tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.comments2023-06-05T12:01:57.650-04:00Preserving DC StablesUnstable Liveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02199389696917774322noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-91611710028371426292020-05-27T23:58:13.979-04:002020-05-27T23:58:13.979-04:00I just found this article about Michael Carr passi...I just found this article about Michael Carr passing away in 2009.I worked for him as he was my boss in Crystal City, Arlington Virginia when we worked for the graphics department he was head of, for the Department of Navy. I was an illustrator as was Michael; he would invite me and other folks down to his carriage house often and to view his chalk outlines/silhouettes on the Washington DC streets. I am shocked to have found this article that he passed I wish I could find out what happened that he died suddenly in Arizona... he designed the cover of one of my books of poetry & illustration which I published. I asked him to design my cover of my book for me which he did. I now have that book forever with his art design cover and remember the times we were together for three years in Crystal City for the Navy in the graphics department. He was a wonderful man we were both “hippies” still, even in the 80s<br />Mona L. Baños Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00056599495068191351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-27841989471888152612018-07-13T17:57:24.617-04:002018-07-13T17:57:24.617-04:00Robert,
I owned several homes (with my husband at ...Robert,<br />I owned several homes (with my husband at the time) in the 1300 block of 10th St. as well as a business property on 9th Street just across the alley from Michael's property. We ended up turning that carriage house/garage on the 9th Street property into the Dog Wash with our friend Lynda. We lived on 10th from the mid 1980s to mid 1990s, and Michael was a good friend who socialized with us many times over the years. He was part of our block party group and spent time helping us improve the neighborhood - clean up days, decorating for the holidays, etc. We did lots of great things during that time period to try to build a neighborhood community atmosphere while "gentrification" was beginning in that area. We had fancy "dress-up" parties, neighborhood potlucks, Halloween parties, Christmas caroling from house to house, etc. We were all pretty anxious to bring a sense of community to an area in which used hypodermic needles, drug paraphernalia, and used condoms were common treasures on the sidewalks and in the gutters. Michael's home was a wonderfully creative and kooky space with an airplane in pieces on the ground floor. I have a beautiful painting that we received from him in trade for something I cannot quite remember - a boiler, furnace or radiator perhaps? Oh, maybe a wood stove! Something that had to do with warmth because he had heating problems for a while. He even created the artwork for the Dog Wash... dogs in a tub full of bubbles! We knew him for years and I'm sure I still have many photos that include Michael. If I ever run across any, I'll forward them to you.<br />AutumnAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16716385067598672324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-75227261698531156122018-04-06T10:19:31.226-04:002018-04-06T10:19:31.226-04:00We recently purchased this wonderful piece of hist...We recently purchased this wonderful piece of history and it has been fascinating to learn about its past and the story of what Michael Carr accomplished.<br />We would love to some how find imagery or pieces of his art to commemorate him in the home.<br />We would love to learn stories and any other antidotes or artifacts that could be a good tribute.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17699629793221670962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-91818690933824900372018-04-06T10:18:55.171-04:002018-04-06T10:18:55.171-04:00We recently purchased this wonderful piece of hist...We recently purchased this wonderful piece of history and it has been fascinating to learn about its past and the story of what Michael Carr accomplished.<br />We would love to some how find imagery or pieces of his art to commemorate him in the home.<br />We would love to learn stories and any other antidotes or artifacts that could be a good tribute.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17699629793221670962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-49064555044431600852018-04-06T10:17:00.015-04:002018-04-06T10:17:00.015-04:00We recently purchased Michael's Home and are t...We recently purchased Michael's Home and are trying to collect as much information about him, his art, and stories. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17699629793221670962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-56059455420734172962013-11-02T08:01:20.727-04:002013-11-02T08:01:20.727-04:00Loved the mobius strip analogy. You're on to s...Loved the mobius strip analogy. You're on to something. This is going to be big-but it may take a while.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-15336327008590103122013-10-30T17:50:46.226-04:002013-10-30T17:50:46.226-04:00There seems to be a whiplash effect with Historic ...There seems to be a whiplash effect with Historic Preservation. Sometimes they advocate duplication so new looks old, other times they say the new has to stand out from the old. I couldn't believe in one interior renovation they specified that they electrical conduit had to be on the exterior of the walls!<br /><br />Second it is relatively easy to determine what is the right look for a 1875 Queen Anne or a 1900 Edwardian design. Modern architecture has so many opinions of what is attractive and what is not, that I don't see how anyone can establish an easy consensus on any design. I personally would like to give developers an option either make it look like it fits with the historic neighborhood or do something modern and radical that really stands out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-85523038451291661612013-10-30T16:15:13.464-04:002013-10-30T16:15:13.464-04:00If HPRB is being criticized for "being too le...If HPRB is being criticized for "being too lenient and allowing too much difference and (also) for being too conservative and not allowing enough change and demolition" it suggests that they are somehow not getting it quite right. The blog article was referring specifically to decisions about new projects not historic projects that require change and demolition. The blog article acknowledges that HPRB does reasonably well with decisions about preserving history. The article is rhetorical posing the question about buildings that have no history but will eventually reflect history.<br /><br />An "anchor to the future" is a phrase used to describe distant dreams or visions that are used as a sustaining force in the present.Unstable Liveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199389696917774322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-74132656253457577302013-10-30T09:45:45.625-04:002013-10-30T09:45:45.625-04:00It seems that the HPRB gets criticized for being t...It seems that the HPRB gets criticized for being too lenient and allowing too much difference and for being too conservative and not allowing enough change and demolition. The same sort of contradictions that exist in this ungainly phrase: "an unfettered anchor to the future". Not sure what that has to do with the Historic Preservation Office exactly. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-20575038803352391982013-10-28T09:00:30.896-04:002013-10-28T09:00:30.896-04:00The house at the corner of 9th & R Sts NW was ...The house at the corner of 9th & R Sts NW was torn down against the HPRB. It was NOT rebuilt as it was, but as it originally was. In any event, I agree that rebuilding is not the same as preserving, no matter what. My wish is that the developer that tore down a protected building lose a lot of money on the project. Perhaps if enough developers lose lots of money on these types of projects, they won't tear down protected buildings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-25249111289909822972013-10-26T15:57:50.325-04:002013-10-26T15:57:50.325-04:00Stables never had windows on the second level beca...Stables never had windows on the second level because this is where the hay was stored. It was loaded through the hayloft doors with a beam and block and tackle above it. The doors opened outwards. The second floors had an opening in the middle of the floor to drop the hay down to the lower level for the horses throughout the year. There was also often a cupola on the roof to vent the hayloft and keep the temperatures down to minimize the risk of spontaneous combustion. Today the cupola opening is often used as a skylight and the floor opening is used as a staircase in adaptively reused buildings. Unstable Liveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199389696917774322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-16076121201129960692013-10-26T15:52:36.902-04:002013-10-26T15:52:36.902-04:00I am interested. Great write-up. Sounds very sne...I am interested. Great write-up. Sounds very sneaky to me (by Douglas). Greg Melcher hits it right on the head, here:<br /> <br />"My primary complaint here is this had to be discovered by walking through the alley, not by some notification from either the Developer or HPRB." <br /><br />What sort of penalties are imposed for this sort of thing?<br /> <br />It's too bad this particular stable had been maintained and repaired so thoughtlessly over the years. I can see the arched doorrway that you pointed out. I assume that you are suggesting the 2nd story window was never there to begin with? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-75253534725925688022013-10-26T15:51:12.747-04:002013-10-26T15:51:12.747-04:00Again you bring something to the conversation that...Again you bring something to the conversation that I've not considered before. This time its:" "What we saw before" however, did not reflect the original building but rather, the results of years of modification."<br /><br />The shadows, the story, of what a building used to be are housed within- outlines of long-gone stairwells, bricked in windows, holes in brick and walls where pipes or ducting or venting used to run, different types of bricks- the evolution of the structure is part of the structure, not just the current facade. <br /><br />Douglas Dev. did not mention anything about HPRB or DCRA approving this raze, it sounds just like DD made an 'executive decision'. When the penalty will probably just be a few thousand dollars what's the business downside? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-75150168214080978432013-10-26T10:31:40.812-04:002013-10-26T10:31:40.812-04:00Again Dave you bring something to the conversation...Again Dave you bring something to the conversation that I've not considered before. This time its:" "What we saw before" however, did not reflect the original building but rather, the results of years of modification."<br /><br />The shadows, the story, of what a building used to be are housed within- outlines of long-gone stairwells, bricked in windows, holes in brick and walls where pipes or ducting or venting used to run, different types of bricks- the evolution of the structure is part of the structure, not just the current facade. <br /><br />Douglas Dev. did not mention anything about HPRB or DCRA approving this raze, it sounds just like DD made an 'executive decision'. When the penalty will probably just be a few thousand dollars what's the business downside?Lisanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-40774349954502322572013-10-23T19:45:14.020-04:002013-10-23T19:45:14.020-04:00Thanks for sharing your well-written appreciation ...Thanks for sharing your well-written appreciation of the old buildings and an analogy to old cars.<br /><br />Very well written and adds clarity, vision, and possible second chances, or third for old buildings that didn't have the care such had in London and other parts of England. Quasi catch-up time. You still express a passion, but perhaps somewhat more philosophical.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-13255195674145727182013-10-23T19:44:53.945-04:002013-10-23T19:44:53.945-04:00So reassuring to know that I have kindred- well sa...So reassuring to know that I have kindred- well said and perhaps more " palpable" than inflammatory mud slinging - these buildings should be preserved or at a minimum be engaged with their forebears- Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-54174533091820984592013-09-29T06:53:31.484-04:002013-09-29T06:53:31.484-04:00This is cool!This is cool!Terrellhttp://topcoffeemakers2013.usnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-29665492563731273312013-04-24T18:20:10.963-04:002013-04-24T18:20:10.963-04:00E-mail images or comments to dcalleys@gmail.comE-mail images or comments to dcalleys@gmail.comUnstable Liveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02199389696917774322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-11627638135706429832013-04-24T17:03:53.739-04:002013-04-24T17:03:53.739-04:00I live on the 3rd floor next to the carriage house...I live on the 3rd floor next to the carriage house and it is truly a tragedy. Is there somewhere I can send you a picture I took this morning of the demolition?Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02850231883208035939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-40974665679512105332013-04-24T10:31:01.124-04:002013-04-24T10:31:01.124-04:00Good Piece. I hope that Forrester are good to thei...Good Piece. I hope that Forrester are good to their word, and contract.As you stated worth watching what happens. Thanks for the updateBadWolf DChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14773639121851292991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-12549259367220918312013-03-14T11:03:59.316-04:002013-03-14T11:03:59.316-04:00I took a lot of photos in this town, so I'm go... I took a lot of photos in this town, so I'm going to break them down into two posts.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ricestucco.com/" rel="nofollow">Bellevue Stucco</a>shorifmisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10528959537311087264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-1682891715870806162013-02-12T21:26:30.366-05:002013-02-12T21:26:30.366-05:00The top vacant lot/construction site, is 1504 6th ...The top vacant lot/construction site, is 1504 6th St NW (just north of P St) -- two blocks from NJ Ave. Are you certain it's a Reatig constrution? This has been a nuisance property for years: <br /><br />Editor's Response: - the Reatig building is going to be on the left of the wall in the third photo. The upper photo is on NJ Ave. but the Reatig project is on N Street. Sorry for the confusion. Will edit the post. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-3373261900308877282013-01-29T23:10:24.825-05:002013-01-29T23:10:24.825-05:00Royal Ontario Museum Michael Lee-Chin Crystal stoc...<a href="http://www.maximimages.com/image/CETP/royal-ontario-museum-michael-lee-chin-crystal" rel="nofollow">Royal Ontario Museum Michael Lee-Chin Crystal stock photo</a> © <a href="http://www.maximimages.com" rel="nofollow">MaximImages - stock photos in style</a>MaximImageshttp://www.maximimages.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-38257933192282538392013-01-18T13:31:12.121-05:002013-01-18T13:31:12.121-05:00The building on N Street under threat of being des...The building on N Street under threat of being destroyed on the 100 block of N Street was once a very large stable. It served as the Brass Knob for a long time to recycle architectural and construction elements. This is going to be a "tug of war" since while there is an application for a raze permit, there is also an application from other sources for historic designation. There are only a couple of really large stables in DC that remain standing and this is one of them. The other is the DC Archives bldg. (formerly Tally Ho Livery) and also the former Proctor stable behind the Comfort Inn on 13th Street.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501936778900191084.post-72530614137277252652013-01-18T13:18:09.022-05:002013-01-18T13:18:09.022-05:00not wanting to hijack the subject thread here, but...not wanting to hijack the subject thread here, but have you heard about the raze permit applied for for buildings on the unit block of N Street NW and Hanover Place NW. a couple of nice alley buildings appear to be threatened there.IMGophhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10389077782536090328noreply@blogger.com