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The Palisades neighborhood in Washington, DC is undergoing an exciting transformation. If you're interested in finding luxure living with a view of the Potomac River, the new townhouses in the Palisades neighborhood may be just what you're looking for.  

In June, construction began on Canal Parc, a 34-unit townhouse being built on the site of the old Riverside Psychiatric Hospital. The Canal Parc units are currently for sale and will occupy the space at 4460 MacArthur Boulevard, overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, DC.

The Canal Parc townhouses are a scaled-down version of the original proposal. The project was actually introduced in 2006 as a 41-unit property. The DC Office of Planning favored a 37-unit project; however, the Palisades Citizens' Association wanted something smaller. In 2009, the plan was finally approved as a 34-unit project.

In February of this year, the hospital was razed and site work was completed this spring. The first townhouse is expected to go on the market at the end of this year.

The Canal Parc townhouse units will range from 2200 to over 3500 square feet. The units are designed to be state of the art luxury townhouses.

How will this impact surrounding neighborhoods? The majority (8,807) of owner-occupied homes in the neighborhoods around the Palisades are valued at between $500,000 and $1M. Townhouses in the Palisades are expected to sell for $1.3 to $1.7 million. One thing that will likely happen is that the higher value of the Canal Parc townhouses will cause the value of surrounding homes in the neighborhood to increase.

If you are interested in buying a townhouse in the Palisades neighborhoodofWashington, DC or finding a home in the surrounding neighborhoods before prices go up, contact Rachel Valentino. Rachel and her team of Washington, DC real estate experts at Keller Williams can help you get a great price.

One of the hottest areas in Washington, DC, especially among young professionals, is H Street. I get many calls from people interested in purchasing a home in this dynamic DC neighborhood. Are you looking for a new home in Washington, DC and interested in a vibrant neighborhood? Find out why H Street in DC is a hotspot for buying a home.

The eastern-most end of H Street Northeast, from 12^th to 15^th, has become a prosperous arts and entertainment area. The western end is also beginning to blossom, especially with the Giant project set to begin in the very near future.

The arts and entertainment section of H Street in Washington, DC has led the development of the H Street neighborhood with fantastic places like Smith Commons, a three-story restaurant, The Pug, a popular hangout for locals, Queen Vic, a British pub with an outdoor dining area; and Dangerously Delicious Pies.

Other must-visit destinations include:

• H Street Playhouse – a 100-seat black-box theater which is home to the Theater Alliance. Residents who live within five blocks of the playhouse get free tickets to Theater Alliance performances.

• Rock and Roll Hotel – a nightclub featuring live music performed Wednesday through Saturday.

• Atlas Performing Arts Center – a renovated 1938 movie house with four theaters, three dance studios, and production and rehearsal spaces.

The DC Office of Planning's vision for H Street divides it into three distinct districts. They include housing from 2^nd to 7^th, neighborhood retail between 7^th and 12^th, and arts and entertainment from 12^th to 15^th.

Plans are also in the works for redevelopment of 601-645 H Street. H Street Ventures, LLC, has plans for making three structures into one and creating continuous frontage along H Street. The office space on the ends would remain while the center would be developed for retail space stacked at the top and back with 240 residential units. A pedestrian walkway would connect the entire structure. The owners of 601-645 H Street are working on obtaining financing before the project is expected to get underway.

Rachel Valentino and her team of real estate professionals at Keller Williams would like to help you move into the exciting H Street neighborhood in Washington, DC. Contact Rachel today to find out how you can move into this attractive area.

Heard some great news this week. DC may be joining a growing number of cities worldwide in creating a large-scale sustainable urban area, sometimes referred to as an ecodistrict. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the organization behind the initiative, has been holding public meetings as Southwest DC plans for an ecodistrict.

The proposal first came to the public's attention in February 2010 under the name "10th Street Corridor Task Force." It was in response to an Executive Order, which called for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It also came from a desire to revitalize the area around L'Enfant Plaza and create a true corridor connecting the National Mall with Banneker Park. The commission intends to create pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, outdoor cafes, and tree coverings.

The boundary for the Southwest ecodistrict encompasses a 15-block area south of the National Mall and includes several government agencies as well as several important sites such as 12th Street Tunnel and the 10th Street Overlook at Banneker Park.

Public meetings will be held to provide the NCPC with feedback in order to critically assess all alternatives to the redevelopment of the 15-block area of Southwest DC. It is expected that the NCPC and the Office of Planning will take the initiative to the Council by the end of 2011.

The key development ideas include: 

• Create an accessible, energetic waterfront neighborhood - one that encompasses people, activity, commerce, culture, and recreation   
• Bring the District to the edge of the waterfront   
• Renew prosperous components of Southwest DC to serve as an outstanding spot for DC inhabitants    
• Transform Southwest DC into an exemplary development by using best practices for sustainability   
• Develop a lasting place for the enjoyment of everyone in Washington, DC
  

Valentino & Associates is the leading team of DC, MD & VA area residential specialists. If you are buying or selling a home, contact Rachel Valentino and her team of real estate experts.  

DC's utility company, Pepco, has begun installing new "smart meters" in its customers' homes. The question is, will new smart meters help DC-area homeowners track electricity usage better? They are digital upgrades from the analog meters, and Pepco anticipates that, at some point, they will be able to track usage in real time and send the information between DC consumers' homes and Pepco.

Some DC residents have seen significant increases in their energy bills since they have had the new meters installed and have questioned whether the new meters had something to do with the increase. It is difficult to accurately pinpoint an exact cause of the increase; higher energy costs and unusually colder winter weather in DC are certainly significant factors.

An explanation of how Pepco costs are broken down may also help DC-area homeowners understand their bills. Approximately 72 percent of the cost of a DC Pepco bill goes toward covering the cost of electricity. This cost is unregulated and subject to market conditions. The transmission of electricity as well as maintenance of the delivery infrastructure account for about 23 percent of DC customers' monthly bill. This cost is regulated by the DC Public Service Commission. The other five percent of DC homeowners' monthly bills consist of taxes and surcharges.

Once DC homeowners know how their monthly costs are allocated, they can learn how smart meters can benefit them. Besides being able to track how much energy they use, DC-area homeowners will be able to see when their home energy is being used and, eventually, be able to view their usage over time online. Smart meter technology would also eliminate the need for estimated bills.

DC-area homeowners can regulate the 72 percent cost portion of their energy bills by using the new meters. This is because the new technology would use a rate schedule that either charges based on what time of day electricity is being used or charges based on overall demand on the grid. The time of day charges would be based on predetermined rates depending on the time of day energy is being used. Charges based on demand on the grid would go up as more electricity is being used by everyone. DC homeowners could then determine the most expensive times to use electricity and avoid or limit use during those times in order to lower their energy bills.

Rachel Valentino is your professional real estate agent in the Washington, DC area. If you are buying or selling a home in the DC area contact Rachel Valentino and her team of DC area real estate experts.

People who are looking for a neighborhood in Washington, DC where shopping, restaurants, entertainment and much more can be found within walking distance, will love DC's Logan Circle. Imagine stepping out of your door and being mere steps to every city amenity. Read on to find out more about why Logan Circle is Washington, DC's hottest & most in-demand neighborhood.

Logan Circle was not always an attractive choice for homeowners. Twenty years ago the Logan Circle neighborhood, located between Shaw and Dupont Circle, would have never been thought of as a cosmopolitan area. The neighborhood was once a hub for urban crime. Tourists and DC residents alike avoided Logan. But then, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a community association began a mission to rid the Logan Circle neighborhood of crime. Watch groups began taking pictures of criminal activity, and police presence began to increase.

By the mid-1990s, young professionals who were becoming tired of continuously rising rents in Dupont, began looking for bargain homes in Logan Circle. Developers like Jim Abdo and Monte Hoffman were only too happy to accommodate the new arrivals by transforming single-family rowhouses into boutique condo developments.

But it wasn't until 2000 that the Logan Circle renaissance moved into high gear. The arrival of Whole Foods grocery store led the resurgence. Whole Foods opened the floodgates for new retail and restaurants. Following Whole Foods into the neighborhood were establishments like Logan Tavern, a restaurant serving semi-traditional American food, and Stoney's, a pub and grill. Luxury electronic store Bang & Olufsen is also a big part of the Logan Circle neighborhood. Logan Circle is also home to an abundance of nightlife activities.

The artistic community is also well-represented in the Logan Circle area. To preserve this characteristic, Logan Circle has zoning restrictions that limit the number of restaurants and bars to 25 percent of the frontage on 14th Street.

On a recent tour of available condos in the area, one of our listings at 1412 11th St NW #2 St. (now under contract) was featured, but there are many nice properties here.

Are you interested in relocating to the Logan Circle area of D.C? Visit Rachel Valentino's website for a rundown of available listings and the scoop on the D.C. neighborhoods where you might like to live and play.

The DC Office of Planning is recommending changes in special zoning restrictions that limit the number of bars, restaurants, and other businesses in certain busy areas of Washington DC. The changes would clarify or eliminate the restrictions.

The Planning Office staff has suggested two options. The existing provision limits bars and restaurants to 25 percent of the "street frontage" along specified areas known as neighborhood commercial overlay districts. Clarification would specify more detailed restrictions without reducing the overall number. The other possibility is to eliminate the provision altogether and decide whether restaurants, bars, and other businesses should be allowed on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.

According to Goulston & Storrs, residential areas are generally off-limits to business development. However, the zoning changes could mean businesses could open inside homes or right next to them.

The planning staff report acknowledges that many residents are concerned with possible negative impacts of non-residential use of their neighborhoods. Some people prefer a quiet neighborhood with little traffic while others may enjoy having businesses within walking distances. The staff report also states that in many cases, commercial use of property in residential areas can be compatible with the needs of the community.

What does this mean for homeowners, potential buyers, and real estate developers in DC? Proximity to a large variety of bars, restaurants, and similar commercial enterprises can be a great selling point. If you are concerned with how the zoning changes will impact the marketability of your property or if you are looking for property in the DC area and need to know more about the zoning regulations, contact DC real estate expert Rachel Valentino.

A milestone was reached for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail in late October. The tunnel's west end was "holed through" by miners in preparation for completing the mining portion of excavation.

Miners worked diligently for over one year, both night and day, to get the Dulles Metrorail built.

Inbound tunnel mining is taking place this month. After excavation, the workers will reinforce the tunnel from the inside using a spray-able concrete substance. Waterproofing and further reinforcement will finish off construction toward the end of 2011.

The Dulles Corridor Metrorail stretch from Reston to Falls Church is 11.5 miles long.  Construction is around 22% complete. The rail extension will merge with the existing Orange Line at the intersection of Route 267 and I-66 near West Falls Church.

Pier construction is now complete. Detours are available for drivers at the Dulles Connector Road, Route 123, I-495, I-66 West and at the local roads near Route 7 and Idylwood Road.

Don't hesitate to call Rachel Valentino, DC's "Best Real Estate Agent" as voted by the Washington City Paper, for a no-pressure consultation & discussion about which DC areas are under construction. Rachel is on top of DC's real estate scene and is active in all avenues of the market - including private residences, new construction, luxury market and the condo and co-op community.

 
Are you in the market for a historic home with character in the Washington, DC, area?  Does a remodeled Victorian row house located within a few miles of the US capitol, downtown area, and several prestigious and well-known universities sound like your dream home? The Bloomingdale & LeDroit neighborhoods may be just what you're looking for.  

Bloomingdale is located in Ward 5 and lies right in the heart of the Washington, DC area with neighboring LeDroit Park to its west. This revived community is an ideal "suburb" in DC, and is home to older and new younger residents alike.  

Some notable past residents of the Bloomingdale/LeDroit neighborhoods include Samuel Gompers, the founder of the American Federation of Labor in 1886; Chita Rivera, an accomplished Broadway star and recipient of the Kennedy Center honor by the president; and founders of the first privately owned black art gallery, James V. Herring and Alonzo J. Aden.  

There is a new and hip scene happening in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park areas. You will find a sense of community and belonging here at Big Bear Cafe, located at 1^st and R St NW, and at Cookie's Corner, located at 2^nd Street & Elm NW. Check out Big Bear Cafe if you enjoy a warm, friendly and interesting atmosphere and great mix of clientele. Their coffee and sandwiches are highly recommended. During the summer and fall months there is also a neighborhood farmers market on R St. immediately in front of Big Bear that was recently rated among the best in DC. Cookie's Corner is a convenience store that offers pizza as well as sandwiches, owned by the same owner as LeDroit Park Market. You will find both of these local establishments a welcome addition to the neighborhood. 

In addition to Big Bear there is a wave of new restaurants coming to the area with the first of these, Rustik, opening just recently in September. Already the reviews are great and Rustik is drawing crowds from outside of the neighborhood as well. Check it out if you are interested in a casual dinner out - Rustik is at 1^st and T St. NW.   

If you are not quite sold on owning a Victorian row house, Parker Flats is a relatively new development in the area and appeals to those in the luxury condominium market. In 2005, Gage School was transformed into Parker Flats, an award-winning three-site housing development. BloomingdaleDC.org notes that "The development of this 90+ residential project has turned a community eyesore into a well-integrated project."  

Already the development has won the 2008 AIA Northern Virginia Chapter, Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture, and the 2008 DC AIA Chapter/Washingtonian Residential Design Awards: Exceptional Design Award. Since these flats are selling quickly with no units remaining in the original Gage School building and only 3 units remaining in the newer buildings, the homes are popular with buyers too. 

Take a closer look at the Bloomingdale/LeDroit neighborhoods. You will find this historic, close-knit community has undergone a revitalization. If ties to the community, a sense of belonging, and beautiful architecture with a past are appealing to you, come for a visit. Prices are still affordable here but on the rise. If you are interested in seeing some of the options that exist, don't hesitate to call Rachel Valentino, DC's "Best Real Estate Agent" as voted by the Washington City Paper for a no-pressure consultation. Rachel is on top of DC's real estate scene and active in all avenues of the market - including private residences, new construction, luxury market and the condo and co-op community. 

In the busy, fast-paced world of Washington, DC, how do you eat right?  A wonderfully colorful variety of fruits and veggies can be had for quite a deal at those quaint little produce stands popping up all over in the summertime. What's great about the DC area is that you can find such healthy alternatives right in the city, as well as in more suburban areas.

Your local farmer's market offers veggies that aren't pre-packaged, stamped, and wearing those small stickers that mean you probably should be looking elsewhere for your nutrition requirements! Irradiated, non-organic produce is just not ideal. If you have access to sun-ripened fruits and veggies, by all means, go for it!

For Eco-minded, health-conscious vegetarians, vegans, and raw vegans, they truly are the equivalent of a quick trip through a fast food drive-thru. If you're pressed for time on a lunch break, or traveling on vacation with the family and need to satisfy a few hungry kids in the backseat, roadside produce stands can really come in handy. Armed with nothing but a knife and some napkins, you can eat a fresh lunch that's healthy, local, and deliciously satisfying.

Those of us aspiring to eat more raw fruits and veggies as well as seasoned raw vegans truly are lucky to happen upon one of these stands not just while meandering down a country back road or lonely highway but near your job, or near your home. Who can resist juicy, red, ripe tomatoes grown the old-fashioned way? Cucumbers and melons are the perfect cool-down foods after a sweltering day in the sun - or a hot and heavy day at work. The snap and crunch of raw okra and sugar snap peas replaces those potato chips you want to avoid. 

The next time you see one of those little stands on the side of the road, don't hesitate! Pull over, check out the selection, and have a quick chat with the grower. It's nice to put a face with your food. Fresh produce is loaded with all the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals your body craves. Sun ripened is supreme. This is fast food the way nature intended!

FRESHFARM Markets is a network of 11 farmers markets scattered throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.  The organization was started in 1997 when the first market at Dupont Circle opened. FRESHFARM Markets incorporated in 2002 as an independent and nonprofit. They are producer-only markets, meaning farmers can sell only what is grown or produced on their own farms, ensuring local, freshly grown fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products.

FRESHFARM Markets features cooking demonstrations through the Chef at Market program, where local chefs, cooks, and home-cooking enthusiasts create freshly prepared dishes with the produce. The Gleaning program distributes surplus produce to local communities who are in need of food. And be sure to check out the wonderful database of recipes on the website!

You can find a FARMFRESH Market in Dupont Circle, on H Street NE, Penn Quarter, at the Health and Human Services Building on Independence Avenue SW, and near the White House on Vermont NW. In addition to these markets, there are others supplied by local producers in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and various locations around the city. (See the Washington Post list for more area markets.) Several of these markets, including the ones at 14^th and U and at Bloomingdales made the list to Top 20 Farmer's Markets.

Needless to say, DC farmer's markets are right in line with the new emphasis on healthy eating promoted by the First Lady, Michelle Obama. She is a major supporter of local farm markets, has planted a garden at the White House, and supports the urban gardening movement in the city.

For a longer introduction to DC farmer's markets, see the 29-minute video.

You can find raw food, fast food right in the city.  Want the home of your dreams, in the neighborhood of your choice, near some of the best-rated farmer's markets in the nation? Don't hesitate to call Rachel Valentino, DC's "Best Real Estate Agent" as voted by the Washington City Paper for a no-pressure consultation. Rachel is on top of DC's real estate scene and active in all avenues of the market - including private residences, new construction, luxury market and the condo and co-op community.