French Bakery at Eastern Market Expects March Opening
by Larry Janezich
Posted February 28, 2026
Saint-Georges Boulangerie across from Eastern Market visible at the far right.
The bakery’s pastry chef Slama Abdenour said he expects Saint-Georges will open in about three weeks. He says he thinks the final permits to be approved next week. The café will need a couple of weeks after that to get up and running, with a a soft opening on a Friday in March with a grand opening the following week.
Here’s the view from the north entrance to the restaurant on C Street.
And here’s the view from the 7th Street side, looking at the north entrance.
Part of the decor, and as they say, very French.
CHC reported the coming of the bakery in the space formerly occupied by Radici at 303 7th Street, SE, in June of 2024. The café will be the first U.S. venture for the team of restaurateurs who own five restaurants in Paris.
Spotify is setting up shop on NJ Ave in a former residential town house at 440 New Jersey Avenue, a block from the House Office Buildings, but without ANC6B’s hoped-for “Settlement Agreement” governing their business operations.
The conventional wisdom is that Spotify will use the space for the company’s congressional lobbying efforts, like other corporate owners of residential buildings on New Jersey Avenue.
When the company purchased the property last year, they proceeded with plans to renovate the property and applied for Historic Preservation Office (HPO) approval since the property is in the Capitol Hill Historic District. HPO referred the application to ANC6B which is charged with advising the Preservation Board whether the community supports, opposes, or has no opinion on the application.
ANC6B found no fault with the proposed renovations as such, but has long opposed the use of residences for corporate business purposes – prohibited by city regulation which are not enforced – so decided to condition their support of the application on Spotify’s acceptance of a “Settlement Agreement” like those attached to businesses and developments seeking approval for Historic Preservation or Zoning applications.
ANC6B, along with ANC6C (their counterpart north of East Capitol Street), strongly oppose the use of residences for corporate business. But the Mayor’s Office has explicitly directed the Department of Buildings not to enforce the ban.
In an effort to bring a measure of regulation to Spotify’s plans, the ANC appointed Commissioner Tyler Wolanin – in whose single member district the property lies – to pursue a Settlement Agreement with Spotify. In response, Spotify’s lawyers replied with a proposed non-binding “Memorandum of Understanding” covering some of the points addressed in the proposed Settlement Agreement. In addition, Spotify modified their proposed renovation so that they could receive approval at the HPO staff level, which meant that they no longer needed review by ANC6B.
ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee met February 5 to consider how to proceed in the face of Spotify’s proposed MOU, given the ANC’s loss of leverage because the HPO application was now moot. The committee voted to oppose a motion by Committee Chair Vince Marino to recommend that the ANC enter the MOU into the HPO’s case record along with a statement that the ANC does not object to the project. The committee then voted to recommend that the ANC send a letter to CM Charles Allen, the DC Department of Buildings, the Historic Preservation Review Board, and candidates for mayor, informing them of ANC6B’s consistent opinion that the city is inadequately enforcing the separation of residential uses and commercial uses, in particular by allowing lobbying shops to set up in residential areas near the Capitol building. A subcommittee was named to write the letter after the motion receives approval from the full ANC. This language was sent as a recommendation to the full ANC.
ANC6B met to consider the Committee recommendation on February 10. Commissioner Wolanin proposed an amendment to the proposal for a letter to city officials by adding another resolution stating that ANC6B approves Spotify’s promises in the MOU which included agreeing to abide by DC regulations concerning noise, trash, yard maintenance, maintaining a continual presence in the house as a point of contact for the neighborhood, and other issues. The resolution also stated that the ANC does not endorse the use of the property, which is in a residentially-zoned area, for nonresidential purposes, and states that the ANC believes that the company’s promise to have the home occupied by a full-time caretaker is intended to evade zoning regulations, and does not adhere to the intended use of the house’s zoning category.
It was the consensus of the Committee that the original committee language recommending that a letter be sent to city officials and mayoral candidates pointing to the lack of enforcement of regulations on use of residential buildings be postponed and considered at the next ANC meeting in March.
With that understanding, the motion to approve the Wolanin resolution was agreed to by unanimous consent. The resolution will be posted on the ANC website.
Wolnan said, in a written statement, “I think that this resolution is a useful step for the neighborhood. We have a lot of corporations and PACs who buy houses near the Capitol for lobbying purposes, and usually the ANC doesn’t have a chance for any input. Now, for the first time, neighbors have an agreement to point to any time they have trouble with the company’s use of the house, whether that trouble comes next year or ten years down the line.”
That being said, it is noteworthy that the agreement is unenforceable and depends on the good will of Spotify.
In recent years, numerous residential neighbors have complained about their corporate neighbors, pointing to events which were widely assumed to be fundraisers bringing traffic and parking issues, and next day cleanups which left piles of trash on the block outside of the normal trash pickup hours. In September of 2023, during an effort to pressure the city to enforce regulations against corporations’ business use of residences led by then ANC6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery, residents listed 22 residential properties near the US Capitol owned by corporations. See here: https://bit.ly/40kHCq2
At first that effort made headway, with the strong support of CM Charles Allen, and the new Director of Buildings Brian Hanlon seemed committed to enforcing the law. That came to a sudden halt when Hanlon told ANC6B Commissioners that he had been instructed by the City Administrator to cease enforcement actions against use of residences for commercial purposes. See here: https://bit.ly/4s2xiif
Last Monday, to mark the celebration of Presidents’ Day, the Library of Congress opened the floor of the Main Reading Room to the public – anyone who had a timed entry ticket to the building. Here’s the view just inside the main entrance.
View to the right.
And the view to the left.
The central structure in the Reading Room is known as the central desk, which sits directly under the 160-foot, domed ceiling. The mahogany structure allowed the librarians to monitor the reading room, the card catalog, and access to book conveyor systems. Prior to today’s digitalized card catalogue, a reader looked up a book’s location in the stacks in the card catalogue which surrounded the central desk, submitted a blue request slip to a librarian at the central desk who sent it by pneumatic tube to the level below which returned the book to the desk via conveyer belt, from which it was delivered to the seat where the researcher was working.
Here’s a view of the dome.
And, zooming in, a mural of twelve seated figures, male and female, are arranged against a wall of mosaic patterning. They represent countries, or epochs, which in 1897, when the building was constructed, were thought to have contributed the most to the evolution of western civilization.
The top of the dome features a painting – Human Understanding – by Edwin Blashfield. The female figure is in the act of lifting the veil of ignorance and looking forward to intellectual progress.
Discussion of a substantial change request to a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant to change hours of operation and alcoholic beverage sales, service, and consumption, and hours of live entertainment, for AG Restaurant and Lounge, 816 H Street NE.
ANC6B will hold virtual Executive Committee Meeting.
The standard business of the Executive Committee is adoption of upcoming meeting agendas and setting the agenda for the next meeting of the full ANC.
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Wednesday, February 25
Hill Center Event
Screening of Documentary Film, “The Last Battlefront: Quest for the Vote in DC”
This one-hour documentary is the first historical film on the right for self-government in Washington, D.C. told through the lives and voices of its citizens.
Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris. West Building.
Now through August 30, 2026.
Mary Cassatt’s art and life reflect an independent spirit that defied expectations for women in her time. Explore three galleries in the National Gallery’s impressionist collection to look closely at how she worked. Some 40 paintings, drawings, and prints—largely drawn from our rich holdings of her work—show an artist shaped by tradition yet radically modern.
Admission is always free and passes are not required.
Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances.
This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the Forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging.
Maru San from earlier this week at 327 7th Street, SE.
Photo inside taken from earlier this week.
Maru San at Eastern Market Opens with Peruvian Fish Rolls Friday Feb. 20
By Larry Janezich
Posted February 19, 2026
Award winning Chef Carlos Delgado’s Maru San Peruvian Fish Roll restaurant is bringing something new to the Eastern Market neighborhood. Maru San offers carry out and walk-ins for the 25 stool counter like the traditional Japanese specialty sushi restaurants – the only seating. A special reservation schedule limited to four at one 7:00pm seating promises an elegant tasting menu experience. Delgado is also co-owner of the Michelin acclaimed Causa and the Amazonia – Peruvian restaurants in Blagdon Alley.
Peruvian fish rolls – referred to as Nikkei rolls – are similar to sushi, but not the same, being a fusion of Japanese technique and Peruvian cuisine and are distinguished by the use of citrus-based sauces, spicy peppers, and warm, toppings.
Little Engine Rotisserie Chicken Opens at Eastern Market on Tuesday, Feb 17
By Larry Janezich
February 16, 2026
Rob Sonderman’s Rotisserie and Wings restaurant – “Little Engine” – opens Tuesday, February 17, at 11:00am, across from Eastern Market, at 250 7th Street, SE.
Sonderman says, “So we try to serve something that is recognizable but taken to the next level as far as the flavor goes.” He’s a veteran of opening restaurateur Steve Salis’s Catalogue Group’s Federalist Pig and Honeymoon Chicken, and struck out on his own last summer after ten years.
He’s a life-long resident of the Eastern Market neighborhood and this is his first venture in Southeast, for which, he partnered with Jeff Zients, owner of part of Call Your Mother on Barracks Row.
Here are some photos from this weekend’s soft opening for family and friends.
Little Engine was formerly the site of Eat Brgz.
The “Little Engine” logo suggests “revving up” the chicken and wings offerings with high-quality flavors at a reasonable, family friendly price point.
Here’s Sonderman, hands-on, in the kitchen. He was formerly the pitmaster at Federalist Pig.
The dining area decor announces that it’s family friendly. Especially with …
An impressive baseball card collection.
Here’s the menu. Little Chicken will be open daily, 11:00am – 9:00pm.
The Week Ahead…& Walk for Peace Photos from St. Mark’s
by Larry Janezich
Posted February 15, 2026
Last Wednesday, 19 Buddhist monks who travelled the 2300 miles on a four month Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, DC arrived at St. Mark’s Church on Capitol Hill, at 301 A Street, SE. This photo is after their 11:00am arrival while they were in the church for lunch.T here were some 400 monks, organizers and supporters inside the church and more than 1000 in the street and lining it outside, including security, organizers, and members of the public.
The public crowds they attract are large and emotional – many brought flowers and signs to welcome them. Some carried Buddhist flags.
The monks departed the church at 1:30pm to visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Peace Monument on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, and George Washington University Smith Center.
The crowds who had assembled to watch them pass as they left – and there were hundreds – were mostly silent. Occasionally there were soft cries of “bless you” and “thank you.”
There were a large number of additional monks who joined the Peace Walkers at St. Marks but the monks who made the journey seemed to stand out because of their resolute expressions.
MPD and a large contingent of bike-mounted officers from the Community Focused Patrol Unit escorted the marchers.
Here’s a photo inside the church after the event. The nave of the church had long tables of catered food in the front and on one side. The entire floor of the church was covered with long strips of white cloth where the monks sat while they had lunch. One of the organizers said that 400 had been served.
The next day, the monks continued to Annapolis, visited the steps of the Maryland Stare House, and then departed by bus to return to Fort Worth. They arrived on Saturday, February 14, for a peace gathering and celebration of the completion of the journey.
Torti Gallas H Street Study. DC’s Office of Planning (OP) along with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development has picked architecture firm Torti Gallas to conduct a land use and market study for the corridor. Emma Estes and Vincent Ubiera from DC OP will join the TPS committee to present and discuss the study.
New Business
Capitol Hill Classic. Jayme Johnson from Capitol Hill Cluster Schools (CHCS) will join the committee to discuss the 45th Capitol Hill Classic. CHCS request a letter of support from our ANC to Clint Osborn, Director of HSEMA.
Notice of Installation of Raised Crosswalk at 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NE. DDOT plans to install a raised crosswalk on the north leg of this intersection.
ANC7D Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning, Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.
DDOT Open House on updates on the Benning Road Project, including details on the latest updates to final design plans and next steps ahead of the anticipated start of construction in fall 2026.
Tuesday, February 17 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (with a brief presentation at 6:15 pm)
Where: River Terrace Education Campus, 405 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019
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Monday, February 16
Library of Congress Main Reading Room Open Event – 10:00 am – 04:30 pm
This Presidents Day, visitors are invited onto the floor of the Library’s Main Reading Room. Typically reserved for credentialed researchers, this special opportunity offers a rare glimpse inside one of Washington’s most beautiful and iconic spaces.
“Expect an electrifying recital from this duo of sought-after soloists: American violinist Benjamin Beilman and Scottish pianist Steven Osborne perform sonatas by Brahms and Franck, plus Clara Schumann’s Three Romances and Lili Boulanger’s “Nocturne” and “Cortège.””
Pre-concert Conversation with the Artists – 6:30 pm, Whittall Pavilion
Thursday, February 19
Hill Center Event
At Issue: Immigration. President Trump’s Mass Deportation Agenda: Its Consequences and Implications featuring Dara Lind and Julia Preston.
7:00pm – 9:00pm, $12.00
Dara Lind is a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council and Julia Preston is a journalist focusing on immigration.
“Praised for impeccable style and musicianship, the brilliant, Berlin-based Leonkoro Quartet performs music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Dutch composer Henriëtte Bosmans on the Library’s renowned Stradivari instruments.”
Pre-concert Conversation with the Artists – 6:30 pm, Whittall Pavilion
Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances.
This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the Forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging.
Congressional Cemetery Cherry Blossom 5K April 12, 2026, 9:00am
Capitol Hill Art League announces opening and reception for “Landscapes” exhibit on Saturday, February 14, 2026 running through Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Frame of Mine Gallery, 545 Eighth Street, S.E, on Barracks Row.
The members of the Art League have created views across geography, seasons and climes to bring us to places familiar and on our wish lists.
Come escape the wintry weather and step into another experience.
Proposed Design for Shirley Chisholm ES (formerly Tyler) – First Look
by Larry Janezich
Posted Monday, February 9, 2026
Thursday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee heard a presentation from STUDIOS Architecture of the concept design for the renovation of Shirley Chisholm Elementary School (formerly Tyler) at 10th and G Streets, SE.
The school is being modernized and enlarged to meet additional programming and projected enrollment requirements. The project will also maximize exterior programmable space and ensure the safety and security of students and staff. The modernization will entail removing all of the interiors, stripping it down to the structure and façade, and providing all new building systems and new finishes.
The school will vacate this summer into their swing space and demolition and new construction will start. Completion is projected for July of 2028.
Following the presentation, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full ANC6B support forwarding the designs to the Historic Preservation Committee for review.
Here’s an overview of the project:
The school’s existing footprint with dates of expansions.
The proposed modernization’s footprint.
The renovated main entrance at the corner of 10th and G Streets. The canopy will be replaced and the entrance will feature an accessible pathway.
Here’s the view of the existing building down G Street with a three story addition at the 11th Street end.
Here’s the view from 11th and G Streets looking southwest. The image on the building shows a public art space reflecting community feedback about providing a way for Rep. Shirley Chisholm’s legacy to be brought into the school design.
This is a rendering of the south end of the building looking at the play space, the canopy element for community and theater programming space, and another public art feature depicting a place holder.
A view of the 10th Street side of the school looking northeast. A secondary entrance at grade is in the middle at the bottom of the tower and will allow access to larger spaces that may be used more by the community for afterhours activities in the auditorium and gymnasium without giving access to the full building.
In 2025, members of the community, citing infrastructure issues with the school, voiced opposition to preserving the original 1949 building. The Historic Preservation Review Board advised preservation of the structure despite that opposition and despite the building’s not having met the historical status of having been constructed before 1945. Owing to HPRB’s unexplained decision to advise preservation of the 1949 building, the ANC’s letter to HPRB supporting review of the design concepts stated that the ANC expects transparency and clarity going forward.
Here’s a link to an article from last fall in The Hill Rag which provides more detail: https://bit.ly/3O0JJww
Update on Federalist Pig coming to Barracks Row at the former Joey’s of Barracks Row, 527 8th Street, SE. Judging from the demolition permit on the window and the sounds from within, it appears that the build out for restaurateur Steve Salis’s Federalist Pig – reported by Washington Business Journal last August to be coming to Barracks Row – is underway. Salis also owns Ted’s Bulletin on Barracks Row, Honeymoon Chicken, Kramers (formerly Kramerbooks & Afterwords), and Sidekick Bakery.
8th Street Bus Priority Project Update: Last Wednesday night, ANC6B’s Transportation Committee heard a presentation from Project Manager Andrew Grinberg – a briefing required after DDOT’s issued a Notice of Intent on the project’s proposed traffic and parking modifications. One of the results of the proposal will be the loss of 31 parking spaces between East Capitol and M Street, SE (4.5% of total available parking between East Capitol and M Street SE) – mostly on Barracks Row. Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted through February 27th at the NOI Portal, here: https://ddot.dc.gov/service/notice-intent And here’s a link to the website with the presentation DDOT gave to the Committee on Wednesday night. A link can be found under “Documents” about half way down the page. https://buspriority.ddot.dc.gov/pages/8thstse#documents The committee unanimously approved a motion to support the project. The letter of support now goes to the full ANC at its next meeting on Tuesday, February 10. Image DDOT
Neighbors are complaining that Albert’s Liquor at 328 Kentucky Avenue, kitty-corner from Safeway, is in violation of DC statutes regulating the signage and prohibitions on illuminated advertising after hours. Last Tuesday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted unanimously to support a motion that the full ANC send a complaint to the DC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration. Final action on that will come up in next Tuesday night’s meeting of the ANC. Photo: ANC6B
The owner of Capitol Square Bar & Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street has applied to transfer the license from Sahara Market at 1901 Michigan Avenue, NE, to an empty building at 1504 East Capitol next to Capitol Square. As reported by Eat DC, the owner will open a Sahara Market at that location. Capitol Square closed last year over issues involving an expired business license, unpaid taxes, and a series of lawsuits. Next Tuesday, ANC7D has scheduled a vote to Protest the transfers of a “Retailer’s Class C Restaurant” and “Retailers Class B Beer and Wine Store” license from 1901 Michigan Ave, NE, to the vacant, unimproved commercial property at 1504 East Capitol Street, NE, until settlement or agreement is reached with applicant.
ABCA Shuts Down unlicensed weed shop on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Potomac Tobacco at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE was padlocked and one employee arrested on January 30th when ABCA and MPD shut the site down for illegal cannabis sales. The operation was part of the city’s ongoing enforcement efforts following the enactment of the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure statute which granted ABCA new civil enforcement powers. Since the bill took effect on July 15, 2024, joint agency efforts have resulted in the padlocking of 102 illegal cannabis businesses.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, February 9
(POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY 23)ANC6B Parks & Public Spaces Taskforce will hold and (In Person Only) Meeting at 7:00pm
This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Avenel, SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
Letisha Vinson, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder
Amber Wright, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS)
Eboni-Rose Thompson, State Board of Education (SBOE), Ward 7 Representative
Kisha Anderson, District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Ward 7 Community Engagement Specialist
Randi Thorpe, Department of Public Works (DPW), Community Relations Specialist (invited)
Community Matters
ANC 7D FY 2027 District Budget Priorities – Opportunity for Commissioners to establish priorities for FY 2027 budget cycle
RFK Roundup – Opportunity for Commission to raise awareness around RFK development issues
Other Commission Business
Proposed Motion: ANC 7D vote to Protest transfers of a “Retailer’s Class C Restaurant” and “Retailers Class B Beer and Wine Store” license from 1901 Michigan Ave, NE to a vacant, unimproved commercial property at 1504 East Capitol St, NE until settlement or agreement is reached with applicant.
Proposed Motion: ANC 7D vote to support transfers of jurisdiction on various Parcels and a part of a Reservation to result in District Government control of Bridge 78.
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee.
511 Third Street NE. Application for a special exception from lot occupancy requirements to demolish an existing one-story rear addition and construct a two-story rear addition on an existing semi-detached two-story + cellar principal dwelling unit
654 L Street NE. Application for special exceptions from rear addition requirements and lot occupancy requirements to construct a three-story + roof deck rear addition to an existing attached two-story + cellar principal dwelling unit
626 A Street NE. Application for concept approval to construct a second-floor addition to an existing one-story garage
Transportation and Public Space Committee
Capitol Hill Classic request for support—Jayme Johnson
Sidewalk Palooza, project to report and reduce sidewalk hazards—Scott Price
Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee
Tango Pastry, 408 H Street NE, Application for retailer’s Class “D” restaurant, including stipulated license
DC Water’s Lead Free DC Initiative – Sean Moore, Communications Manager, Lead
Free DC (Contractor), DC Water, Capital Water and Lead Free DC
Officer Reports
Transportation and Public Space
Presentation: DDOT NOI. Proposed changes to bus stop locations on 8th Street NE at C and D Streets NE – Andrew Grinberg, Transportation Planner, Capital Planning Division,
District Department of Transportation (NOTE: DDOT is taking comments through February 27, 2026.)
Recommendation: ANC6A send a comment letter in response to DDOT NOI 26-06-CPD: Proposed changes to bus stop locations on 8th Street NE at C and D Streets NE
Plenary Session:
Suggested Motion: ANC A formally approve for submission to the DC Council’s
Committee on Transportation and the Environment regarding DDOT oversight, the
testimony delivered by Commissioner Shapiro on January 28, 2026. It is further noted
that this Testimony should be submitted by the ANC no later than February 13, 2026.
Suggested Motion: ANC A approve oral and expanded written testimony to the DC
Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations regarding ABCA oversight.
Suggested Motion: ANC6A approve the appointment of Gail Sullivan to the Community
Outreach Committee (COC).
Single Member District reports (2 minutes each)
Community Comment
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Wednesday, February 11
8:00pm
Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation’s 11th Anniversary of the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam
Wednesday, February 11th at 8:00pm at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
7:00pm: Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture at the Hill Center.
The event is free and open to the public
James Darius Ball, the director of Future Cities at the National Building Museum, will lecture on future cities and how the power of public imagination and collective vision is shaping the future of urban life. The presentation will spotlight Coming Together, the National Building Museum’s first major exhibition, which examines how American cities are reimagining and reshaping their downtown districts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ball has a background in sustainable development, building science and community engagement. He brings a rich experience and passion to questions of urban identity and opportunity.
The Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture is named for former CHRS president Dick Wolf, a city planner and activist who was a Hill resident who championed the cause of historic preservation. The lecture series features themes of historic preservation and urban planning in Washington, DC.
A reception will follow the presentation. Reservations are not required, and the public is encouraged to attend.
Friday through Sunday, February 13 – 15
Folger Theater Valentine Day Events Love Songs of the 15th Century
Folger Consort’s February concert will be an affair to remember. Join us for a glass of wine and light bite at Quill & Crumb before enjoying romantic ballads based on poet Christine de Pisan’s The Book of the City of Ladies. Enhance your experience by arriving early for one of our pre-concert discussions, led by Folger Consort Artistic Director Robert Eisenstein.
First Look at Congressional Cemetery’s Gate House Renovation
by Larry Janezich
Posted Saturday, February 7, 2026
At ANC6B’s Thursday night meeting of the Planning and Zoning Committee, Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Congressional Cemetery, (bottom, center) introduced Hartman-Cox Architects to present concept designs for the renovation of the cemetery’s gatehouse, garage, kiosk and pergola. The cemetery’s current vision is to be more community focused with more space for education and community engagement facilities.
Here’s a view of the proposal from the west side of the building. The existing porch and garage will be removed. A new structure on the garage footprint will have restrooms, an interpretive display, a kitchen, and multipurpose space. The entrance to the new structure will be in the middle. A terrace in front will will be a launchpad for groups visiting the cemetery.
Here’s a view looking at the south end of the building showing the terrace.
And the proposed first floor plan. The second story of the main building will be extended over the one story south end of the original building to create more administrative space on the main building’s second floor. The current E Street entrance to the building will remain funeral-focused to separate that function of the gatehouse from the more public event space.
Here’s a view of the new kiosk which will be an orientation point for the cemetery and have a fulltime staff member to take check-ins for the local canine group and possibly a gift shop and pamphlets for self-guided tours. There will also be lockers for docents who do volunteer tours at the site. The pergola will be a shade structure for the golf cart used to navigate the site and help people with limited mobility.
Regarding a timeline, Hudson says, “We’re looking at this calendar year for design work and we’re still raising funds which to some extent is driving the process – and then completing construction in 3 to 4 years.” Hartman-Cox is looking to get concept approval from Historic Preservation this year, but does not anticipate ground breaking in 2026.
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