A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street, and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Rooftop Deck @Rose's Dream
If you've walked anywhere on the east end of H Street you might have noticed the massive rooftop deck they are very quickly constructing on top of Rose's Dream.
The resolution is due to the fact that this was a cell phone shot. But you can see the structure better from a distance, than right up close to the building.
Tom, to me it looks more permanent, but I could be wrong.
I expect that it will reopen as Rose's Dream. The same family that owns Rose's Dream own Caribbean Best (downstairs), and I believe that is open and operating.
Anon 5:16, if you aren't a fan of Rose's Dream you'll be happy to know that several places on H are planning to open roof-top decks.
Anybody care to wager if they got the proper permits and did the engineering work required to build a legal and safe structure? There is so much illegal construction going on in the area, and the city seems uninterested in stopping. Anyone tried the illegal construction hotline lately? 202-442-STOP?
This area also has an endless supply of folks who like to mind other peoples business. Since Rose's Dream liquor licence was challenged by the Linden old city whatever community group, I'm sure that they are all over it. Then there is ANC6A, who will challenge Bobby about jurisdiction... All in all, the "public citizen" will be protected!
No, I haven't tried the illegal construction hotline lately, because I tend to wait until I have actual evidence of wrongdoing before I sic the authorities on someone. I'm kinda funny that way.
All I am aware of is the H St CC. There was talk of something at Napa and XII I think. P&Ps (actually, just outside seating, not roof). Red & Black was supposed to get the "Voodoo Lounge" out back and start making burgers but that apparently never materialized. Pug was supposed to lease space on the second floor and expand but that's not happened. Anyone (Inked) have any better/updated info?
For what it's worth, there is NO building permit on file for this rooftop deck. So, probably no inspections being carried out, and no proper structural engineering review to ensure that the structure is safe. Interestingly, there is also no permit or application for permit on file for the extensive repairs required after the fire that gutted the place.
Don't forget that H Street isn't just about partying. People lived in the neighborhood long before the drunken crowd arrived. A roof deck is great if you want to come to party. Not so great if you are trying to sleep a half block away. This is why there is a permitting process through the ANC and DCRA. This is also why there is a snitch line. But don't worry, standard protocol is for the business owners to bribe the inspectors, so all you party-goers will get your roof decks.
I have walked by Rose's since we watched the contruction go up literally overnight on the roof of a building that was gutted by fire with no sign of repairs. I didn't see a building permit displayed not to mention they would have to go through the ANC to get a rooftop deck anyway. I called the "snitch" line today and was informed an inspector went out this morning on report of "construction that went beyond the current permit" aka they had some kind of permit but not for a rooftop deck.
The snitch line operator was very helpful and friendly and told me the inspector hadn't reported back yet but I could call back tomorrow for an update.
Personally, I am all for local business but the reality is that Rose's (when it was open) drew policy activity multiple times a night on weekends. There was frequent violence out front of the bar in the street as well as inside. I wouldn't shed any tears if they didn't reopen OR if the deck was totally illegal and shut down.
Red and the Black was going to have a back patio and did the construction on it but because of an ANC issue ( I believe) were stopped. The Rock and Roll Hotel is also hoping to open a rooftop deck (that would close by midnight because of residences nearby) in the near future.
Guys, you must stop being so blatantly biased about a business that caters to a more "urban" clientele. Why don't you try visiting and enjoying something different before being so negative? I'm African-American and it is not my type of crowd, but I never witnessed any violence or rowdy crowds at all. Let's be happy that businesses are investing in our neighborhood. Your words and thoughts are truly saddens me....
Anon 12:35: I made the comment immediately before yours and while Roses may not be my "scene" per se I am not being blatantly biased. I have witness, personally, on multiple occasions violence and "scuffles" in front of Roses. All bars and nightclubs have to deal with some level of tension in their businesses due to the nature of alcohol and its effects on people when they get too drunk. However, businesses that are proactive and maintain effective, responsive security staff don't end up having the police at their establishments on a regular basis. What I'm saying is that Roses either overserves or can't control their customers (or both) and like it or, in the bar industry its up to the staff to control the customers otherwise all hell can break loose. Its a reciprocal relationship to be sure.
The fact that Rose's is apparently building a rooftop deck without permits or ANC approval is a perfect example of how they don't effectively manage their customers and staff. Its negligence. The place is burned out and potentially structurally unstable. Providing an exciting reason to go to Roses is one thing (a rooftop deck) a potential deathtrap is another.
Red and the Black has been given permission to open the summer garden by the ANC and ABC board. We must relocate a fire exit and be inspected and then we will open for business on the patio.
Anon 12:28 and 12:47 (who may be the same, I don't know): since you've seen violence outside Rose's Dream on many occasions, could you provide me with some details -- dates and times specifically, so I can go find out about police reports on these incidents? I spend a ton of time on H myself and have never seen any such thing outside the bar, so I'd like to go check out the public reports from the police if possible. Thanks in advance.
23 comments:
Is it still "Rose's Dream" or have they sold it to someone?
A roof top deck is a HUGE draw...think business will boom??
I've seen it, but I'm thinking it's just a way to keep construction materials dry during remodeling.
Wouldn't you close up broken out windows of your business BEFORE building a roof deck? It was probably raining in there the other day.
Please tell me they sold it and its going to be something new. Otherwise, even with a rooftop deck, it's still just Rose's Dream.
You can't tell from this photo, but the 2nd story windows are boarded up, but the third story window(s) is/are open to the elements.
Anon 5:16,
what is wrong with Rose's Dream?
This is a good pic... Thanks for sharing... Interesting?
The resolution is due to the fact that this was a cell phone shot. But you can see the structure better from a distance, than right up close to the building.
Tom, to me it looks more permanent, but I could be wrong.
I expect that it will reopen as Rose's Dream. The same family that owns Rose's Dream own Caribbean Best (downstairs), and I believe that is open and operating.
Anon 5:16,
if you aren't a fan of Rose's Dream you'll be happy to know that several places on H are planning to open roof-top decks.
Anybody care to wager if they got the proper permits and did the engineering work required to build a legal and safe structure? There is so much illegal construction going on in the area, and the city seems uninterested in stopping. Anyone tried the illegal construction hotline lately? 202-442-STOP?
This area also has an endless supply of folks who like to mind other peoples business. Since Rose's Dream liquor licence was challenged by the Linden old city whatever community group, I'm sure that they are all over it. Then there is ANC6A, who will challenge Bobby about jurisdiction... All in all, the "public citizen" will be protected!
No, I haven't tried the illegal construction hotline lately, because I tend to wait until I have actual evidence of wrongdoing before I sic the authorities on someone. I'm kinda funny that way.
Re: Roof decks on H--
All I am aware of is the H St CC. There was talk of something at Napa and XII I think. P&Ps (actually, just outside seating, not roof). Red & Black was supposed to get the "Voodoo Lounge" out back and start making burgers but that apparently never materialized.
Pug was supposed to lease space on the second floor and expand but that's not happened.
Anyone (Inked) have any better/updated info?
For what it's worth, there is NO building permit on file for this rooftop deck. So, probably no inspections being carried out, and no proper structural engineering review to ensure that the structure is safe. Interestingly, there is also no permit or application for permit on file for the extensive repairs required after the fire that gutted the place.
Natasha:
Thanks. That was awesome.
Wait, is it Natsha or Natasha?
Don't forget that H Street isn't just about partying. People lived in the neighborhood long before the drunken crowd arrived. A roof deck is great if you want to come to party. Not so great if you are trying to sleep a half block away. This is why there is a permitting process through the ANC and DCRA. This is also why there is a snitch line. But don't worry, standard protocol is for the business owners to bribe the inspectors, so all you party-goers will get your roof decks.
I understand that Napa's roof deck will be open this spring-- I've been to their new upstairs 'lounge' area, too, and it's cute and cozy.
I have walked by Rose's since we watched the contruction go up literally overnight on the roof of a building that was gutted by fire with no sign of repairs. I didn't see a building permit displayed not to mention they would have to go through the ANC to get a rooftop deck anyway. I called the "snitch" line today and was informed an inspector went out this morning on report of "construction that went beyond the current permit" aka they had some kind of permit but not for a rooftop deck.
The snitch line operator was very helpful and friendly and told me the inspector hadn't reported back yet but I could call back tomorrow for an update.
Personally, I am all for local business but the reality is that Rose's (when it was open) drew policy activity multiple times a night on weekends. There was frequent violence out front of the bar in the street as well as inside. I wouldn't shed any tears if they didn't reopen OR if the deck was totally illegal and shut down.
Red and the Black was going to have a back patio and did the construction on it but because of an ANC issue ( I believe) were stopped. The Rock and Roll Hotel is also hoping to open a rooftop deck (that would close by midnight because of residences nearby) in the near future.
Guys, you must stop being so blatantly biased about a business that caters to a more "urban" clientele. Why don't you try visiting and enjoying something different before being so negative? I'm African-American and it is not my type of crowd, but I never witnessed any violence or rowdy crowds at all. Let's be happy that businesses are investing in our neighborhood. Your words and thoughts are truly saddens me....
Anon 12:35: I made the comment immediately before yours and while Roses may not be my "scene" per se I am not being blatantly biased. I have witness, personally, on multiple occasions violence and "scuffles" in front of Roses. All bars and nightclubs have to deal with some level of tension in their businesses due to the nature of alcohol and its effects on people when they get too drunk. However, businesses that are proactive and maintain effective, responsive security staff don't end up having the police at their establishments on a regular basis. What I'm saying is that Roses either overserves or can't control their customers (or both) and like it or, in the bar industry its up to the staff to control the customers otherwise all hell can break loose. Its a reciprocal relationship to be sure.
The fact that Rose's is apparently building a rooftop deck without permits or ANC approval is a perfect example of how they don't effectively manage their customers and staff. Its negligence. The place is burned out and potentially structurally unstable. Providing an exciting reason to go to Roses is one thing (a rooftop deck) a potential deathtrap is another.
Joe Englert said:
Red and the Black has been given permission to open the summer garden by the ANC and ABC board. We must relocate a fire exit and be inspected and then we will open for business on the patio.
Awesome news, Joe!
Anon 12:28 and 12:47 (who may be the same, I don't know): since you've seen violence outside Rose's Dream on many occasions, could you provide me with some details -- dates and times specifically, so I can go find out about police reports on these incidents? I spend a ton of time on H myself and have never seen any such thing outside the bar, so I'd like to go check out the public reports from the police if possible. Thanks in advance.
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