Google Earth 1999 - part three

The Google Earth tool has a feature that displays historical satellite images from selected points in time. I thought it would be interesting to review images from last decade that pre-date all the new construction development we see today.

Not surprisingly much of what existed in 1999 was surface parking lots. But there are structures visible on many of these sites. Where these vacant buildings or did they host residences or businesses. Feel free to share the 411 in the comments.

Yale Lofts Condominiums:

555 Mass and Hampton Inn:

City Vista:

Click on any of the images to enlarge.

NY Ave car crash flattens street lamp in front of Yale Lofts

I'm a little late with a report on this incident that occurred late last week as it took some time to obtain photos.

From a Yale resident:

There was a major traffic accident along NY Ave (on either late Sept 3rd or early AM September 4th), someone driving super-fast down New York Avenue by Yale Lofts took out the bus stop and a lamp post. The fallen lamp post is now blocking part of the Yale driveway.

From the photos below it appears the crash leveled a P6 Metrobus sign and a cobra light post.

flattened P6 Metrobus signage

The base of the leveled lamp post

Smashed up cobra head lamp

If anyone has more details or better photos feel free to share.

Linked up: Parks, Billboards, Doormen and RPP

Shaw - A Vacant lot on 10th Street, NW between L and M Streets is planned to be transformed into a park [Renew Shaw and Greater Greater Washington]

Mount Vernon Square - Cary Silverman discusses the need for DCRA to crack down on illegal billboards [The Other 35 Percent and Lifein MVSNA]

Yale Lofts - District Chatter reports Yale Lofts is considering a video doorman.

Ward 6 - Councilmember Tommy Wells' blog introduces the Residential Parking Protection Pilot Act and engages in some Q & A.

The Rest of Yale

Editor's note: Our first post from new contributor SteamingMyLaundry

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An artist's rendering of the entire Yale Complex, including "Yale West," is now circulating among Yale East residents. Apparently, various community organizations approved the design at some point, but this would have happened long before anyone lived in Yale East (or the other new buildings in the Triangle, for that matter). The 211-unit "Yale West" portion will be rentals. When complete, it will give the Yale Complex approximately 370 units overall.

click image to enlarge

Perhaps the most interesting feature is the proposed set of "live-work" rentals on the first floor along New York Avenue. "Live-work" units are designed to enable someone to operate a home business that needs street access. The resident would work in his art gallery, real estate brokerage, or whatever, and then live in the back. This is being pitched as a new concept, although it reminds me a lot of families who lived above their stores in colonial America.

Anyway, what do people think about the design? I can't speak for other Yale residents, but I'm very happy. There's enough space for light and air between the two buildings -- the developer (IBG Partners) doesn't propose to build the tallest section immediately adjacent to the historic buildings. And, although it's different enough from the rest of the complex not to be dull, it's similar enough to blend well.

FHA Seminar at Yale Lofts

Yale Lofts is having a seminar on FHA loans tonight at 6pm.


Is there a reader who would be willing to give a high level explanation of FHA at Yale Lofts? I haven't had much exposure to FHA. In the past I've heard of FHA loans for the purpose of first time buyers rehabbing a dilapidated house. The idea of an FHA loan with a new construction hi-rise is new for me. Is this available at many condos or is Yale Lofts unique?

Yale Lofts

Do we have readers at the Yale Lofts? What percent occupied ("sold" is smoke & mirrors) is the building?

A New Addition to the Triangle

Please welcome our new writer, MadrigalBlogs, he'll be contributing to the Triangle blog and telling us a little more about his slice of the pie.

We look forward to adding more neighbors who wish to contribute to the blog in the future. If you're interested drop me a line, we would love to be able to represent all of the condominiums in the Triangle!

p.s. If you live at 400Mass, Yale Laundry, The Meridian, or 300 Mass, you are most definitely part of the Triangle community so don't be a stranger!