Archive for the 'Neighborhoods' Category
Arts on the Avenue – Join us Saturday, Oct. 1
September 29th, 2011 Categories: Del Ray, Real Estate News
Join us this Saturday, Oct. 1 for Arts on the Avenue in Del Ray – THE premier arts festival in Northern Virginia – with over 300 vendors.
Stroll Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue from 10:00 am to 6:00pm for a full day of activities. In addition to the arts vendors, look for scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, puppet shows, dance performances and a wide range of music.
And did we mention the food court or the crab cake sandwiches?
Come on out and join us, it’s going to be a great day!
Michael
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National Night Out 2011 – Be There or Be Square
July 28th, 2011 Categories: Del Ray
National Night Out 2011 is just around the corner and in our part of Del Ray, it‘s Be There or Be Square.
National Night Out was originally created to combat drug and crime prevention and to foster better citizen/police relationships.
All those things are still true – and still the mission of the organization – but in our neighborhood it has developed into a much anticipated community event. The entire block takes part – from getting city permits to block off the street, to pitching tents against the heat, pulling out coolers and cookers, setting up tables and chairs and, perhaps the most important part, contributing to a giant pot luck dinner.
In fact, our block is so well known for it’s good food – particularly the fried fish – that we routinely get visits from the mayor, the mounted police, the entire squadron of motorcycle police, the special forces unit, the sheriff, etc. etc.
It’s a great opportunity to meet individual members of the force and to thank them for all they do. In turn, the kids pat the horses, sit on the motorcycles and climb all over the armored vehicles.
It’s not hard to get started and the National Night Out site has lots of great ideas. If you’re new to your area it’s also just the best way to meet your neighbors.
For more on what a National Night Out Event can look like, here are some stories from past years:
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National Night Out in Alexandria, VA
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Celebrating Community in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood with National Night Out
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National Night Out Is An Annual Gathering for Neighbors on East Howell Avenue in Del Ray
My guess is that one big topic of conversation this year is going to be the local election and the increased traffic on East Howell.
You don’t want to miss a thing, I promise!
Michael
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City of Alexandria Celebrates 262nd Birthday on Saturday, June 9
July 8th, 2011 Categories: Alexandria, Old Town, Things to Do
In a long standing tradition, the City of Alexandria will celebrate it’s own birthday (262 years) and the nation’s birthday (235 years) this Saturday, June 9th.
We’re not exactly sure how this post Fourth of July celebration got started (or why) but it’s been going on for as long as we have lived in the area,
So, if you missed the Fourth or just didn’t want to fight the crowds downtown, make your way to Oronoco Bay Park along Alexandria’s waterfront between 4:00 and 10:00pm. The celebration includes children’s activities, community exhibits and birthday cake.
The highlight of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, topped off with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and fireworks. “Cannon support” will be supplied by the United States Marine Corps, Basic Training School, Quantico, VA at 9:30 p.m.
In the event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 10 at 9:30 p.m.
Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, shaved ice and kettle corn will be available for purchase or bring your own. (No is grilling allowed however.)
Visitors to the historic district are encouraged bike, walk or take the Metrorail Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Station and take King Street Trolley to the unit block of King St., a short walk to Oronoco Bay Park. The King Street Trolley will operate until midnight for individuals wishing to return to the King Street Metro following the celebration.
Michael
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Squirrel Proof Tomatoes or Urban Gardening in Del Ray
June 28th, 2011 Categories: Del Ray
Last year we proudly purchased three tomato plants, pots, stakes, soil, etc. Each morning we stepped eagerly out the back door to check on the progress of our plants.
At first everything was fine – they grew rapidly, blossoms formed and then the first tiny tomatoes appeared. The tomatoes got bigger and the anticipation almost unbearable – until one morning there were no tomatoes – at all. SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!
Enter neighbors Michael and Brian whose houses, one on Windsor and one on Custis, share a garden. They too were plagued by tomato eating renegade squirrels. But rather than simply give into the inevitable, they took action. Call it the new urban gardening if you will, but at least these two Del Ray residents will have home grown tomatoes this summer.
Squirrel Proof Tomatoes or Urban Gardening in Del Ray
The first, not very serious plan, was to fence in the entire garden plot but with plenty of room for Winston, a squirrel loving Jack Russell Terrier. That idea abandoned, Michael and Brian came up with a squirrel proof cage for their tomatoes. Literally. It’s amazing what you can do with chicken wire and two by fours.
Early Days
Taking it one step further, these urban gardeners planted so that vertical plants, like green beans, would grow on the outside of the cage, creating a more appealing aesthetic for the neighborhood.
The Cage in all it's glory!
Add in zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, purple cabbage and cucumbers and these two families have their own personal Farmer’s Market.
Ummmmmm, wonder if Michael and Brian hire out?
Looking for your own garden plot in Del Ray. Give me a call at 703.927.4554 and let’s go house hunting.
Michael
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Something for Everyone at the Duncan Library’s Spring Sale
May 1st, 2011 Categories: Del Ray, Real Estate News
This was the scene at the Duncan Library’s Annual Spring Sale this past Saturday in Del Ray.
There really was something for everyone - books of every shape and size, face painting, a bounce house and and even a spot for learning how to make a book.
Book Tent
Bounce House
Making a BookFace Painting
Don’t you wish YOU lived in Del Ray? Give me a call at 703.927.4554 and we’ll make it happen.
Michael
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Easter 2011 at Historic Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria
April 23rd, 2011 Categories: Alexandria, Old Town, Things to Do
Following a week of cold, wet weather, Easter Sunday dawned clear and warm at Historic Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria.
The Wine Glass Pulpit at Christ Church
Small baskets in the side windows
Larger baskets in the Palladin windows flanking the pulpit
And flowering trees and flowers everywhere in the church yard
Over a 1,000 visitors and congregation members attended four services beginning with the 7:30am.
Michael
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March 2011 Housing Prices in Zip Code 22314 – Old Town Alexandria and Potomac Greens
April 21st, 2011 Categories: Market Reports, Old Town, Potomac Yard/Greens
Today we are looking at the March 2011 Housing Prices in Zip Code 22314 which includes Old Town Alexandria and Potomac Green. (These numbers do not include condominium sales.)
The first thing that struck me about this chart was the consistency in the number of sales over a five year period. Prices and days on the market have been up and down but the number of sales has held steady.
March
|
Zip Code 22301 |
No. of Homes Sold |
Average List Price |
Average Sold Price |
Days on Market |
|
Mar 2011 |
26 |
$668,228 |
$654,935 |
70 |
|
Mar 2010 |
25 |
$771,088 |
$695,396 |
67 |
|
Mar 2009 |
20 |
$517,472 |
$596,508 |
71 |
|
Mar 2008 |
20 |
$692,560 |
$670.345 |
94 |
|
Mar 2007 |
25 |
$787,704 |
$740,040 |
140 |
As always, each month’s sales are dependent on multiple factors including the amount of inventory, the number of priced-to-sell homes, the number of qualifying buyers, etc. etc.
For more information on properties in Old Town Alexandria, give me a call at 703.927.4554.
Michael
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March 2011 Housing Prices in Zip Code 22301 – Del Ray, Rosemont and Temple Hills
April 19th, 2011 Categories: Del Ray, Market Reports, Real Estate News
Today we are looking at the March 2011 Housing Prices in Zip Code 22310 which encompasses the Alexandria neighborhoods of Del Ray, Rosemont and Temple Hills.
We’re also taking a five year overview to get a larger sense of what the market is doing in our area.
As always, each month’s sales are dependent on multiple factors including the amount of inventory, the number of priced-to-sell homes, the number of qualifying buyers, etc. etc.
|
Zip Code 22301 |
No. of Homes Sold |
Average List Price |
Average Sold Price |
Days on Market |
|
Mar 2011 |
17 |
$674,800 |
$646,665 |
69 |
|
Mar 2010 |
4 |
$628,475 |
$614,150 |
33 |
|
Mar 2009 |
14 |
$719,336 |
$710,457 |
46 |
|
Mar 2008 |
8 |
$607,825 |
$686,363 |
128 |
|
Mar 2007 |
25 |
$683,744 |
$664,796 |
60 |
For more details and a free comparative analysis of your property, give me a call at 703.927.4554.
Michael
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2011 Alexandria House and Garden Tour
April 11th, 2011 Categories: Old Town, Real Estate News, Things to Do
The 2011 Alexandria House and Garden Tour is this Saturday, April 16th from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Historic Garden Week is the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour event in the nation.
Sponsored by The Garden Club of Virginia, the tours benefit the restoration of important historic grounds and gardens throughout the state.
Each of the three dozen events offers an engaging variety of five to six local houses and gardens, most open to the public for the first time for Garden Week.
Here is Alexandria, six private homes will be open to the public. In addition, the Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden; the Carlye House Historic Park; Mt. Vernon; the American Horticultural Society at River Farm; Woodlawn; and Gunston Hall Plantation are included in the full ticket price.
619 South Lee Street
619 South Lee Street
Vowell-Snowden House
The original structure was built around 1800 by Thomas Vowell, Jr. and later purchased by Edward Snowden, owner and editor of the Alexandria Gazette and Mayor of Alexandria. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black took ownership of the house in 1979 and lived there until his death. Features include expansive grounds with a two bedroom guest house, tennis courts, pool and a boxwood trimmed rose garden with a central fountain. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Saltonstall, owners.
420 South Fairfax Street
420 South Fairfax Street
Built in 1856 and purchased by the current owners in 1980, this charming clapboard house combines European, American and Asian touches. The original working fireplace and and heart of pine floors are a perfect backdrop to a spiral staircase and a collection of European maps and prints. A Japanese inspired garden still leaves room for vegetables and herbs. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Clopper, owners.
605 South Lee Street
605 South Lee Street
When the Niepold family bought this 1880 structure in 1934 it was still without indoor plumbing and electricity. Extensive renovations over a 40 year period included the addition of a den and kitchen and a beautiful fan light over the front door. The current occupant is also an artist who maintains a studio on the third floor. Siberian elms and perennial begonias flourish in the sun filled backyard. Mrs. William S. Hickey, owner.
210 Wilkes Street
210 Wilkes Street
Built in the early 1800’s, the heirs of the original owners were were John W. and Julia Thompson Burke who repurchased the home in 1852 for their maiden daughter, Miss Fanny Burke. When the house was sold in 1945 it changed from a Victorian to a Federal style exterior. The interior features trompe loeil paintings, a Frederick Remington painting and Louis Comfort Tiffany gold art glass vases. Mrs. Russell Murray, owner.
518 Duke Street
518 Duke Street
This Italian Renaissance style house was built in 1852 and is “characterized by a composite cornice and bracketing of the doorway, window architraves and cornice.” Interior designer Craig Miller of Miller McCann International was instrumental in creating a comfortable house with historic significance. An intimate garden and brick courtyard complete this impeccable home. Mrs. Mary B. O’Conner, owner.
Garden Wall at 217 North Royal
217 North Royal
Built by master carpenter James McGuire in 1796, he occupied the house until his death at the age of 76. Subsequent owners used the Egyptian Revival style to update the house. The current residents began renovations in 1997, keeping the front facade but returning the interior to the 1790’s. The garden features cast iron fern benches, bronze statues and English boxwoods. Mrs. Nathaniel D. Chapman II, owner.
What an incredible way to see the homes and gardens that make Old Town Alexandria so very special.
Michael
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How Community Oriented Police in Alexandria Are Making a Difference
March 30th, 2011 Categories: Alexandria, Arlandria, Real Estate News
Just last Wednesday we brought you an article about how Alexandria’s crime rate had dropped to it’s lowest point in 40 years. Today, a story about how Community Oriented Police (COPs) in Alexandria are making a difference.
Our friends over at the Arlandrian were to first to pick up on an article from the Alexandria Police Department’s newsletter, The Police Beat.
It involves graffiti, often used by rival gangs to initiate threats, a stretched city budget, two resourceful police officers and a company called (what else?) Graffiti Removal, Inc. It’s a story that makes you proud.
Want to know more about living in this great community? Give me a call at 703.927.4554 and let’s make this your home too.
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