16th and Riggs NW: A group of local residents protested the removal of trees and the paving of the front entrance area at the Embassy of Congo. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Michelle Lancaster. Follow her and tell her your news on Twitter @MichLancaster or email her at [email protected].
DCCA Protest at Embassy of Congo
Dupont Circle residents, organized by the Dupont Circle Citizens Association, demonstrated in front of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) Embassy on 16th Street NW. The Congolese government paved the front lawn and chopped down trees. It is unclear how much of a legal recourse the residents of the area have now that the house belongs to the Congolese government. One of our favorite signs was the “Republic of Concrete” left hanging on the embassy fence.
Occupy Lincoln Theatre (Sort of?)
Or not at all. The DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities has taken control of the financially-troubled Lincoln Theatre. DCist has the full story, but the press release from the Commission indicates that the first priority will be to develop a long-term comprehensive plan for the theatre. I’m not toting an MBA and the associated student loan debt, but a functioning business plan would seem like a necessary first step and not particularly novel thinking. No word on the status of the theatre and programming in the meantime, though.
Profile of Vintage Store Foundry
U Street has become the go-to spot for good vintage finds of late, and part of that momentum was generated by Foundry. The owner, Yvette Freeman, lives in the ‘hood on Swann Street NW and painstakingly tracked down prime vintage finds until making her ultimate find — the actual store location on U Street. Washingtonian has a nice profile of the store and Yvette. If you’re looking for a once-worn Motley Crue T, this is not that vintage. Foundry specializes in furniture and adornments like vintage lamps and maps.
