elsewhere in fiscal years 2011 through 2013.

“Our small businesses deserve the money that is set aside,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander. “We are going to hold the mayor accountable and ourselves accountable.” .

Councilman Vincent Orange’s office also received support for the “Where’s the $1 billion,” initiative from Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry, who said, “VO is a warrior… I have a reputation as a fighter for D.C., and I’m going to continue that fight.” Barry told the crowd, “Ask Vince Gray, where is the money?” His question quickly turned into a rally chant.

Among the crowd of members from the business community were representatives from the AFL-CIO, the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, and D.C. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who all made remarks expressing their concern. The National Utility Contractors Association and the National Association of Minority Contractors also filled out the attendance.

Orange’s committee will hold a hearing, 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, to review District agencies’ compliance for fiscal year 2014’s small business expenditure goals, which will also include a public oversight roundtable and testimonies from members of the D.C. business community.
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Georgetowner •

Distilled Truth series – Through The Looking Glass

September 18th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | $50

Next Thursday RiRa will host part 3 of its Distilled Truth series – Through The Looking Glass. Two unique bottles of Scotch from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society will be used to educate on the effects different glassware has on the flavor of Whiskey. This is a very unique event because when those two whiskies are gone, they are gone.
Address

Whiskey Room at RiRa; 3125 M Street NW

Adopt Force One

September 19th, 2014 at 11:00 AM | Free | JRoberts@ITCDC.com | Tel: (202) 312-1552 | Event Website

Downtown visitors are invited to spend part of their afternoon visiting the Washington Humane Society’s mobile adoption van. Cats and dogs greet passersby in search of a play date. And for those who want to give an animal a permanent home, the van is equipped with Wi-Fi and a printer for a speedy adoption application process.

Address

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Woodrow Wilson Plaza; 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

“Ink & Grain” Opening Reception

September 19th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | free | info@oldprintgallery.com | Tel: (202) 965-1818 | Event Website

The Old Print Gallery’s fall print show, Ink & Grain, will open on Friday, September 19, 2014 with a free nighttime opening reception from 5-8pm. One of the most ancient forms of printmaking, the woodcut saw an energized revival during the 20th century. American printmakers experimented heavily with technique, by manipulating the grain of the matrix and crafting new methods of ink application. Ink & Grain celebrates this renaissance and the skilled printmakers who worked in the medium.

Address

The Old Print Gallery; 1220 31st Street NW

UNCENSORED Preview Party

September 19th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | msalazar@scottcircle.com | Tel: 202 695-8226 | Event Website

A preview party for UNCENSORED on September 19 will give guests a sneak peek at the art installations and will feature signature cocktails representing local mixologists’ favorite banned books.

The preview party for Banned Books Week will include signature cocktails representing favorite banned books by:

Chantal Tseng, Mockingbird Hill

Duane Sylvestre, Bourbon Steak

Phil Greene, Museum of the American Cocktail

Address

Great Hall; Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; 901 G Street, NW

The Seventh Annual Joan Hisaoka “Make A Difference” Gala

September 20th, 2014 at 05:30 PM | Event Website

The Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala was created in an effort to continue to fulfill Joan’s desire to help others living with cancer and to raise money to support organizations that bring hope and healing to those faced with serious illness. The black tie event includes a reception, program, dinner, silent and live auctions and an after party. Omni Shoreham Hotel. Call 202-302-0053.

Address

The Omni Shoreham, 2500 Calvert Street NW

Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash

September 20th, 2014 at 01:00 PM | Free to attend, $20 per dog to race (all fees go to charity) | JRoberts@ITCDC.com | Tel: (202) 312-1552 | Event Website

Kick off Oktoberfest at the third annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash. Enjoy an afternoon of music, food, beer and beverages while watching the races. Dogs will race in heats of up to 8 dogs each, with a championship race for the winners of each of the heats.

First prize is $150, second place is $100 and third place is $50.

Address

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Woodrow Wilson Plaza; 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Colonial Market & Fair

September 20th, 2014 at 09:00 AM | info@mountvernon.org | Tel: 7037802000 | Event Website](http://www.mountvernon.org/)

The annual Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon features dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun! Fifty colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings, furniture, and much more. New this year: Try your hand at 18th century cricket! Cricket games will be played throughout the weekend.

Address

George Washington’s Mount Vernon; 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway; Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Ralph Nader To Speak

September 21st, 2014 at 12:45 PM | Free | office@rruuc.org | Tel: 301-229-0400 | Event Website](http://www.rruuc.org/)

Ralph Nader will speak on his new book “Unstoppable: The Emerging Left Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State” – a path for liberals and conservatives to work together to stop the growing power of “corporatism”.

When: Sunday, September 21, 2014, 12:45 PM

For more information contact: 301-229-0400

Address

River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, Maryland

From Farm to Fork Dinner

September 21st, 2014 at 05:30 PM | $200-$250 | debra@centralfarmmarkets.com | Tel: 703-922-0933 | Event Website](http://gypsysoul-va.com/2014/09/from-farm-to-fork/)

Join us on September 21 at a Farm to Fork Dinner hosted by Chef RJ Cooper at his newest restaurant, Gypsy Soul, located at Mosaic in Fairfax, VA. The evening will include a seven-course dinner featuring local bounty from CFM’s farmers and food artisans, farm-inspired cocktails, music from Jake and the Burtones and a live auction you won’t want to miss! This event supports Future Harvest CASA. Get tickets online with the link below, or call Stuart Carter at 703-922-0933.

Address

Gypsy Soul Restaurant; Mosaic District; 8296 Glass Alley; Fairfax, VA 22031

Playback The Tape: St. Elmo’s at The Tombs

September 22nd, 2014 at 08:00 PM | Free | info@playbackthetape.com | Tel: 4129510341 | Event Website](http://www.playbackthetape.com/)

free! all ages! 100% home-recorded vhs fun!

playbackthetape presents THE movie in THE bar on THE campus that inspired it… it’s a back-to-school, pre-30th anniversary, edited-for-television presentation of ST. ELMO’S for one night only at georgetown’s historic bar, the tombs. in addition to your favorite cast of brat packers on screen (and delicious 1980s commercial breaks in between), tonight’s event also features a personal videotaped intro by screenwriter Carl Kurlander!

Address

1226 36th street nw

Ethics in a Rapidly Changing World

September 23rd, 2014 at 05:30 PM | $10-$40 | khutt@council.bbb.org | Tel: 703-247-9345 | [Event Website](https://www.prsa-ncc.org/ethics-rapidly-changing-world)

Public Relations Society of America – National Capital Chapter and the Georgetown University Global Social Enterprise Initiative for an interactive discussion on how technology, news cycles and other changes are influencing our ethical judgments and behaviors. Notable panelists will focus on the ethical challenges during times of transition, particularly as elected and government officials, lobbyists, and public relations practitioners move through the “revolving door” of Washington.

Address

McDonough School of Business; Room 415, Hariri Building; Georgetown University; 390 37th and O Streets NW

Georgetowner • September 26, 2014

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts hosted its annual ball Saturday, Sept. 13. The soiree was held on the stage of the Filene Center and was presented in partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. The night’s entertainment, décor and cuisine paid tribute to Emirati culture, with guests smoking hookahs in a makeshift lounge and sporting henna art painted on-site. The event raised more than $1 million for the foundation’s arts and education programs and was well attended by members of the area’s political class, including Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan [gallery ids="101866,137639,137636" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • September 25, 2014

IN: George Becomes Chines Disco

Within Georgetown Court on Prospect Street, the restaurant/bar George rebooted itself as the Chinese Disco — a legendary name from a nightclub near 21st Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in the 1980s. Gone is the dark, black decor, replaced by a lighter, airier look. It still boasts a list-heavy, young crowd

OUT: Georgetown Theater to Be Rebuilt

Demolition and rehab work has begun on the old Georgetown Theater property along with its iconic “Georgetown” neon vertical sign. The sign was removed Sept. 16. by its original manufacturer, Jack Stone Signs, which still has all of the templates and parts. Property owner and architect Robert Bell told the Georgetowner about the upcoming reconstruction on the building at 1351 Wisconsin Ave., NW. He expects the sign to be returned in October, “during which time I will be removing the faux stone and stuccoing on the front façade to return it to the 1940 design.”

IN: Prospect Place to Replace Doggett’s Parking Lot

To the surprise of few in Georgetown, a new retail complex will replace the existing Doggett’s Parking Lot at 3220 Prospect St., NW. A redevelopment of the site, owned by the Weaver family for more than 100 years, was discussed before.

The 27,000-square-foot retail space will be called Prospect Place. It is across the street from the mixed-use Georgetown Court, which includes condos as well as Cafe Milano and Peacock Cafe.

A longtime Georgetown and Washington family, the Weavers own W.T. Weaver and Sons, a decorative plumbing and architectural hardware store. The family also owns the building adjacent to the parking lot property. The new Prospect Place will have underground parking, adding about 20 spots to the 80 which are now in use at the lot.

Planners will make a presentation about the site at the Sept. 29 meeting of the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission; the Old Georgetown Board will meet Oct. 2. Work is expected to begin late next year.

IN: Via Umbria Pops in Former Tari Space

Authentic culture and cuisine from the Umbria region of Italy is coming to Georgetown in the form of Via Umbria, which moved into the old Tari space. Via Umbria will open its doors Sept. 27 as a pop-up shop with the full store and gallery to come next spring.

Located at 1525 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Via Umbria will feature four main businesses: the emporio (the shop), vino (wine), casa (the rental villa in Umbria) and galleria on the second floor (events and gallery space).

Owners Bill and Suzy Menard spent a semester in Umbria when they were students and fell in love with the region. Inspired by their trips to Italy, the couple opened Bella Italia, a shop in Bethesda offering authentic Italian products. The Menards decided to relocate to Georgetown with a new name to develop their concept even further. “The purchase has been months – nearly a year – in the making,” they wrote on their blog.

Georgetowner •

There’s proof that the Golden Rule — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” — works, as evidenced by Georgetown’s Four Seasons Hotel, which opened in September 1979 and was the first of its kind in the U.S. The Four Seasons at 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, opened on a former Metrobus lot with property developed by William Louis-Dreyfus. Founded by Isadore Sharp, the Toronto-based hotel company also introduced concierge service to North America. With $112 million invested in the property, the high-service, celebrity-frequented Four Seasons has grown to fit 222 guest rooms, a fitness center, a spa, event spaces and retail spaces. In addition, the Four Seasons has given millions to cancer research in direct and in-kind donations over its 35 years in operation.

At the 35th anniversary party on Sept. 19, founder Isadore Sharp said, “Washington put the Four Seasons Hotel on the American map.” He thanked everyone and said, “The future looks great.”

Sharp would also tell you the business’ success is owed to adherence to the Golden Rule.