Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Week Ahead…(Awakenings Bar & Grill Comes To Barracks Row) & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 1, 2025

Extreme Pizza on Barracks Row has closed permanently at 520 8^th Street after dropping hints for a couple of months.  But a new venue named Awaken Bar & Grill has stepped up and filed a stipulated liquor license with ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage Committee.  If the Committee and the full ANC supports the license it could allow them to open quickly pending approval of a permanent license.   The ANC is still waiting to find out more about the new business.  Details are likely to be forthcoming at Tuesday night’s (September 2) virtual meeting of the Committee. See below.

Last Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm, the National Symphony Orchestra held a dress rehearsal for Sunday night’s nationally broadcast Labor Day Concert on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.  The rehearsal was open to the public.  Access wasn’t easy – you had to enter security at 3^rd Street SW and hike back up the hill to the East Front. 

But it you wanted a front row seat it was there for the taking. 

Dos Torros Tacqueria at 205 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, has made progress on its buildout…

…as it inches closer to opening.

Over at the Supreme Court, protective screening has gone up while cleaning and restoration work takes place. The screens will be up until December.

On Sunday, August 24, the Friends of Lincoln Park (FOLP) hosted a community event in the park featuring the Abracadabra Alex Magic Show.  FOLP is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to put on events for the community and invest in the upkeep of the park.  They conduct their activities in partnership with the National Park Service which manages Lincoln Park.  You can join the listserv here:  https://lincolnparkdc.net/about/   Bert Wyman, representing FOLP said the show drew several hundred – the biggest turnout for a FOLP event yet.  Photo credit:  Bert Wyman

The Week Ahead…

Highlights: 

• List of FreeDC Events scheduled for the coming week.  See “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About.”

Tuesday, September 2

ANC6B ABC Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.

The meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

• For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

New Applications

• [LATE BREAKING] Request for stipulated license – Awakening Bar & Grill, 520 8th Street, SE.

Protests/Other Updates

• Balkan Concepts t/a Ambar (Currently Protesting) (6B03)
• [LATE BREAKING] Aloha/Tobacco King Re-Application
• Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B (Repeat from July 2025)

ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.

• To view meeting contact 6D@anc.dc.gov

Agenda:  The commission will discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the full commission on September 15. 

Wednesday, September 3

ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Update from DDOT on Phase II construction at the new Pennsylvania/Potomac Avenue traffic circle (invited, TBC).
• Discussion of National Guard accident at 8^th and North Carolina Avenue on August 20 and the current situation with the federal takeover.
• Continuation of Discussion on Zone Only Parking for Ives Place (and potential other blocks).

ANC C Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pn.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Thursday, September 4

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 624 C Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application.   
• 1341 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.   
• 409 E Cap Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Applications.   
• 730 Rear 11th Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application. 
• 418 4th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application. 
• Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.

ANC6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About: 

Saturday, September 6

Opening reception for ABSTRACT Exhibit at the Frame of Mine shop and gallery at 545 Eighth Street, SE, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  The show will feature the works of Capitol Hill Art League members who were invited to delve into the abstract by sharing artwork that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve effects using shapes, forms, lines, colors, and textures.

Thursday, September 4

Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel 1801 E Street, SE.

Death Cafe is a global movement to encourage discussion about the often-taboo subject of death. These are intimate informal gatherings where we discuss death while eating cake and drinking tea to remind us of comfort and sweetness even in difficult times.

FreeDC project list of events for the coming week:

Federal Forces Out Now: Visits to Congress with Free DC

Thursday, September 4, 2025

9:00am  4:00pm

Rayburn House Office Building

45 Independence Avenue, SE.

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/federal-forces-out-now-visits-to-congress-sept-4

Communications Working Group monthly meeting

Thursday, September 4, 2025

6:00pm  7:30pm

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/communications-working-group-monthly-meeting-lf7zh

We Are All DC – A National March

Saturday, September 6, 2025

11:00am  4:00pm

Malcolm X Park

16th Stree, NW

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/we-are-all-dc-a-national-march

Refuse, Resist, Rebuild Town Hall

Thursday, September 4, 2025

6:00 PM  9:00 PM

John Wesley AME Zion Church

1615 14th Street, NW

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/save-the-date-refuse-resist-rebuild-town-hall

“The Last Battlefront” film screening

Thursday, September 4, 2025

6:00am  8:00pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 4th Floor Auditorium

901 G Street NorthwestWashington, DC, 20001United States (map)

https://freedcproject.org/event-list/the-last-battlefront-sept-4

For more, go here:  https://freedcproject.org/event-list

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 24, 2025

Curious. Here’s a curious juxtaposition on the 1300 block of G Street, SE, just across from La Lomita.  The black building at 1322 G Street on the right is the proposed home of DC Garden Hill’s Medical Marijuana Dispensary.  The blue building next door is the home of the Fraternal Order of Police, U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee. 

ANC6B’s vote to support the application for a medical marijuana license from owner Mark Lumkpins, happened at a little-noticed meeting of ANC6B – an unusual make up meeting after the Commission ran out of time at the regularly scheduled June meeting.  In the aftermath, upset neighbors filed a protest but got lost in the hard-to-find procedures and the protest was ruled invalid.  We may not have heard the last of this. 

And in an entirely unrelated matter just down the block from DC Garden Hill’s proposed dispensary, MM2 LLC is erecting this apartment building, adding stories to a former one family home outside the Capitol Hill Historic District.  Design is being handled by MOREK Design. There are some similar apartment buildings in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue across the street.  Something in the appearance of the buildings reminds CHC of the controversial apartments which were constructed on K Street south of Pennsylvania Avenue between 13^th and 15^th Streets which became an issue in the community back in 2024.

Interior:  Here’s a photo of the build-out on the yet-to-be-named sushi counter restaurant concept coming to 325 7th Street, SE, between Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant and Randolph Cree Hair Salon.

Interior:  Here’s a photo of the substantial progress being made on the interior of a Popeye’s returning to 409 8th Street, Barracks Row.  The Popeye’s restaurant previously at that location under another owner, closed in November 2021. 

Interior:  Less progress is evident in the buildout for the proposed Taco Bell next door at 411 8^th Street, Barracks Row.

And last week saw progress on the construction of the Garfield/Canal Park Connector Project, adjacent to Garfield Park. 

The Week Ahead….

None of the political, community, or civic organizations regularly covered by Capitol Hill Corner is meeting this week – except:

Tuesday, August 26

ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the full Commission meeting on July 8.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Here are some items of interest regarding upcoming events.

Dog Days of August – Jazz Series at Eastern Market – Every Friday evening in August, from 5pm – 7pm.  Under the Farmer’s Line Shed at Eastern Market. 

Dog Days of August is live jazz series every Friday evening in August.  Join your neighbors and enjoy a relaxed summer vibe with your favorite take-out from local restaurants, or bring your own.  As this event is outdoors, your four-legged friends are welcome to join as well!

• Friday, August 28th with Capital Bop: Zoey Jorgenson

Soul Strolls 2025: Grave Robbing and Resurrection.  Sale of Congressional Cemetery Soul Stroll Tickets Starts This Week

K9 Corps members or donors who’ve given $250+ between Jan 1–Aug 24, 2025, can purchase up to four pre-sale tickets (VIP or General Admission) before the public.

• Pre-Sale for K-9 Corps Members and Donors Opens: Aug 25 at 5pm
• Public Sale Opens: Aug 27 at 5pm

On Fridays October 17, 24 and 31 and Saturdays, October 18, 21 and November 1m Congressional Cemetery revisits the history of the cemetery in twilight and darkness, immersed in vignettes of the lives of interred residents via our guided lantern tours.

“Unearth the dark tales of the cemetery’s residents, offering a window into a disturbing chapter of D.C.’s history.  Come and enjoy the captivating ambiance of an evening in the cemetery with live music, thematic cocktails, and witness history come alive as our skilled actors breathe life into these stories right where they rest.”

Support goes to helping keep Historic Congressional Cemetery a community sanctuary, place of remembrance, and historic landmark.

For more and to purchase tickers, go here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/soul-strolls

Again: Congressional Cemetery October 12 Dead Man’s Run Tickets Now on Sale

“Dead Man’s Run is Congressional Cemetery’s annual fall 5K fundraiser race!  We hope that you will join us Sunday, October 12 at 5:30 PM for the region’s most death defying and thematic 5k race. This bare bones run is the best way to stay ahead of your grave… by running among them! The race starts inside the cemetery and continues onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music and other fun!

Please note, we raised the price of the race as a complimentary race shirt will now be included for all registrants who purchase a ticket by September 22!

Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for best individual costume and best team costume! Form a team to compete with your friends – and we love to see creative team names.

Prizes will also be awarded to the top performing individuals, age groups, and best team time!

All proceeds from Congressional Cemetery events, including Dead Man’s Run, help support our 501(c)(3) organization and fund the preservation of this National Historic Landmark.”

Register here:  https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/DeadMansRun

Again: Tickets Now on Sale for Capitol Hill Restoration Society September Walking Tours

September 6                Alleys Part II

September 6                Notable People

September 7                One Block, Many Stories:  Building Capitol Hill

September 7                The Civil War and Before

For tickets ($15 per tour) go to Eventbrite here https://bit.ly/3JEdfWs

The former Barracks Row Joey’s at 527 8th Street SE will become new Federalist Pig.

Barracks Row BBQ Roadhouse To Open Next Year

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 21, 2025

On Tuesday, the Washington Business Journal reported that restaurateur Steve Salis will open a Federalist Pig – a sister restaurant to his Adams Morgan barbeque place – on Barracks Row.  The location appears to be the former Barracks Row Joey’s (and before that Cava Mezze) at 527 Eighth Street, SE.  Salis acquired the property last year. 

Salis also owns Ted’s Bulletin on Barracks Row, Honeymoon Chicken, Kramers (formerly Kramerbooks & Afterwords), and Sidekick Bakery.  He also co-founded and later departed from &Pizza. 

WBJ reported that the new restaurant will be “more of an upscale culinary-forward roadhouse…featuring fish, steaks, chops, veggies” and more salads and sides.  Salis hopes for an opening by Labor Day, 2026.

Posted August 20, 2025

As the Associated Press is now reporting, a National Guard military vehicle t-boned a regular passenger car (an SUV) early this morning at the corner of 8th Street and North Carolina Avenue SE.

At her press conference this morning, Mayor Bowswer was asked about this incident and said that she did not yet know the details, but she understood that one person was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

DC Fire and EMS update on this accident can be found on Twitter.

A vide of the immediate aftermath of this incident, orginally posted on Reddit, can be found here. According to a follow-up post on Instagram, the military vehicle involved in the crash is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (M-RAP) vehicle.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezicch

Posted July 27, 2025

Last September, the former Capitol Valet at 801 East Capitol Street was being transformed into the GW Club.  A sign – with the George Washington University logo – said, “A private club:  Invitation only for members and guests.” 

Plans appear to have changed or the club has gone incognito, as evidenced by the disappearance of the signage. 

The City Council holds two days of hearings – Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30 – on the “Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025.”  See “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know” below.  

Update on the $33 million  renovation of SE Library.  Here’s an image of construction underway on the South Carolina Avenue side of the Library. 

Here’s a rendering of how it will look upon completion.  The Library is scheduled to re-open mid-2026. 

Here’s an image of the fill in and new construction on the D Street side of the project. 

And the view from 7th and D Streets, SE.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, July 28

ANC6B SE Library Taskforce will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

• Virtual Option is Available:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:  TBA

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• To join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the agenda:

• Announcements and Reminders:
• People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean-Ups in 6A01
• Recruitment and Outreach 
• Public Safety Discussion
• In-Person meeting (during FY26)

Wednesday, July 30

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm in North Hall, Eastern Market.

• Virtual option available:  TBA

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, July 31

Councilmember Charles Allen holds Community Office Hours at 5:00pm at Spin Time Records, 613 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Suite 2 upstairs.  Note that the shop is on the second floor, which requires being able to walk up one flight of stairs.

For more on Spin Time Records, go here and scroll down:  https://bit.ly/3TWTPyf

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Reminder – The Fridge Launches Bid to Reopen – When The Fridge closed in 2023, Barracks Row lost its most interesting business.  According to founder Alex Goldstein, the underground gallery helped start the careers of over 1,000 artists in addition to being a gathering space for those often left out of the traditional art world.  Now Goldstein – in partnership with Shaymar Higgs of The SPACE Free Art For All – has launched a GoFundMe to make reopening of The Fridge in 2026 a realty.  Go here for more information and to donate:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/thefridgedc   

This current view of The Fridge features Alicia “Decoy” Cosnahan’s last mural on the walls of The Fridge after it closed.  The image is the centerpiece of a larger work by several artists, including Taxi Gang, a tag used by Goldstein.

Thursday, July 31

Library of Congress Event:  8:00pm – 10:00pm. 

Summer Movies on the Lawn: “The Muppet Movie” (1979)

Thomas Jefferson Building, Southeast Lawn

LOC hosts a screening of “The Muppet Movie” (1979), starring Jim Henson. It has become a staple in American pop culture.

Part of the Library’s “Summer Movies on the Lawn,” this series showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry and will be presented on Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue.

No tickets are required, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Visitors must stay with their items on the lawn at all times. Guests may bring their own blankets, chairs, food and beverages, but alcohol is prohibited.

Restrooms are available in the James Madison Building located at 101 Independence Ave SE. Please be advised, visitors must navigate U.S. Capitol Police security screening to enter the building to use the facilities. Restrooms in this building are fully accessible.

Themed snacks and drinks will be available for sale before the movie begins.

Tuesday, July 29, at 10:00am and Wednesday July 30, at 10:00am.

City Council hearing on the “Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025”

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

The hearing will be conducted in two parts. The first part will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 for public witness testimony.  The second part will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 for testimony from the Executive and representatives of the Washington Commanders football team. To join live coverage of the hearing, go here:  https://bit.ly/45v0qW7