A La Carte
OGB Approves Jonathan Adler Furniture and Reviews Other Design Requests
February 2, 2012A designer furniture store, renovations to a boutique hotel, roof repairs, signage and revisions to a new addition, were among the more than 20 items brought before the Old Georgetown Board (OGB) and The Commission of Fine Arts Thursday.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
David Cox, Stephen Vanze, Anne Lewis, Eve Barsoum, Thomas Luebke and Jose Martinez
The OGB, which meets monthly at the National Building Museum, conducts design reviews of semipublic and private structures within Georgetown's boundaries and their recommendations for concept and permit applications are compiled, and then forwarded to the Commission of Fine Arts for final approval.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
BBG architects show the proposed new Monticello Hotel window
Brennan Beer Gorman architects presented plans for a rooftop addition and terrace for The Monticello Hotel on Thomas Jefferson Street. A proposal to change the original 1962 wood windows to aluminum and wood windows deemed more weather friendly was denied.
A concept application for Jonathan Adler furniture (formerly Gap Kids) at the corner of Wisconsin and N Streets was presented by Chris Gray of Cox, Graae and Spack architects on behalf of building owners, The Levy Group. Plans to modify the façade included an orange and grey color scheme, raising the canopy and a new awning with signage. Most of the proposed plans were approved.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
1900 photo and proposed Jonathon Adler concept
With the exception of a registration mark on the IMAX sign, a three-foot high signage scheme for the AMC (formerly Loew’s) movie theaters on K Street was approved “because the scale is different under Whitehurst Freeway, “said board member Anne Lewis.
Alterations to a previously approved rear addition at 1525 Wisconsin Avenue were explained by structural engineer, Chuck Gavin. The exterior rear wall had been removed, he said “because deterioration was so extensive that it was brick sections, not a wall, and would have had to have been needled to prevent collapsing.”
Approval for changes to the front and rear dormer and canopy were denied. While the addition had been made smaller than in the original plans, the board approved the current addition size. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Tom Birch and Citizens Association of Georgetown, as represented by Overbridge Horsey agreed that the addition should revert back to the original plans.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Christine Brooks-Cropper speaks on behalf of owner Sara Mokhtari
A public comment came from Christine Brooks-Cropper, Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce president, supporting the efforts made by building owner, Sara Mokhtari to work with neighbors on proposed design changes. While recognizing that some neighbors objected to the planned use of the new addition, board member Stephen Vanze said, “ We’re only approving aesthetics, not use. “
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"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Überness"
January 26, 2012Looking more like a political rally than a cocktail party, the invitation-only “Über DC Cocktails, Innovation, and Transportation” event held Thursday evening at the Shadow Room on K Street meant free pizza, drinks (and PopChips) for the lucky 700 who got in before the doors closed.
Über CEO, Travis Kalanick was in town to thank D.C. for its passionate support of the city's newest private car service, and to respond to questions raised by the D.C. Taxicab Commission.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Rachel Holt and Will Johnson
Rachel Holt, Über's D.C. general manager was on hand to greet guests. "We’re delighted at the turnout. We're here to thank all our supporters. We haven’t seen any laws or regulations to suggest we’re doing anything illegal. It's business as usual."
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Ruth and Simon Jacobsen
World-renowned Georgetown architect (and contributor to The Georgetown Dish), Simon Jacobsen and his wife Ruth were there to lend support. "As a frequent user of private car services, Simon said” Über is exactly the same thing, only Über is more effective and the drivers don’t have to stand around waiting.”
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Travis Kalanick
Travis Kalanick took to the podium to thank the standing room-only crowd, and began by explaining Über's raison d’être, "I’m from San Francisco. Here there are 12 taxis per 1,000 riders. In San Francisco there are 1.8." Started in his home town, Über is now in six U.S cities and Paris.
Travis briskly went through a lively Powerpoint presentation, complete with graphs and maps. When a photo of D.C. Taxicab Commissioner Ron Linton appeared on screen, the crowd went "Booo." Smiling, Travis responded, "We not only love the people who love us, but love those who hate us.”
The spontaneous outburst was in reaction to the well-publicized January 11th sting, which Travis recounted. "Two days after our meeting, Ron Linton calls an Über to take him to the Mayflower Hotel where The Washington Post, DCist and 10 inspector dudes show up. Then they impound his car." Another loud "Boo!" Rachel Holt explained earlier that "we cover 100% of all tickets."
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Travis addresses the crowd as Rachel listens
"It’s not illegal to want a classy, convenient ride. We made sure we’re 100% legal." Travis continued, "Here's to life, liberty and the pursuit of Überness."
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Ron Linton on the screen
"On Valentine’s Day (same day as his next meeting with Ron Linton) “Every woman who enters an Über car after 4:00 pm will get a rose by the driver.” The predictable response was applause and a resounding "Yay!"
And for the meeting with Ron? "We’ll be bringing roses and chocolates.”
Before closing, Travis urged fans to stay on Twitter and Facebook, go to the hearings, and continue taking Über.
Then it was back to the bar.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
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Out of Many Comes Unum
January 23, 2012Open when you’re hungry. Close enough for a pre or post theater bite. Walking distance when it snows. Cocktail-ready straight from work. And oh yes, fabulous food where you want to bring out-of-town guests and celebrate milestones.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Your favorite Georgetown eatery is almost here. Former Equinox sous chef Phillip Blane and his wife Laura Schiller are opening Unum at the end of this month, a “contemporary neighborhood restaurant” in the former Mendocino Grille spot on M Street.
The great stone wall is still there, but look for some subtle signature Unum touches. The custom light-filled sheet metal tree (actually two trees intertwined) on the far wall (formerly a wine rack), the cozy book shelf (filled with books) to the right of the 12 person bar, and that warm golden amber color palette. GrizForm, the architects who brought us Fiola and Proof and Estadia have done their magic on this place. It’s warm and inviting, cozy and contemporary.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
A sneak peek at the menu, like its namesake E pluribus, ("out of many, one") Unum’s new American cuisine has international roots.
The rockfish “bouillabaisse (with littleneck clams, mussels and parsnip-potato cake and saffron broth), rosemary gnocchi, pan seared arctic char (with sunchoke puree and sauté, jicama-citrus slaw), braised Indian spiced lamb shank, and smoked duck breast (with pomegranate sauce and rainbow Swiss chard).
Open seven days a week, on Fridays and Saturdays Unum offers a late night bar menu.
“Taking care of regulars,” that’s what chef and co-owner Blane is passionate about. “I grew up in New York, and London. Always loved to cook, and what I missed back here were the local pubs and bistros, that sense of home. I wanted to re-create that familiarity, an approachable place, not over the top avant-garde. Basic with a twist.”
Unum is at 2917 M Street. Tel: 202.621.6959
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