Latest News

Linnea Kristiansson • March 19, 2015

Beloved indie movie theatre West End Cinema will close in the end of March, co-founder and general manager Josh Levin announced on March 3. After opening in 2010, West End Cinema became known for showing independent films unsuited for large theaters and even for E Street Cinema downtown.

Levin has made the West End a haven for small, independent movies that otherwise could only be seen on demand or not at all. During the past five years, it’s provided D.C. residents an important venue for independent cinema, documentaries, awards contenders, foreign flicks and controversial movies such as “The Interview” last December.

West End Cinema said the following on their website: “For the past few years, we’ve enjoyed serving the ?D.C. community of cinephiles and movie-lovers, but the time has come. We are incredibly grateful for all your support and would love to share our thanks with you for one last month…and D.C.’s best popcorn!”

“We have loved doing what we’ve been doing, but we’re facing increased occupancy cost and increased competition for (movie) titles, so we decided to leave with our heads held high, declare victory and depart the field,” Levin told WTOP.

The theater will show its last film on Thursday, March 26. Stay tuned to West End Cinema’s website www.westendcinema.com, newsletter, and social media accounts for news about a to-be-announced final celebration to occur before the official closing on Tuesday, March 31.
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Robert Devaney • March 13, 2015

Supporters and friends of Dumbarton Oaks Park celebrated the opening of the gates to the park at Lovers’ Lane April 12, the day that the park opened to the public for the first time in 1941.

With work completed by the springtime, members of the National Park Service and the Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy gathered to enjoy the day and Georgetown’s renewed treasure of parkland. Among the crowd were Tara Morrison and Rebecca Karcher of NPS as well as landscape architect Mike McMahon — and conservancy members: board president Rebecca Trafton, restoration director Ann Aldrich, Liza Gilbert, Lindsey Milstein and Cecile Warnock.

Later in the month, Trafton had a special Earth Day message for friends of the park: “Two years ago, when Betsy Rogers of the Central Park Conservancy was speaking on our behalf at the Embassy of Italy, she challenged us to announce a first phase of Restoration.”

“We did: I announced the two-acre Signature Project at the entrance to the park, and on Earth Day 2012, we appealed to the public for the first time, asking for support to begin restoration.”

“Now, two years later, we are completing this $250,000 project, thanks to $50,000 from the National Park Foundation matched by our donors, $50,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and more than $100,000 worth of contributed trees and volunteer labor.”

“It has been a remarkable success — and suddenly from the bridge, one can look up, over erosion control matting, to Cherry Hill at Dumbarton Oaks and sense a connection between the Upper Gardens and the Lower Gardens, long lost and now regained. Sincere thanks are due to Rock Creek Park National Park Service staff, Signature Project Committee chair Liza Gilbert, Restoration Director Ann Aldrich, and the whole wonderful team of board members, friends and volunteers.”

The Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization established in 2010 that seeks to restore the bulk of one of America’s ten greatest garden landscape designs, namely 27-acre Dumbarton Oaks Park, formerly part of the Dumbarton Oaks estate in Georgetown. The estate is a milestone in the history of American landscape architecture and a landmark in our social history since it is the finest work of Beatrix Farrand, America’s first female professional landscape architect.
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Robert Devaney • March 11, 2015

The Georgetown Business Association held its monthly reception Feb. 25 at Malmaison down on K Street at the waterfront and was expecting to have Mayor Muriel Bowser stop by. Because of an afternoon press conference on the new Marijuana law and scheduling issues, Bowser could not attend.

Nevertheless, GBA president Charles Camp introduced Beverly Perry, senior advisor to the mayor. Perry noted that it has been “an exciting day . . . an exhausting day.” Posing the question, “What can Georgetown do for the city,” Perry said, “Spend more money . . . It looks like there is a lot of money in this room.”

In the spirit of transparency and getting everyone involved, Camp asked other local politicians and community leaders to address the lively crowd, which then continued to enjoy the hospitality of host Zubair Popal.
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Georgetowner •

House Mountain Horse Show

MARCH 7TH, 2015 AT 12:00 AM | EVENT WEBSITE

Named after the Lexington-area mountain, this two-day regional schooling horse show for hunter and jumper riders is owned and operated by the Virginia Horse Center Foundation and managed by Keedie Leonard & L. M. ”Sandy” Gerald.

Address

Anderson Coliseum, Virginia Horse Center, 487 Maury River Rd., Lexington, Va.

40th Annual Washington Antiquarian Book Fair

MARCH 7TH, 2015 AT 10:00 AM | $8-$14 | EHELPERN@SCOTTCIRCLE.COM | EVENT WEBSITE

It’s time to put down your e-readers and experience a bit of history! Have you ever seen a $30,000 book? Or a book that is hundreds of years old? Now is your chance when the 40th annual Washington Antiquarian Book Fair returns to the nation’s capital from March 6-7, 2015.

Address

Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge; Rosslyn Ballroom, Shenandoah Suite & Dogwood Room;1900 North Fort Myer Drive; Arlington, VA 22209

Washington, DC Travel & Adventure Show

MARCH 7TH, 2015 AT 10:00 AM | $11-16 | INFO@TRAVELSHOWS.COM | TEL: 202-249-3000 | EVENT WEBSITE

Discover dream destinations at the Washington, DC Travel & Adventure Show, March 7 & 8. Roster of Celebrity Travel Speakers Includes Rick Steves, Pauline Frommer, Samantha Brown, Patricia Schultz and Josh Gates, offering travel expertise and inspiration. Savor world cuisines on the Taste of Travel Stage, watch the world come alive on the Global Beats Stage, and the brand new Savvy Traveler Stage will focus on insider travel tips and practical advice.

Address

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

Fauré Requiem – Cathedral Choral Society

MARCH 8TH, 2015 AT 04:00 PM | $15-75 | LSHERIDAN@CATHEDRAL.ORG | TEL: 202-537-2228 | EVENT WEBSITE

Stunningly luscious music on an all-French program. Written following personal spiritual transformation, Poulenc’s Organ Concerto exudes heartfelt directness. Dictated to her sister at the end of her young life, the Pie Jesu was Lili Boulanger’s requiem for herself. Intimate and profoundly beautiful, Fauré’s Requiem is one of the most beloved pieces in the choral repertoire. Featuring Music Director J. Reilly Lewis as organ soloist.

Address

3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Cultural Leadership Breakfast: Martin Wollesen

MARCH 12TH, 2015 AT 08:00 AM | RICHARD@GEORGETOWNER.COM | EVENT WEBSITE

As part of the series presented by Georgetown Media Group and sponsored by Long & Foster, Martin Wollesen, executive director of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, will share his plans and goals for The Clarice, the six-venue centerpiece of the University of Maryland’s College of Arts and Humanities. Admission is $20 ($15 for George Town Club members). RSVP via email.

Address

George Town Club, 1530 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

CAG Concerts Kick-off Party?

MARCH 12TH, 2015 AT 06:30 PM | $60 | EVENT WEBSITE

The kick-off party will be at The George Town Club on March 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
Concerts in the Parks is Georgetown’s favorite summer concerts series that is free and open to the public in beautiful Volt and Rose parks. Proceeds from this event help underwrite the cost of putting on the concerts. 2015 Concerts will take place Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on May 17th, June 14th and July 12th.

Address

The George Town Club; 1530 Wisconsin Ave.

Georgetowner •

[UPDATE] On Wednesday, Feb. 25, just before 10:40 a.m. smoke poured out of the Steve Madden building at 3109 M St. NW in Georgetown. The building also houses BrandLink D.C., the Wink boutique and the Ury salon and spa.

An official from D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department on the scene said that the fire was spreading within the walls. It is believed that the insulation burned due to some sort of electrical issue. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“Everyone was able to make it out,” the official said. “No one is injured at this time.”

Firefighters had the fire put out by 11:20 a.m. and began reopening M Street, but a portion remained closed to traffic.

BrandLink D.C. posted on its Facebook page that, even though it experienced smoke damage, ”We are happy to report that everyone is safe and sound.” The event and marketing firm will be working from a temporary office space throughout this week.

The Urban Outfitters building, next to the Steve Madden building, is also closed because of damages because of the fire.

[February 25, 2014] Smoke poured out of the Steve Madden building at 3109 M St. NW in Georgetown just before 10:40 a.m. Feb. 25.

An official on the scene said that the fire burned within the walls. It is believed that the insulation burned due to some sort of electrical issue.

“Everyone was able to make it out,” the official said. “No one is injured at this time.”

There are serious traffic delays at the scene.
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Georgetowner •

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

February 26th, 2015 at 07:30 PM | Free | julia.strusienski@dc.gov | Tel: 202-727-0232 | (Event Website](http://www.meetup.com/Twentythirtysomething-Book-Club-T-T-B-C/)

Are you a local reader at least 21 years old? 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.

For our February meeting, we will be reading Robin Sloan’s 2012 novel, “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.”

For more information, check out our MeetUp page or email erika.rydberg@dc.gov or julia.strusienski@dc.gov.

Address

breadsoda; 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW

2015 DC Design House Bare Bones Tour

February 28th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | $5 or free with purchase of $30 DC Design House ticket for April 12-May 10 | dcdesignhouse@theloftatai.com | Tel: 301-807-0910 | [Event Website](http://www.dcdesignhouse.com/)

Take a tour of the 2015 DC Design House before the designers work their magic. See the 27 empty rooms in this new McLean, VA home built by Artisan Builders and then come back from April 11 to May 10 to see the beautiful designs. It’s the 8th Annual event with 100% of proceeds benefitting Children’s National Health System.

12 noon until 3 p.m.

Address

956 Mackall Farm Lane; McLean, VA 22101

Paintings, Calligraphy and Ceramics by Stephen Addiss

February 28th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | [Event Website](http://robertbrowngallery.com/)

Robert Brown Gallery hosts an opening reception for an exhibition of work by painter, poet, ceramicist, musician and Japanese art historian Stephen Addiss. A professor for thirty-six years, Addiss retired in 2013 from a position at the University of Richmond. He began studying calligraphy and ink painting in 1969 with Asian scholars, later studying in Japan and Taiwan.

Address

1662 33rd St. NW.

Aaron Burr Lecture at Georgetown Library

February 28th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | jerry.mccoy@dc.gov

Jamie Stiehm, a columnist for Creators Syndicate and a contributor to usnews.com, will give a free 1 p.m. lecture: “The Intriguing Aaron Burr: Vice President and So Much More.” The third vice president of the United States, Burr served under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805.

Address

Georgetown Neighborhood Library, Peabody Room (third floor), 3260 R St. NW.

Russian “Ballades, Fantasies, and Satires”

February 27th, 2015 at 12:00 AM | $50 | [Event Website](http://thercas.com/)

Soprano Natalia Kraevsky and bass Grigory Soloviov will sing songs in Russian accompanied by pianist Vera Danchenko-Stern, founder and artistic director of the Russian Chamber Art Society, at this third concert of RCAS’s 2014-2015 season. Danchenko-Stern’s Peabody Conservatory colleague, pianist Alexander Shtarkman, will also perform. Tickets, include a wine and dessert reception. For tickets, visit their website.

Address

Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court NW.

701 Restaurant Hosts Four-Course Wine Dinner with Crosby Roamann Winery

February 27th, 2015 at 07:00 PM | $90 | Tel: (202) 393-0701 | [Event Website](http://701restaurant.com/)

701 Restaurant invites guests to come celebrate one of Napa Valley’s finest wineries, Crosby Roamann, on February 27th at 7 p.m. The experience is priced at $90 per person (not including tax and gratuity) and guests will enjoy Executive Chef Benjamin Lambert’s four-course feast while winemaker Sean McBride will orchestrate pairings.

Address

701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Cantate Chamber Singers presents the St. John Passion of J.S. Bach

March 1st, 2015 at 04:00 PM | $35 ($45 for premium seats in first few rows), age 18 & under FREE, students with ID $15. | exec@cantate.org | Tel: 301-986-1799 | [Event Website](http://cantate.org/)

Cantate (Gisèle Becker, Music Director) presents Bach’s masterpiece in the rarely performed fourth version of 1749, with period instruments. Featuring Joseph Dietrich singing the role of the Evangelist, Kevin Frey singing the role of Jesus, soprano Mary Ellen Callahan, mezzo-soprano Barbara Hollinshead, baritone Steven Combs, and tenor David Wolff.

Address

Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church; 6601 Bradley Blvd; Bethesda, MD 20817

Time for Three

March 1st, 2015 at 05:00 PM | $25. – $30. | sam@stjohnsgeorgetown.org | Tel: 202-338-1796 | [Event Website](http://www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org/)

The groundbreaking, category-shattering string trio transcends traditional classification, with elements of classical, country western, gypsy and jazz idioms forming a blend all its own. Performing music from Bach to Brahms, arrangements of The Beatles, Katy Perry, Kanye West
and Justin Timberlake.

Free parking at the Hyde Addison School parking lot directly across from the church.

Address

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown; 3240 O St. NW

Linnea Kristiansson •

The Washington Harbour Ice Rink on the Georgetown waterfront will close for the season this Sunday, March 1.

The rink is the largest outdoor ice skating venue in the region. Open annually from mid-November until March, the ice rink at 3050 K Street NW transforms from a picturesque fountain in warmer months and is open for recreational skating every day, including holidays.

With a couple of days left in February, take the opportunity to enjoy a healthy activity right on the Potomac, with a warm beverages rink-side.

Go, before the season ends! See you on the ice.

Opening hours:

Monday-Tuesday 12:00-7:00pm
Wednesday-Thursday 12:00-9:00pm
Friday 12:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-7:00pm

Prices:

Adults: $10.00
Children/Seniors/Military: $9.00
Skate Rental: $5.00
Season Pass: $195.00
10 Admission Pass: $85.00
Socks/Gloves: $4.00

Helmets and penguin skate aids are available, free of use, first come first serve.

Weekly events:

College Night Skate: Each Thursday, Receive $2 off Admission with a Valid College ID
Cartoon Skate: Every Saturday morning from 10:00am — 12:00pm
Rock N Skate: Every Saturday night from 8:00 – 10:00pm

For more information on ice skating, signing up for lessons, and general questions call (202)706-7666.

Robert Devaney •

In plain sight of construction workers, passers-by and 7-Eleven customers, two men, one of whom was armed, approached a parked Mercedes SUV, demanded keys from the female driver, who left her car, on the 2600 block of P Street NW at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 25, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The men drove away from the scene. The carjacked vehicle was later stopped in the 900 block of Ingraham Street NW in Brightwood Park, north of Petworth, after a crash on the same day. One suspect was arrested. Police say another person is sought in connection to the crime.

Before the carjacking in front of the 7-Eleven, according to NBC4 News, the same suspects, one of whom showed a gun, attempted a carjacking on the 3100 block of P Street NW. The 7-Eleven on P Street was robbed twice in January.

If you have any information on these crimes, call MPD at 202-727-9099.

Robert Devaney •

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E will hold its March meeting, 6:30 p.m., March 2, at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 35th Street and Volta Place NW, in the Heritage Room on the second floor of the main building. The following is tonight’s meeting agenda, as provided by ANC 2E.

Approval of the Agenda

-Approval of March 2, 2015, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda Administrative

-Approval of January 2, 2015 and February 2, 2015 Meeting Minutes

-Public Safety and Police Report

-Financial Report

-Transportation Report

-DPW Report

Community Comment

New Business

-3324 Dent Place, NW – historic significance of the property and a possible archeological survey

-Jackson Art Center building, 3050 R Street, NW – future use of the building
-Proposed decrease in bus service by WMATA on the D-1 and D-2 routes

ABC Matters

-Bulldog Tavern, 3700 O Street, NW (on the GU Campus), ABRA-096001,
application for a substantial change to its license to allow live music performance, trivia, karaoke, poetry readings, comedy and vocal performances Sunday through Saturday 8 pm – 12:30 am.

Zoning Matters

1. Crumbs & Whiskers,3211 O St., NW, BZA No. 18954- exception to comply with animal boarding requirements for a cat adoption facility and café

2. 3220 Prospect Street, NW, BZA No.18977- variance relief from loading requirements

Old Georgetown Board

PUBLIC AND MAJOR PROJECTS

1. SMD 03, 3255-3259 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-120 (HPA 15-223), Mixed use (currently Domino’s Pizza), New construction, Concept

PRIVATE PROJECTS

1. SMD 02, 1544 33rd Street, NW, OG 15-057 (HPA 15-085), Residence, One-story rear addition, Concept
(For review by the Historic Preservation Review Board)

2. SMD 03, 3252 O Street, NW, OG 15-095 (HPA 15-183), Residence, Two-story rear addition, Concept

3. SMD 03, 3301 N Street, NW, OG 15-121 (HPA 15-224), Residence, Second story and underground additions, alterations, Concept

4. SMD 03, 1513 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 14-321 (HPA 14-602), Commercial, Rooftop and 3-story rear addition, Concept – revised

5. SMD 05, 1061 31st Street, NW, OG 15-110 (HPA 15-211), Commercial, Awning and signs Canal Inn – Existing, Permit

6. SMD 05, 3205 K Street, NW, OG 15-109 (HPA 15-209), Commercial, Projecting sign Mr. Smith’s, Permit

7. SMD 05, 3251 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-080 (HPA 15-124), Mixed-use: commercial/residential, New doors, relocation of HVAC equipment to roof, Permit

8. SMD 05, 1218 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 15-020 (HPA 15-033), Commercial, Alterations to rear fence for incinerator, Permit

9. SMD 05,1225 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 15-112 (HPA 15-215), Commercial, Replacement front windows, repointing rear and sides, Permit

10. SMD 06, 1236 28th Street, NW, OG 15-111 (HPA 15-212), Residence, Alterations to rear, replacement windows, deck, Concept

11. SMD 06, 3044 N Street, NW, OG 15-108 (HPA 15-200), Residence, Railings / planters at roof terrace above garage – Existing.

12. SMD 07, 1624 29th Street, NW, OG 15-122 (HPA 15-225, Residence, New open garage with roof terrace, Concept

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming March 5, 2015, agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, February 27, 2015.

1. SMD 02, 3244 Q Street, NW, OG 15-029 (HPA 15-042), Residence, Replacement windows, Permit

2. SMD 02, 1700 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 15-115 (HPA 15-216), Institution (Dumbarton Oaks), Exterior lighting, Permit

3. SMD 03, 3206 N Street, NW, OG 15-012 (HPA 15-025), Commercial, Addition, alterations, replacement curtain wall, stairs, signs, Concept – revised

4. SMD 04, 3700 O Street, NW, OG 15-126 (HPA 15-229), Georgetown University, Site work for new bus turnaround, Permit

5. SMD 05, 1312 31st Street, NW, OG 15-131 (HPA 15-235), Residence, Replacement security window grilles, Permit

6. SMD 05, 3000 M Street, NW, OG 15-117 (HPA 15-220), Mixed-use, Partial demolition, addition, alterations, Concept – design development

7. SMD 05, 3330 Cady’s Alley, NW, OG 15-047 (HPA 15-075), Commercial, Alterations to masonry openings, Concept – revised

8. SMD 05, 3207 Grace Street, NW, OG 15-123 (HPA 15-226), Commercial, Alterations, light fixtures, sign – Chaia Farm to Taco, Permit

9. SMD 05, 3614 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-100 (HPA 15-188), Residence, Partial demolition, 2-story rear/ rooftop addition, alterations to front, replacement windows, Permit

10. SMD 05, 3614 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-129 (HPA 15-232), Residence, Alterations to 32.rear terrace, decks, Concept

11. SMD 05, 1132 29th Street, NW, OG 15-052 (HPA 15-080), Commercial, Rear additions, Concept

12. SMD 06, 1319 30th Street, NW, OG 15-091 (HPA 15-179), Residence, Alterations, Permit

13. SMD 06, 1319 30th Street, NW, OG 15-119 (HPA 15-222), Residence, Replacement fence,
Permit

14. SMD 06, 2701 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 15-118 (HPA 15-221), Residence, Rear addition, dormer, alterations, Permit

15. SMD 06, 1215 31st Street, NW, OG 15-074 (HPA 15-118), Georgetown Post Office, Alterations to entrance ramp and sign – EastBanc Technologies, Permit – revised

16. SMD 06, 2715 M Street, NW, OG 15-127 (HPA 15-230), Commercial, Alterations – options
Concept

17. SMD 07, 1502 27th Street, NW, OG 15-063 (HPA 15-103), Residence, front porch, alterations, wall and fence, Concept

18. SMD 07, 1633 31st Street, NW, OG 15-094 (HPA 15-182), Residence, Two-story rear addition, Concept

19. SMD 07, 1650 Avon Place, NW, OG 15-116 (HPA 15-218), Residential, Alterations, replacement windows and door, rooftop HVAC , Concept

20. SMD 07, 2500 Q Street, NW, OG 15-113 (HPA 15-208), Gateway Georgetown condominiums, Rooftop antennas and equipment for T-Mobile, Permit

21. SMD 08, 1229 37th Street, NW, OG 15-125 (HPA 15-228), Residence, Replacement wood siding, Permit

22. SMD 08,1239 37th Street, NW, OG 15-124 (HPA 15-227), Residence, Alterations, HVAC equipment, Permit

Government of the District of Columbia: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E — 3265 S St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 — 202-724-7098 — anc2e@dc.gov — www.anc2e.com

Caitlin Franz •

The former West End Public Library has been completely demolished to make way for a new EastBanc project. Piles of rubble and large construction equipment cover the lot. Yet it’s clear that progress is being made on the library and condominium combination development.

Architect Enrique Norten, of Ten Arquitectos, is the designer of the new 21,000-square-foot library, which will span two levels. Eight stories of residential housing will be built above it.

The new library will hold designated spaces for children, teens and adults. It will also have one large meeting area, two conference rooms and multiple study rooms. There are additional plans for a cafe and underground parking.

Throughout the construction process, library services will be provided at 2522 Virginia Ave. NW. The temporary location features separate spaces for children, teens and adults, 20 computers and a meeting room for up to 40 people. The West End Public Library will lease this space at the Watergate complex for at least three years.