The Rubell Museum of contemporary art announces addition of restaurant. Last Monday, the design team of the soon-to-open Rubell Museum in the old Randall School in nearby Southwest at 65 I Street, appeared before ANC6D to request a traffic plan issue adjustment. Museum reps took the opportunity to announce plans for the addition of an eating and drinking establishment to the museum’s west wing. This would be in addition to the café already planned for the building’s lobby. In response to a question from Commissioner Lightman, a spokesperson affirmed that admission to the museum will be free to DC residents. The museum’s opening is scheduled for October 29. For more info, go here: https://rubellmuseum.org/dcNew major mixed use development on H Street, NE. Architect Stephen DuPont, Jr. appeared before ANC6A’s Economic Development and Zoning Committee last Wednesday seeking support for a zoning adjustment to permit construction of a large new mixed use development at 814 14th Street, NE. Three existing buildings on the site will be razed to allow construction of a new six story structure with penthouse. Current plans (which could be adjusted downward) provide for 52 residential apartments – a mix of efficiencies to two bedrooms – with five units deemed affordable under Inclusionary Zoning requirements. The plan anticipates commercial use of the first floor and cellar. The committee recommended that the full ANC support the zoning adjustment but urged that the developer consider tilting the unit mix toward larger units.Public Art Coming to Eastern Market Metro Playground. Work is underway by DGS for the placement of a public art installation near the Eastern Market Metro Playground: Beth Nybeck’s “Found You,” three 5 & 7 foot metal sculptures of rabbits playing hide and seek. The artist describes the piece as a “hopeful, whimsical, playful experience to help people find the goodness and light existing within each other.” The stainless steel structures are perforated so that light from inside will sprinkle light on the ground at night. Here’s Nybeck’s early concept proposal which was selected for the site by the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Redesign Advisory Committee. Installation of a second piece near the Metro entrance – “Loveful Hands” by Jay Coleman – is expected to be placed later this year. Also last Monday, ANC6D heard from Mill Creek Development supporting their application for a Planned Unit Development for a mixed use building at 807 Maine Avenue, SW. The plan anticipates 11 stories, 200 units, and retail on the ground floor. 15% of the units will be affordable under Inclusionary Zoning. The building would replace the HQ of the Disabled American Veterans which wants to relocate their operation to a larger space downtown. The Commission will vote on the developer’s request for support of the PUD in September, but it sounds like they want to have a chat about mitigation and community benefits that come with a PUD – which grants a developer height and density they would not otherwise have under current zoning for the site. Coul St. presents their option for curb side charging of electric vehicles. Again, last Monday night, ANC6A’s Transportation Committee took a look into the future at what public charging of electric vehicles might look like. Coul St. is a company developing curb side chargers for charging without dedicated parking. Company rep Josh Charles said that current DC regulations would not permit curbside charging – though nearby Takoma Park regulations would. While the company doesn’t yet have way forward to operate in DC they are looking to open a conversation. The ANC Committee will hear from DDOT in September about current DOT policies and plans regarding wid electric vehicle charging. For more on Coul St. go here: https://www.coulst.com/Preservationists are up in arms over plan to alter Library of Congress’ Main Reading Room. A plan to make the Library of Congress more visitor-friendly has been in the works for several years, along with a multi-million renovation. But a current proposal to make some major changes to the historic Reading Room has drawn opposition from the DC Preservation League (DCPL) and other preservationists. The major changes would be to dismantle the middle tower in the Center Desk allowing for installation of an oculus window in the floor to permit tourists below a (somewhat hard to imagine) view of the Reading Room’s dome. The other change would transform the delivery room below the Center Desk into an Orientation Center which containing a display of Thomas Jefferson’s books, now in cases in a gallery on the first floor of the Library. DCPL has placed the Reading Room on their 2022 List of Endangered Places, along with a call for “Congress, the Architect of the Capitol, and the public to vehemently oppose these ill-advised alterations that place the needs of some above the needs of all.” DCPL asks concerned parties to “reach out to your local leaders (ANC, Councilmember, Agency Head),” raise awareness in your community, and testify at public hearings. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society has already weighed in with a letter of opposition. Here’s the contact info for the DCPL: info@dcpreservation.org and here’s the Washington Post’s take: https://wapo.st/3OsT1fb
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted July 24, 2022
Monday, July 25
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion of application by DC Conscious Café 1413 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class D Restaurant License.
Discussion of application by Chupacabra at 822 H Street, NE, for renewal Class C Restaurant License.
Discussion of application Bronze DC, 1245 H Street, NE, for a Class C Restaurant License.
Opening for The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) annual Artist’s Choice Exhibit
The exhibit will run from July 26th – August 19th at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) at 545 7th Street, SE. There will be a reception at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop from 5:00-7:00 pm on Saturday, July 30th where those attending the show will be able to vote for the winning “People’s Choice” art work. In this non-juried show, CHAL members present their own favorite pieces, which results in an eclectic and unique mix of media and artistic visions.
In addition to viewing the show in person, the exhibit may be viewed, beginning the first week of August, on the Capitol Hill Art League website “Artist’s Choice” section at: https://www.caphillartleague.org/
Friday, July 29
Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, 5:00pm to 6:30pm features Herb Scott, saxophonist.
Eastern Market Main Street presents Silent Disco on C Street, 7:00pm.
Saturday, July 30
Guerrilla Gardeners Garden Day 2022 from 1:00pm-4:00pm in the Potomac Avenue Triangle Parks.
This event celebrates the community-led reclamation of the Potomac Triangle Parks and their transformation into more attractive, usable, safer and equitable public green spaces. This completely free event will feature music, food, games and prizes. music, fun, and good company.
Reception at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop from 5:00-7:00 pm on Saturday, July 30th.
Those attending the show will be able to vote for the winning “People’s Choice” art work.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 