Springtime in D.C. #7

Springtime in D.C. is still going strong.  Below are photos taken during a recent stroll in Georgetown.  Enjoy!

Monuments: The Netherlands Carillon

Across the Potomac River opposite Washington, D.C. are beautiful park lands and hills.  Atop one of the hills is the Netherlands Carillon.  

The carillon is a gift from the people of the Netherlands to the people of the United States commemorating the 15th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands near the end of World War II.

The carillon has 50 bells "inscribed with a verse from a poem and an emblem representing each of the Dutch provinces and different aspects of Dutch society."  To hear a carillon recital, click here.

The carillon is guarded by two bronze lions representing the Dutch royal family. 

While the lions guard the carillon year round, during the Spring another symbol of the Netherlands appears.  You guessed it.  Thousands of tulips bloom annually in front of the carillon.  Check it out.

Another reason to visit the Netherlands Carillon is the view.  From the hill where the carillons sits, you can see a great view of Washington across the Potomac River.  

Thanks for visiting the Netherlands Carillon with us.

P.S.  Check out the dude standing guard like a lion.  

Strolling in D.C. #3

Not far from us in Georgetown is a very large, nondescript building sandwiched between the Potomac waterfront on one side and the C&O Canal and Four Seasons Hotel on the other side.  We noticed it one day while strolling in Georgetown.   

As you can see, the structure is is one those anonymous, industrial-looking buildings that might house some sort of public utility.

The steam plant, as seen from the roof of our building 

Well, after some research, we learned that the building was once a steam plant, providing heat to nearby government buildings in the form of steam.  The plant occupies 2 acres in Georgetown and was once a dry dock next to the C&O Canal.  The building was completed in 1948, operated for 5 decades and was decommissioned in 2000. 

Dedication stone

As part of the federal government's long-running program to sell unneeded properties, the plant was auctioned in 2013 for nearly $20 million.  The buyer plans to redevelop the site and has been working to obtain all of the needed approvals for the past 5 years.  

Can you guess what the former steam plant property will become?

If you guessed ultra-luxury condominiums, then you are correct.  The building will be renovated and converted to 80 Four Seasons Private Residences.  Hubba hubba!

In addition, the developer will build a one-acre public park on the property and the condo owners will pay for maintaining it.  However, the land for the park will first have to cleaned up since there are "extensive quantities of PCBs, mercury, lead paint and asbestos" on the site.

A site plan with the proposed public park

As a requirement for developing the site, the developer will have to pay into a fund for creating affordable housing elsewhere in D.C.  Supposedly, at least 500 units will be created.  (We will believe it when we see it.) 

And now for renderings of the future building and park.

The north (left) and west (right) facades of the building

The east facade of the building

The south facade of the building overlooking the park.  The water feature to the left has three tiers and represents the locks of the adjacent C&O Canal.

We think this project (when it happens) will disprove the old adage--you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.  

Random Things in DC #8

It's time for some more random things we have seen during our travels around D.C. 

While enjoying coffee near the Potomac River, we were joined by a lovely couple out for a stroll.  

Seasonal dysphoria is the condition of overlapping seasons, such as Winter and Spring below where you see holiday tree lights and April flowers all in one scene.

The dude below rides a cool three wheel motorcycle around town.  We have seen him a few times. He wears a lighted helmet and blares some tunes.  We hope to meet him some day.

Where do you live in D.C.? #9

Where do we live in D.C.?

We live in the same building as James Bond of 007 fame.

The other day, we noticed an exotic car parked next to ours in the garage.  

Upon closer inspection, we noticed that it was an Aston-Martin, DB7 model.

Of course, Bond fans like us know that James Bond usually drives an Aston Martin.  So, we wondered if he was living in our building.  

Upon even closer inspection, all doubt was eliminated.  We saw the license plate and learned the truth--007 lives in our building.  

Cue the music.

Unfortunately, we have not seen Bond in person.  He is a secret agent after all.

Springtime in D.C. #6

While strolling in Georgetown on a recent sunny day, we discovered Book Hill Park, a small community park that had been restored and beautified.  

Located on a hill in upper Georgetown, the park is lovely place to relax and enjoy the flora.  When we visited, the trees had light green Spring leaves and the azaleas were blooming.        

The park is all about flora.  And some fauna too.  In July, Book Hill Park hosts the annual Doggie Parade.  Neighborhood pooches gather in the park and parade down the park's staircase, led by Uncle Sam.  The dogs are judged on their looks and talents.  Greg is looking forward to attending--Susan not as much.    

Some random hotties parades down the grand staircase

Thanks for visiting Book Hill Park with us.  

The Old Post Office

What is the best vantage point for a panoramic view of Washington, D.C.?

Normally, the answer would the top of the Washington Monument.  

However, the Washington Monument is currently closed and will be for all of Year 3.  The elevator is being replaced.  

So, people like us who want a panoramic view of D.C. need to find another vantage point.

Thankfully, there is one and it's free.  

The clock tower of the Old Post Office rises 315 feet to its peak and provides excellent views of the city from its observation deck (at 280 feet).  

The Old Post Office at Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street, NW

Before we share some photos, here are some fun facts about the Old Post Office:

• The building was completed in 1899 and was used as D.C.'s main post office until 1914.  Afterward,  it was used for federal offices.

• The architectural style is Richardsonian Romanesque, named for the Romanesque Revival architect Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-1886), who combined French, Spanish and Italian Romanesque elements in his designs.  

• The building was not universally adored.  Within a few years of its completion, some called for the its demolition since the style was out of place.  One critic described the building as a "Kansas City emporium so utterly out of keeping with the general atmosphere of official Washington that it sets the teeth of architects on edge."

• The building was nearly demolished . . . twice.  Once in the 1920's to make way for a new federal office building.  Again in the 1970's for the same reason.

• The building survived and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.  Today, the building is the Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C.  The clock tower, however, is operated separately by the National Park Service and has its own entrance.

• The building might be haunted.  During construction, 5 workers died as the result of falling or being crushed.  So, if you stay at the hotel, you might encounter their ghosts. 

Enjoy the view from the Old Post Office!

A view of buildings along the Mall:  The Hirshhorn art museum (circular building to the left), the Natural History museum (domed building left of center), and the Smithsonian Castle dark building right of center)

The Supreme Court  (to the left) and the U.S. Capitol

The Washington Monument, with the Tidal Basin and cherry blossoms, plus a plane preparing to land

Thanks for visiting the Old Post Office with us.