✯ Capitol* Hi Restorationll Restoration Society Society * ✯

www.chrs.org February 2014 Two Community Meetings About the Tunnel

By Monte Edwards

n January 16, over 400 people the north, near East Coast refineries furious. To their credit, at least three Ofilled a community meeting at and oil transfer hubs such as the Port CSX officials, FHWA and DDOT did the Department of General Services of Albany in New York. show up and answered questions— Building with Mayor Vincent Gray More than once, Mayor Gray although not to the audience’s liking. about the proposed Virginia Avenue used the term “if the tunnel is CSX tried to explain that in 2013 Tunnel expansion. The crowd rebuilt…” A recurring theme in the there were only three tank cars of overflowed into the hall and entry questions and the Mayor’s response Bakken crude shipped through the foyer and others had to be turned was “where is the benefit to DC Virginia Avenue Tunnel. But people away. for the hardships we are asked to began to murmur loudly that they The meeting began with endure?” The Mayor described wanted to hear about alternative prepared statements from concerned the hardships that DC endured routing. As a transportation expert in neighbors addressing access during during the construction of Metro, the District, I was able to summarize construction, safety, public health/ but emphasized the citywide and the need for a second river crossing. pollution, the three- to six-year open regional benefits that resulted. CSX countered that this was very trench construction plan, the dangers Most comments were focused on of a derailment involving hazardous the hardships, risks and concerns Continued on page 6 cargo, environmental justice, and the during the three- to six-year period lack of any benefit to DC. of reconstruction, but there was An interesting fact emerged: some concern expressed about the CSX admitted they are transporting long-term impacts of the project on Also in this issue Bakken crude oil through DC. This restricting the ability to realize the ARTICLES is the highly volatile crude from goals and objectives of passenger and Northeast Library Reopens...... 4 North Dakota/Montana fracking commuter rail expansion. 2014 House and Garden Tour...... 5 that was responsible for 47 fatalities On January 25 Delegate Eleanor Capitol Hill Village Seminar...... 6 Blog on A Street, SE History...... 6 and the destruction of half the town Holmes Norton held a community Hill East History...... 7 in Lac-Maginet in a derailment meeting about the proposed tunnel this past summer in Canada. Some expansion. Again, the initial meeting COLUMNS observers have speculated that the room was unable to hold all of the President’s Column...... 2 Zoning Briefs...... 4 port in Norfolk, Va., could present a attendees. EPA was to have attended CHRS Supporters...... 5 tempting oil-by-rail destination via to explain the long list of deficiencies the Virginia Avenue Tunnel. Such enumerated in their response to LOOKING AHEAD developments would be years away, the Draft Environmental Impact Ward 6 Candidates Forum...... 5 if they happen at all. For now, CSX’s Statement (DEIS). But EPA did not Mark Your Calendar...... 8 crude oil business is concentrated to show up and Delegate Norton was President’s Column: Watershed Moment

By Janet Quigley

he Anacostia Waterfront Initiative The Good News: Anacostia a community meeting that drew T(AWI) is an interesting and Riverwalk Trail more than 200 residents—the largest ambitious project with intimidating turnout since the Kentucky Courts Recreation outlets are increasingly numbers and lofty goals. In the 14th public housing discussions. CHRS important as open space on the year of a 30-year, $10 billion plan, it supported pedestrian and bicycle Hill decreases while the population is spearheaded by the District and connections from L Street to M Street grows. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail has 19 regional and federal agency (over/across the former Southeast is a welcome development for the partners working on various stages Freeway) but expressed concerns community. In 2006 I led a muddy of more than 50 projects. AWI is about neighborhood cut-throughs, bike tour of the budding trail from expected to produce a clean and noise and pollution (see CHRS News, the Navy Yard to the Fish Market, active river, new riverfront parks, April 2013). past Buzzard Point and around the revitalized residential neighborhoods, DDOT returned to the Nationals Stadium construction job opportunities and multi-modal community in November 2013 site. It was a diamond in the rough - transportation options, and has with revisions. While they heeded minimal signage, patches of dirt and several accomplishments to date some of CHRS and the neighbors’ gravel, few bike lanes on the streets. including the 11th Street Bridge. concerns (pedestrian but no vehicular Today, DDOT has completed 12 of 20 There are five program areas: connections at 13th, 14th and 15th miles, with pedestrian bridges over Transportation, Environmental, Streets, road not immediately the railroad tracks on the east and Economic, Community Development adjacent to L Street homes, include west sides of the river. Bugs remain to and Recreation, led by four DC lower Kentucky Avenue in the study, be worked out, such as bicycle bans agencies: the Deputy Mayor for allow pedestrian access through in portions and limited access due to Economic Development, the District the circle), the proposals were 11th Street Bridge construction, but Department of Transportation still unpalatable. Four Boulevard it is encouraging to see how much (DDOT), the District Department of options were presented: two above progress has been made. Extensions the Environment and the Office of grade with underground parking to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Planning. Recreation does not have a that would accommodate buses; and the National Arboretum, and dedicated lead agency. two at grade with parking; two improvement of the Buzzard Point DDOT manages eight placing the road closer to the segment are eagerly anticipated. transportation projects as part of river, two farther; all proposing AWI, five of which directly affect Barney Circle and Southeast four lanes. (See drawings at www. Capitol Hill: 11th St Bridge, the Boulevards: $20 Million Roads anacostiawaterfront.org.) Curiously, Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Barney to Nowhere? the pedestrian walkways to the river Circle-Southeast Boulevard, were wide enough for two lanes of More puzzling is DDOT’s proposed Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues, cars. And although the potential for revision of Barney Circle and and the South Capitol Street Corridor parkland exists, all four proposals construction of a four-lane, five-block project. With AWI, DDOT presented showed a disappointing ratio of boulevard from 11th Street to the a status report in December that asphalt to grass. Circle. While the Circle might stand a illustrated their considerable In December CHRS reiterated little updating, and pedestrian access progress, but also how important the to DDOT its support of recreational to the riverfront would be welcome, need is for coordination among the access, concerns for neighborhood the $20 million project seems many agencies and projects. CHRS impacts, opposition to bus parking excessive unless the thoroughfare has commented before that the CSX and a park road, and contended that actually extends to or past RFK project and the Long Bridge Study the need has not been shown for Stadium—something the neighbors would benefit from coordination. this $20 million project. ANC 6B has and CHRS have consistently recommended DDOT return to the opposed. drawing board. DDOT unveiled the first plans for this project in February 2013 at Continued on page 6

2 • CHRS News February 2014 Capitol Hill Restoration Northeast Branch Library Reopens Society (CHRS) BOARD OF DIRECTORS By Elizabeth Nelson President...... Janet Quigley First Vice President. . . . .Monte Edwards s of press time, the Northeast The library is located at 330 7th Second Vice President. . . . Lisa Dale Jones Secretary...... Susan Burgerman ABranch Library was scheduled Street, NE, and has been very much Treasurer...... Patrick Crowley to reopen to the public on Monday, missed by its neighbors, who’ve At Large ...... Chuck Burger February 3 with a ribbon cutting had to travel to either the Southeast At Large ...... Ben Klay ceremony at 10 am. Since September Branch Library or the Rosedale At Large ...... Undine Nash At Large ...... Drury Tallant 2012, the library has undergone a Library while it was closed. It’s quite At Large...... Maurice Walters $10 million renovation project that wonderful to have it back in service At Large ...... Lisa Wilson includes: and with improved facilities. The Immediate Past President. . . .Beth Purcell • restoration of original woodwork larger meeting room is especially welcome as public meeting spaces COMMITTEE CHAIRS • new plumbing, electrical and Beyond the Boundaries. . . . .Beth Purcell HVAC systems are in short supply on the Hill. Budget & Administration. . Paul Cromwell CHRS appreciated an invitation City Planning...... Monte Edwards • improved lighting from the DC Public Library (DCPL) Communications. . . . .Susan Burgerman • increased space for library agency to consult with them about Community Development. . . Chuck Burger Community Relations. . . Elizabeth Nelson programs the proposed renovations. The CHRS Historic Preservation Committee Environment...... Beth Purcell • larger meeting room Grants...... Larry Pearl reviewed plans and provided Historic Preservation. . . .Shauna Holmes • quiet study rooms comments to DCPL’s project team, the House & Garden Tour. . . . . Susan Young DC Historic Preservation Office, ANC Membership ...... Vacant • new restrooms 6C, and the Friends of the Northeast Zoning...... Gary Peterson • new elevator and stairs Library about the rear stairwell NEWSLETTER • new and restored furnishings addition and treatment of historic Lisa Dale Jones and Kelly Vielmo, Editors and fixtures interior spaces. The Committee Jean Kohanek, design & layout ...to say nothing of a roof that is looking forward to seeing the ✯ WEBMASTERS doesn’t leak. completed improvements. Donna Breslin, Paul Cromwell, Scott Knight

OFFICE MANAGER Gloria Junge To reach any of the above, please contact the Society offices at (202) 543-0425 or New Editor Needed via e-mail: [email protected]. www.CHRS.org Do you have a solid background in order to either write about them

Celebrating more than 55 years helping writing and editing? Do you love or edit what someone else writes. to preserve and protect Capitol Hill’s the work that CHRS does on Capitol Once a month, you’ll need to devote residential character, the Society is the Hill? If so, and if you’re looking for the better part of two weekdays to largest civic association on Capitol Hill, a way to get more involved with preparing the next edition on a tight and one of the largest in the District CHRS, then editing this monthly deadline. You will have a backup of Columbia. From the beginning, the Society has played a key role in newsletter may be just what you’re editor to help with final copyediting. maintaining the diverse, residential looking for! The new editor will work alongside character of our neighborhood. With Responsibilities include the current editor for several months your participation, we will continue assigning and editing articles for ten to learn the job. to do so for many years to come. issues per year. You should be able to To find out more about this To start or renew a CHRS membership: attend monthly Board meetings (the rewarding volunteer position, On the web at www.CHRS.org third Tuesday evening of the month, please contact Lisa Dale Jones at: Call (202) 543-0425; choose option 2 except August and December) and [email protected]. ✯ Pick up a form at one of our meetings other CHRS events as necessary in

Starting at just $25 per year for a single membership, it’s a great deal.

CHRS News February 2014 • 3 Zoning Briefs

By Gary Peterson

he CHRS Zoning Committee the rear and voted to unanimously #18694; 1362 H Street, NE. The Tconsidered the following cases in support the variance with this applicant requests a variance from the January: parking condition. floor area ratio to allow an addition to #18661; 405 8th Street, SE. The #18693; 636 A Street, SE. The an existing sports bar and lounge in a applicant needs a variance from the applicants seek a special exception to C-2-A zone. The applicant’s proposal rear yard requirements and from off- allow a rear addition and a covered includes adding a roof deck. The street parking requirements to allow walkway connecting to an accessary committee voted to support the the construction of a rear addition to building to an existing one-family row application with the proviso that an existing commercial building in a house not meeting the lot occupancy, there be no music on the deck and C-2-A zone. The applicant proposes rear yard, and court requirements in that it be closed by midnight. a one-story, rear addition that will an R-4 zone. The applicant wishes #18701; 1247 E Street, SE. The have a green roof. There is no rear to add a two-story rear addition and applicant needs a variance to use access to the property that would a covered walkway to a two-story the first floor as a coffee shop within allow parking, and the addition will carriage house already used as an an existing apartment house in an have no impact on the neighboring apartment. The kitchen for the house R-4 zone. This building is unusual commercial uses. The Committee is currently in the basement and the because it was built with commercial/ voted unanimously to support the construction will build a new kitchen manufacturing with an interior application. on the first floor. The committee loading dock on the first floor and #18689; 1620 A Street, SE. The asked that the plans be amended to apartments on the second floor. In case involves the request for show the connection to the carriage time, two units were built on the first a variance from the off-street house and to show the removal of the floor and the commercial portion of parking requirements to allow the range in the basement. The committee the floor was used as the clubhouse construction of a new flat in an R-4 expressed concerns that, with three for a rugby club. In 1992 a variance zone. The only way to provide one kitchens, another owner could rent was granted to use the clubhouse parking space requires a curb cut, out the basement. The applicant for not for profit offices. CHRS and the applicant cannot get a permit has now amended the plans. Based took no position on this variance in for the curb cut. The committee on the amendment, the committee 1992. There is mixed support in the voted unanimously to support the voted unanimously to support the neighborhood, and the committee ✯ application. application. voted to take no position this time. #18692; 1717 E Street, NE. The applicant seeks a variance from the use provisions to construct a new Help Wanted: CHRS Office Manager eight-unit apartment house in an R-4 zone. This 8,246 square foot, CHRS is looking for a mature, personable, well-organized person with vacant property is encumbered general office skills, including computers. Members of the Society and with an easement for a major sewer residents of Capitol Hill preferred. line. The line runs diagonally across Work includes maintaining membership records of the Society; the property and covers about 30% responding to telephone and email inquiries by supplying routine of the property. The applicant needs information and publications or by referring inquiries to the proper Board to use special pilings to construct member; helping prepare for and attending all Board and Membership the building. There is alley access meetings; maintaining stocks of literature and promotional materials; to the rear of the property, and six and assisting in preparations for the annual House and Garden Tour and parking spaces are proposed in the other events. rear. Another two parking spaces Work 12–15 hours per week at the CHRS office at 420 10th Street, SE. using an existing curb cut for access Schedule can be flexible. This is a paid position. are proposed for the front of the If interested, call the CHRS office, (202) 543-0425 and speak with building. The committee believed all Gloria Junge, the current office manager. the parking can be provided from

4 • CHRS News February 2014 Sharing Our Homes, Our Gardens, Our History: The 2014 Capitol Hill House and Garden Tour

By Susan Young

he 57th Annual CHRS House As a CHRS member, you may Tand Garden Tour continues the purchase up to four tickets for the event tradition of “Sharing our Homes, our at a discounted price through April Thank You CHRS Gardens, Our History,” this Mother’s 20, 2014. The purchase price includes Supporters Day weekend, May 10–11, 2014. a tour brochure, which describes the This year the homes are located in history of all houses on the tour, along We thank the following new the area between 3rd and 9th Streets with historical tidbits about Capitol members, patrons and sponsors. and Constitution and Independence Hill. We’re always grateful for the Avenues. local merchants who purchase ad space As in years past, on Saturday in support of the Tour. NEW MEMBERS evening there will be a twilight tour Volunteers are needed! We Robert Coomber followed by a Sunday afternoon encourage members to participate Kerith Grandelli Mother’s Day tour. This year the in the House and Garden Tour by Edward Minor & hours will be Saturday from 4–7 pm. volunteering NOW as well as the Diego Fernandez and Sunday from 12–5 pm. This year’s weekend of the event. Committees Anne & Jack Thompson tour also features refreshments, a needing volunteers include: Ticket raffle and speaker events. Out-of-town Sales, Event Support, Refreshments, PATRONS visitors and locals always enjoy this Mother’s Day Raffle, House Docents Peter Eveleth exciting and informative event, as it and Sponsors. Roberta Gutman affords them a close-up look at homes The Tour is always an exciting Stephen & Sue Hagedorn and life on Capitol Hill. event and by volunteering, you not Ann Marie Koshuta & The House and Garden only contribute to your community, Herb Faling Tour is CHRS’s biggest annual but have the opportunity to meet Carol Kurtz fundraiser, with proceeds supporting your neighbors on Capitol Hill. Jeff & Mary Lischer preservation efforts on Capitol Hill We’re still adding houses. Meg Maguire & Dale Ostrander throughout the year. Funds raised Anyone within the footprint of the John Smeltzer & Cathy Flanagan help support restoration workshops, event who wishes to open their home education programs, historic research to visitors, please contact CHRS at SPONSORS ✯ and impact studies. [email protected], or call 543-0425. Alan & Rebecca Dye Thomas Grahame & Jan Kern Laura Jeffords Barry Johnson & Capitol Hill Candidates Forum: February 28 Edward Chapman Roy Mustelier & Kris Swanson The Hill Rag will hold a series of three Candidates Forums for the Ward 6 Jan Schoonmaker City Council seat. CHRS has joined as a co-sponsor, as have several other Lisa Wilson & Tim McCormack organizations. All three candidates for the seat have agreed to participate. The dates and locations are: SILVER SPONSORS February 28, 7–9 pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Todd DeGarmo & Bill Sales Cheryl & Matthew Chalifoux March 4, 7–9 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street, SW Orlando Gonzales (new member) March 11, 6:30–7:30 pm at the Shaw Library, 1630 7th Street, NW Nancy Simpson & Keith Bridger

The forums are free and open to the public. Bring your questions and PLATINUM SPONSOR your friends! Nicky & Steve Cymrot

CHRS News February 2014 • 5 Capitol Hill Village Seminar: Transforming Your Home for Easier Living

o you want to learn how to Dmake simple changes to your home to make it safer and more Blogging the History of A Street, SE comfortable? Are you thinking of CHRS Member Bill Peterson has created a blog about four blocks on making more substantial changes to the A Street, SE (he lives in the 500 block). layout and functioning of your home to The blog is devoted to the history of A Street between Third reflect your current and future needs? and Seventh Streets, SE. Peterson gets his material from sources The Housing Committee of such as the digital archives of the Washington Post and the Evening Capitol Hill Village is sponsoring a Star, Boyd’s Directory, census records, and information compiled by seminar that can help you learn more individual owners about their homes. The emphasis is mainly on the about these issues. Speakers will be people who have lived on A Street rather than architectural history, Tori Goldhammer, an occupational but he makes use of any information he can find. therapist whose consulting business If you’re interested in the area, or want an example of the helps homeowners adapt their homes possibilities of blogging to record and publish local history, please for safety and comfort, and Byron visit the A Street, SE blog at http://astreetse.wordpress.com. Buck, whose company renovates and modernizes homes. The seminar is open to all without charge, but seating is limited and registration is required. Please call 543-1778 to reserve your seat. Friday, February 21, 10 am–noon at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. ✯

Tunnel, continued from cover President's Column, continued from page 3 long-term and did not affect their Capitol Hill may lose a golden uses, landscaping, and great civic plans now. opportunity for a spacious, spaces.” If you have a hammer, Several people wanted to know recreational riverfront if there is not everything looks like a nail. The why a second crossing was not more inter-agency coordination. writer Fran Lebowitz once said, “To among the alternatives considered. A designated champion for DC me the outdoors is what you must FHWA responded that it was “not parks would identify and amplify pass through in order to get from consistent with the needs and recreational interests on the your apartment into a taxicab.” purposes” of the expansion, but did Southeast Anacostia waterfront. I would like to think our city not bridge the logic so most people Without such coordination, the government has a higher regard for felt this remark was a hedge. goals can become skewed. One of the outdoors. ✯ The next milestone in the process DDOT’s stated goals is to “create is the Final Environmental Impact great urban boulevards with mixed Statement, where CSX and FHWA will address the issues raised by many concerned citizens, the EPA, CHRS and the Committee of 100. Stay tuned. ✯

6 • CHRS News February 2014 One-Story Commercial Buildings in Hill East: Pharmacy at 1444 Independence Avenue, SE

By Beth Purcell

ill East has several one-story Hcommercial buildings, which met community needs for goods and services and continue to add to the neighborhood’s distinctive character. Several independent pharmacies beth purcell courtesy images at 1444 Independence Avenue, SE (formerly B Street, SE) served the community between 1915 until the mid-1980s. 1444 Independence Avenue is a one-story brick corner building built in 1915 as a store. It has a canted entrance with store windows on each side of the building (facing Independence Avenue and 15th Street). The first pharmacist was Edgar R. Allaband, who added a vertical sign “DRUGS” over the front door. He lived nearby at 113 15th Street, SE. Herbert C. Douglass ran that pharmacy between c. 1925 and 1965 followed by Robinson’s Apothecary and Alliance Convalescent Supplies. In the 1990s, the building became a photography studio. During this period, the Capitol East Community Development Corporation sponsored a project for children to paint a mural on the 15th Street side of the building, which they called “Rays of Sunshine.” It was later painted over. ✯

TOP: 1444 Independence Avenue, SE. BOTTOM:“Rays of Sunshine” mural.

CHRS News February 2014 • 7 Capitol Hill Restoration Society 420 Tenth Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Mark Your Calendar!

FEBRUARY 3 Monday, 6:30 pm 28 Friday, 7–9 pm 13 Thursday, 7:30 pm CHRS Historic Preservation Committee, Candidates Forum for Ward 6 City CHRS Zoning Committee, Kirby House, Kirby House, 420 10th Street, SE, first Council seat. Sponsored by The Hill Rag, 420 10th Street, SE, first floor. Details: floor. Details: Shauna Holmes, 546-5211. CHRS, and others. Hill Center, 921 Gary Peterson, 547-7969. Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 4 Tuesday, 7:30 pm 18 Tuesday, 6:30 pm Overbeck Lecture: “Who was Michael MARCH CHRS Board of Directors, Capitol Hill Shiner?” Genealogist and author Leslie Townhomes, 750 6th Street, SE, second Anderson will talk about Michael Shiner, 3 Monday, 6:30 pm floor. Details: Janet Quigley, 543-0425. a freed slave who worked at the CHRS Historic Preservation Committee, Washington Navy Yard and kept a diary Kirby House, 420 10th Street, SE, first from 1813 to 1869. Naval Lodge, floor. Details: Shauna Holmes, 546-5211. 330 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 57th Annual Capitol Hill Free; reservations required. E-mail 4 Tuesday, 7–9 pm House and Garden Tour [email protected]. Candidates Forum for Ward 6 City Council seat. Sponsored by The Hill Rag, May 10–11, 2014 13 Thursday, 7:30 pm CHRS, and others.Westminster CHRS Zoning Committee, Kirby House, Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street, SW Reserve your tickets today! Visit us at 420 10th Street, SE, first floor. Details: www.chrs.org or call 543-0425. Gary Peterson, 547-7969. 11 Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 pm Candidates Forum for Ward 6 City 18 Tuesday, 6:30 pm Council seat. Sponsored by The Hill Rag, CHRS Board of Directors, Capitol Hill CHRS, and others. The Shaw Library, Townhomes, 750 6th Street, SE, second 1630 7th Street, NW floor. Details: Janet Quigley, 543-0425.