Living
14th in flux
Rampant construction expected to bring hundreds of renters to Logan, beyond
A new apartment building being built across from the Black Cat on 14th Street NW in Washington. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Construction on 14th Street N.W. in Washington is nothing new — anyone who frequents the uber-gay area has been seeing chain-link fences, closed sidewalks and cranes for months as various massive projects are underway. But with ground now broken for the Louis, the former Utopia spot at 14th and U that will be a mixed-use space featuring 267 new apartments and 30,000 square feet of retail street-level space, it feels like the whole stretch is one massive construction zone from about R to W.
With so many projects underway at once, what effect will all this ultimately have on the street? And what exactly is planned at each spot?
It’s an unusual part of town in the sense that past Thomas Circle and the downtown area, 14th varies extensively in character and nature. Much denser with commercial business than its 13th or 15th street neighbors, 14th encompasses parts of three different neighborhoods (Logan, Columbia Heights and the U Street corridor), several ANC zones and two city wards (one and two). It’s also a street that has seen massive change in the last decade. And if all the construction seems rather sudden, long-time residents and those following city zoning news know these projects have all been in the works for years. Much of the simultaneous ground breaking is due to financing now being more readily available than it was in the few years just after the 2008 stock market crash.
“Those of us who live here have known about these projects for five to six years,” says Ramon Estrada, the 2B09 ANC commissioner that encompasses part of the street. “When a project is approved by zoning, they have a two-year window but for some of these projects, that hit right in the middle of the recessions so they asked the ANC for extensions. We wanted these projects to be built so all we had to do was re-approve them.”
Among the projects underway are:
- The aforementioned Louis, a mixed-use project that will replace the Taco Bell/KFC and other shops formerly on the west side of 14th Street just south of U. The project, according to developer JBG, will be a nine-story, 267-unit apartment building with street-level retail space. JGB partnered with developer Georgetown Strategic Capital after their original plans stalled (the project was originally called Utopia). Construction started in February. JB and Georgetown Strategic Capital are working with architect Eric Colbert & Associates and interior designor Cecconi Simone on the project, according to Urban Turf, a site that monitors new condos and apartments coming to D.C.
- District Condos, another JBG project, is a 125-unit residential project being built at the corner of 14th and S, according to Urban Turf and other sources. This is the spot that was formerly a Whitman-Walker AIDS drop-in clinic. Originally planned as condos, the building will now be studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
- The massive Jefferson 14W project (Jefferson14w.com), a Perseus Realty and Jefferson Apartment Group project at 14th and W N.W. that will have 231 apartments, a 40,000 square-foot YMCA and 10,000 square feet of street-level retail that’s slated to be finished by fall.
- At 14th and Belmont (the 2400 block), a nine-story highrise that, according to the Prince of Petworth blog, will be 255 condos, street-level retail with underground parking and other amenities. This spot was formerly the Nehemiah Strip Mall.
- View 14 (view14.com) has been finished since 2010 (and has been sold) but still has retail space for rent and represents the new wave of development on the street. The 185-unit building was originally planned as condos but is now rental apartments.
- Level 2 Development plans a seven-story, 144-unit condo building at 1905 and 191714th Street, by the Carpet & Furniture shop. This project is more in the planning stage and has met with some opposition from residents.
- Two condo buildings are going in at14th and R — one in the Verizon building, the other in the former auto repair shop beside Miss Pixie’s. Look for between 30 and 40 condos in each.
Several gay D.C. residents the Blade spoke with said the changes are mostly positive.
“I think first of all on the14th Street corridor there was just enough land available for some of these really cool projects,” says Evan Johnson, a local Realtor who’s gay and has an eponymous real estate group. “Whether they’re apartments or condos, I’d obviously prefer condos since I’m in the sales side, but either way, the more residents it brings in, that brings the opportunity build more stores … I think it provides a tremendous opportunity to clean up some of the older buildings that needed attention and it’s still close enough to Dupont and Logan … that it’s a highly sought-after area. I don’t see any real negative impact.”
As the projects were being considered, City Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) said he had some concerns, but they’ve been addressed.
“I’m certainly glad we’re keeping the post office,” Grahm, who’s openly gay, says. “They will have ground floor space with street access at the Reeve building. I welcome all this new activity because we have worked very hard and very successfully to keep our low income housing. Many of the big buildings north of Florida Avenue are low income apartment buildings which we have not only preserved, but they’ve also been rehabilitated all the way north of the Target. We haven’t lost that diversity and that’s very important as we welcome new people into the area.”
Tim Christensen, president of the Logan Circle Community Association and a Logan resident since 1989, says there are some concerns Logan residents have such as parking restrictions and extended hours for liquor sales, but he’s been active in voicing his concerns and those of his neighbors with their ANC elected officials.
“I’m a huge fan of mixed-use development and we’ve seen a lot of it in Logan through the years,” Christensen, who’s gay, says. “I think one of the biggest challenges for our businesses will be making sure they have enough foot traffic throughout the daytime on Mondays through Fridays. They’re fine in the evenings and on weekends when you have a lot of foot traffic, but if it’s very quiet in these areas during the work week, that can really mean the difference between success and failure for some of our businesses.”
And as for the hustle and bustle of the actual construction? Estrada says he hasn’t heard any significant grumbling about it.
“I think it’s just a temporary inconvenience. All of these neighbors are aware of the extent of how big these projects are so I think everybody is dealing with it just fine. I haven’t received any complaints.”
And why are so many rentals over condos? The reasons, observers say, are complicated. According to Mark Wellborn, editor-in-chief of Urban Turf, large projects have to meet certain sale/percentage benchmarks with non-government financing before they can proceed. Since government-backed financing through entities like FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are how most buyers proceed, that can stymie construction. Projects with rentals don’t have the same requirements.
Observers predict the apartments, once finished, will rent for about $2,500 a month for a one-bedroom and will bring a 15-18 percent increase in residents to the area likely to match a similar spike the area saw since the 2000 census. The new residents are not expected to drastically alter the percentage of LGBT residents in Logan or Columbia Heights.
“I think it will be good for gay people overall,” Graham says.
Advice
How to cope when a partner gives you the silent treatment
Punishing behavior brings up memories of parent’s mistreatment
Michael,
My wife and I met less than two years ago and we were crazy about each other from the start. We wanted to spend life together so we just went for it. Maybe this wasn’t the most well-thought out decision on either of our parts but we thought that love conquers all.
But lately we’ve been arguing. The stuff we’re fighting about is never such a big deal: chores, or spending, or wanting to do different things on the weekend. But when I don’t want to go along with Michelle’s point of view, she gets angry and shuts down. Sometimes she stops talking to me for as long as a few days.
This is painful for me. My mom used to pull this stunt when I was a kid and she was mad at me. She also cut me off when I came out. We’re still estranged.
Michelle has a whole different take on this. She says I am being “mean” to her (when I don’t go along with what she wants) and this is painful, and she has to “take a break” to cool off.
I know she comes from a volatile family. She has told me there was a lot of screaming in her house, and she barely has a relationship with her parents as a result. So I get that she’s sensitive to conflict.
But I don’t think I’m being mean to her by standing up for what I want — certainly not enough to warrant her giving me the silent treatment.
We got married to have a great life together. We often do but I can’t live with someone who just shuts me out when she’s annoyed with me.
If I became a doormat and went along with everything she wants and never pushed back or complained, maybe she wouldn’t shut down. But I don’t want to do that.
I’d appreciate some ideas to improve the situation. I don’t want a divorce but I also don’t want to keep being mistreated.
Michael replies:
You can think of marriage — or any serious relationship — as a gym where you have ongoing opportunities to become an increasingly resilient person in the face of the ongoing challenges that an intimate relationship poses.
Your task here is to shift your focus toward figuring out how to handle yourself well, even in the awful circumstance of getting the silent treatment.
Michelle is not under an obligation to behave as you’d like her to. You can certainly ask her to stop withdrawing when she’s angry at you. But that doesn’t mean she is going to honor your request.
I well understand that Michelle’s punishing behavior is bringing up painful memories of your mother’s mistreatment. But if she doesn’t change her behavior, you have to find a way to live with Michelle as she is, with as much equanimity as you can muster, for as long as you choose to be married to her. If she does not change and you find her behavior to be unbearable, you can leave.
Every time she shuts down, Michelle is handing you an opportunity to figure out how you, yourself, can deal with feeling hurt and let down, rather than depending on someone else to behave as you’d like her to, or not upset you, or soothe you. Being in charge of your own mood rather than letting someone else press your buttons is a great skill to get better at.
I’m not going focus on what techniques you might use to soothe yourself — that’s a different column (or even better, a number of therapy sessions). That said, knowing that Michelle’s behavior comes from her history might help you to take it less personally. And, simply keeping in mind that living with a difficult spouse is unavoidable and worth getting better at may help you to quiet yourself down.
Another challenge that your marriage is pushing you to work on: Discerning when you can be generous, and when it is important to have a boundary. Of course, I understand that you don’t want to be a doormat by going along with whatever Michelle says and wants. But is it possible that she has a point, in that you could stand to lean more in her direction?
None of us get to have everything the way we want when we are in a relationship (much less in life). Figuring out the interplay between generosity and boundary is complicated. It often involves considering what is important to your partner; and deriving joy from her getting some of what is important to her, not only from your getting what you would like. And of course, it also involves figuring out what is most important to you.
If you set a boundary thoughtfully, because something is important to you, and Michelle doesn’t like it, you’re being handed an opportunity to get better at tolerating disappointment. Being a disappointment to your partner, and being disappointed in your partner, are both unavoidable parts of marriage: We’re all different, and at times will make choices that the other person really does not like.
If we make our decisions from a place of integrity rather than whim, entitlement, anger, or “whose turn it is”, and strive to honor the choices that our partners make from a place of integrity, this often makes the disappointment easier to bear.
Of course, it would be great if Michelle would join you in working to become a more solid and resilient spouse. As I mentioned earlier, you can’t persuade her to do so. But you can certainly tell Michelle what you are working on and ask her to consider how she, too, might use your relationship difficulties as a challenge to grow.
It isn’t easy to have such a conversation without sounding condescending. You are better positioned to do so when you are walking the walk, not just talking the talk. One good rule of thumb is to put you and your partner in the same boat, making it clear that you see the two of you as facing the same challenges, rather than positioning yourself in a superior position. Another is to initiate the conversation when you are both calm, rather than in the middle of a fight or when you’re getting the silent treatment.
One more point: If Michelle is willing, I’d suggest that you propose couples therapy as an opportunity for you two to collaborate on building a consistently loving relationship where neither of you lets your reactivity run the show.
Michael Radkowsky, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist who works with couples and individuals in D.C. He can be found online at michaelradkowsky.com. All identifying information has been changed for reasons of confidentiality. Have a question? Send it to [email protected].
Electric-vehicle tax credits may have faded earlier this year, but EVs themselves are far from losing their spark. There are more charging stations than ever, battery ranges are longer and more realistic, and automakers have finally figured out that EVs don’t all need to look like geeky science projects or feel like failed beta tests.
Just look at these two compact electrics, which are futuristic, fun and flexible enough for work or play.
HYUNDAI IONIQ 5
$37,000 to $48,000
Range: 245 to 318 miles
0 to 60 mph: 4.5 to 7.4 seconds
Cargo space: 26.3 cu. ft.
PROS: Fast charging. Roomy cabin. Silky-smooth suspension.
CONS: Wide turning radius. Rear wiper not on all trims. Price creep.
After being introduced three years ago, what’s new for the latest Hyundai Ioniq 5? Mostly refinement. Charging is quicker, software is smarter and Hyundai continues to quietly listen to feedback, tweaking ride comfort and usability. Think of it as switching from messy eyeliner to a perfectly sharp wing.
Exterior styling remains one of this EV’s biggest conversation starters. Those pixel-inspired lights, crisp lines and slick hatchback-meets-crossover proportions exude refreshing confidence. There’s no trying to blend in, and that’s the point. Park this Hyundai anywhere and heads will turn.
On the road, the Ioniq 5 prioritizes calm over chaos. Steering is light, the suspension smooths out rough pavement and acceleration feels brisk without being aggressive. Safety tech is plentiful and well-calibrated—adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, blind-spot monitoring—all working together without seeming like a nervous backseat driver. IOW, this ride is supportive, not clingy.
Inside, the user-friendly cabin shines. The flat floor and long wheelbase create a lounge-like atmosphere, with excellent legroom and airy visibility. Seats are well-bolstered and available with eco-friendly materials, and the sliding center console adds flexibility. Cargo space is generous, and the wide windshield makes city driving stress-free. Alas, the rear wiper is only available on select models. Overall, though, I appreciated how everything looks modern without feeling cold.
What makes this Hyundai special is its vibe. An EV that embraces individuality without shouting about it.
Fun fact: The Ioniq’s ultra-fast charging can add hundreds of miles in under 20 minutes—perfect for those who hate waiting almost as much as they hate small talk on awkward first dates.
VOLKSWAGEN ID.4
$46,000 to $59,130
Range: 206 to 291 miles
0 to 60 mph: 4.4 to 7.7 seconds
Cargo space: 30.3 cu. ft.
PROS: Sure handling. Decent range. Good storage.
CONS: Body roll in curves. Fussy infotainment. No frunk.
The latest VW ID.4 focuses on polish. Software updates have fixed earlier frustrations, and overall drivability feels more cohesive. Less “learning curve” and more “hop in and go,” like a dependable bestie who doesn’t overthink things.
Styling-wise, this EV is intentionally inoffensive. Soft curves, friendly lighting and a familiar crossover shape make it approachable. While the ID.4 won’t turn heads like the Ioniq 5, that’s OK. It’s more akin to a classic outfit that always works—timeless, not trendy.
Driving the ID.4 is relaxed and predictable. This SUV prioritizes comfort over thrills, with a suspension tuned for daily commuting and long highway drives. Safety features are comprehensive and reassuring, including excellent lane assistance and collision-prevention systems. It’s the kind of car that quietly has your back, no drama required.
Inside, the ID.4 offers a calm, uncluttered cabin with good space for passengers and cargo alike. Rear-seat legroom is especially strong, making it a solid road-trip companion. The seats are plush, visibility is good and while the infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive, it’s improved enough to be more than tolerable.
The ID.4’s special sauce is balance. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it just electrifies it.
Fun fact: This is one of the most globally popular EVs, proving that sometimes being universally liked is a strength, not a personality flaw. Think, gold star gay who still surprises you.
Real Estate
Child- and pet-proofing your home for the holidays
It isn’t about being perfect but about being prepared
The holidays are meant to be joyful, cozy, and full of laughter — but if you have young children or pets, they can also feel a little chaotic. Twinkling lights, shiny decorations, guests coming and going, and tables full of tempting food can turn your home into a wonderland of curiosity and mischief. The good news? With a little thoughtful planning, you can keep the holiday magic alive while making your home safer for everyone who lives there.
There’s something oddly comforting about movies where animals go to war with holiday decorations, turning carefully strung lights and perfectly placed ornaments into chaos. Whether it’s a mischievous dog tangled in tinsel or a curious cat launching a full-scale assault on a Christmas tree, these scenes tap into a universal experience for pet owners.
The humor comes from the contrast: the human characters are trying to create warmth, tradition, and picture-perfect cheer, while the animals see the decorations as toys, obstacles, or personal enemies. The resulting destruction — trees tipping over, ornaments shattering, lights blinking out—feels exaggerated but relatable, especially during the already hectic holiday season.
Let’s start with decorations because they tend to be the biggest attraction. Ornaments sparkle, garlands dangle, and everything seems designed to be touched, pulled, or tasted. If you have little ones or pets, consider placing your most fragile ornaments higher on the tree and using shatterproof options on the lower branches. Tinsel and ribbon may look festive, but they can be dangerous if swallowed, so skipping them or keeping them well out of reach is a simple way to reduce risk without sacrificing style.
Holiday lights are another favorite fascination. Before hanging them, take a few minutes to inspect each strand for frayed wires or broken bulbs. Secure cords along walls or behind furniture so they’re harder to grab or chew and unplug them when you leave the house or head to bed. Not only does this help prevent accidents, but it also gives you one less thing to worry about during a busy season.
The Christmas tree itself can become a focal point for exploration. Make sure it’s sturdy and well-anchored so it doesn’t tip if a toddler tugs on a branch or a pet decides to investigate. If you use a real tree, cover the water base since tree water can contain additives that aren’t safe if consumed. For artificial trees, keep an eye out for loose pieces or needles that could become choking hazards.
Food is a big part of holiday celebrations, and it’s also one of the most common sources of trouble. Many traditional treats—like chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, and foods containing xylitol—are dangerous for pets. Keep plates and serving dishes up high, secure the trash can, and gently remind guests not to slip pets or kids “just a little bite” without checking first. For children, be mindful of hard candies, nuts, and small treats that could pose choking risks.
Candles and fireplaces add warmth and charm, but they deserve extra caution. Flameless candles are a wonderful alternative if you want ambiance without worry. If you do use real candles, place them well out of reach and never leave them unattended. Fireplaces should always have a sturdy screen or gate, especially with crawling babies or curious pets nearby.
Holiday gatherings bring wonderful energy into your home, but they can also create new challenges. Doors opening frequently make it easier for pets to slip outside, so consider setting up a quiet, comfortable space where they can relax during busy get-togethers. This can help reduce stress for them and give you peace of mind. For children, stair gates, locked cabinets, and clear boundaries can help prevent accidents when there’s extra excitement in the air.
New toys and gifts are another thing to watch closely. Packaging, twist ties, plastic wrap, and especially button batteries should be cleaned up promptly. These items are easy to overlook in the excitement of gift-opening but can be dangerous if swallowed. Taking a few minutes to tidy up as you go can make a big difference.
Lastly, try to keep routines as steady as possible. The holidays naturally disrupt schedules, but familiar mealtimes, naps, walks, and bedtime rituals help children and pets feel secure. A calmer household often means fewer accidents and a happier experience for everyone.
At the end of the day, child- and pet-proofing your home for the holidays isn’t about being perfect but about being prepared. A few small adjustments can help you relax, enjoy your guests, and focus on what truly matters: creating warm, happy memories with the ones you love. When your home feels safe, the holidays feel even sweeter.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
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