Say 'Hello' to Stylish Treats!

An Exclusive sneak peak at Dupont's New Cupcake Boutique, 'Hello Cupcake'

Starting this week, DC style aficionados will have a new treat to savor in Dupont Circle. The two chandeliers have been hung, the white carerra marble counters have been installed, the signs are ready to be hung, and there are just a few details here and there that need to be completed, as workers hurry to finish the newest modern hot spot in Dupont. Only this time it's not home furnishings or fashions that are served up in this hot new boutique, but rather cupcakes. That's right, those tasty treats you loved as a child are back, but this time with a heightened level of style and sophistication.

With the opening of Hello Cupcake, proprietor and head baker Penny Karas has brought together what she describes as 'two separate but interconnected ideas." First, as the bakery's motto suggest, this is 'a sophisticated twist on a an old-fashioned classic', meaning that all the ingredients are top quality, and in most cases organic and locally grown. Many of the inventive flavors are geared towards a sophisticated palette. And rather than the slathered on icing with sprinkles you grew up with, these cupcakes feature artistically piped icing with an array of carefully made confectioner toppers.

But the level of sophistication and modern style does not stop at the little cakes themselves, but is extended to the bakery's interior as well. As Karas suggests, this is "also a modern take on the concept of a bakery." The idea behind the interior of the bakery, designed by Karas' architect husband, Bill Bonstra of Bonstra Haresign Architects, is that the retail space read more as a boutique, such as small jewelry shop, than a bakery.

"Washington is ready," says Karas, who says that she has been watching what is happening in Washington with the emergence of more modern and forward thinking design amidst a vastness of traditionalism. Recently, areas throughout the city have seen a resurgence, in many ways brought about by the many new, more contemporary condominium and apartment buildings, which have attracted many new residents with a decidedly more modern aesthetic, to whom Karas expects her bakery will especially have a certain appeal. In fact Karas is quite familiar with the real estate market and the modern aesthetic, having spent a number of years in marketing, publicity, and real estate development. But baking, too, is in her blood, having spent many years growing up in her family's restaurant business.

It comes as no surprise then that Hello Cupcake is a family business as well, with her husband's primary contribution being that of the design. In fact Karas is quick to admit that her favorite part was "working with Bill and the way he was able to draw it out of my mind." She got to see his talent throughout the process, especially as he worked on the design of the millwork, drafting all the details by hand. And the outcome is a space that really captures Karas' concept. As Karas puts it, "It is a warm and inviting place".

Upon entering Hello Cupcake, guests will certainly take note of the contemporary design with allusions to this concept of 'sophisticated twists', which start with the pair of glass chandeliers, seemingly traditional elements, which have been both reinterpreted in colors from the bakery's branding palette and hung in a very anti-traditional, asymmetric arrangement. The white carerra marble counter stretches along one side of the shop, topping an expanse of molded pattered gypsum panels from ModularArts that resembles frosting. Karas calls attention to a favorite detail here, the turned down edge of the countertop, which her husband again and again asked Karas to consider and in the end finally convinced her was the proper detail. "He was right" Karas smiles. Overhead, four drywall panels, almost resembling piano keys, extend out from the side wall over the main counter area. And behind the counter, built-in millwork runs beneath a wall with a series of back-lit niches, which the baker can use to showcase various ingredients. Opposite, a chocolate brown wall will soon receive brightly colored 'sprinkles'. Four marble-top table with steel bases are paired with bent plywood chairs and a bar-height counter and stools provide the seating for this small but well-tailored space. Karas feels that the guests to her space will see the thought and care that was put into the design of the bakery and will understand that this is a reflection of the thought and care put into her products as well. She feels that the design of the space accentuates the little treats themselves, making them even more appealing.

In addition to the 14-16 flavors of cupcakes offered daily, Hello Cupcake will also serve a variety of beverages, featuring DC original M.E. Swing Coffees, 'Hint' water, and 'GuS' sodas (which stands for 'Grown Up Sodas', but which also has a sentimental draw for Karas, whose father was named Gus.) And keep an eye out cupcake decorating classes, as well as Lola's cupcakes: K-9 cupcakes named for the baker's pooch.

Hello Cupcake is located on the east side of Connecticut Avenue just south of Dupont Circle, and opens at the end of this week.

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These Mean Streets

The title of the July 6th, Washington Post article read "Drivers Feeling Shunned by D.C.: City Less Welcoming to Suburban Cars".

Two days later, Alice Swanson, a DC resident, was struck and killed by a garbage truck in Dupont Circle.

While the two instances might not immediately seem interconnected, there is an underlying thread here. In the Washington Post article that reported Swanson's death, a coworker recalled that "she was nervous because of D.C. traffic".

It is this nervousness on the part of District residents that the DC government is concerned about. And it seems that it is for that very reason that DC is now exploring various options to help return the streets to the residents of the District.

The July 6th article mentions several alternatives that are being considered. The most ambitious, it seems, is the possibility of closing the third street tunnel, which connects I-395 to New York Avenue (Rte. 50), and is a well-traveled "short-cut" for Virginians and Marylanders who prefer not to travel the beltway or I-295. There is the expected opposition from suburbanites, as well as those which utilize the route to commute into the city on a daily basis. This traffic study, in culmination with a series of other proposed measures, have commuters crying foul at the city's tactics, claiming that DC either is attempting to punish commuters for those who drive aggressively, or simply to levy fees to turn a profit at commuters' expense. (Attempts to pass a commuter tax have been shut down by the federal government.) While I'm sure that those like myself who live in the city and are self-proclaimed urbanists must admit a certain back of the mind sadistic pleasure from the thought of punishing people for living in the 'burbs, the reality is that DC's efforts here appear to be genuinely aimed at making the District a safer, more walkable city, and in many ways should be lauded.

Back in February I attended the WDCEP program "Leinberger, Wells & Tregoning on Walkable Communities - inDC Economic Trendsetters", the central theme of which was DC as a liveable and walkable community. The event's lead-off presenter, Christopher Leinberger, is a visiting fellow at the Brooking Institution, and author of The Option of Urbanism, where he explores how government policy has favored the development of suburbs, and what can be done to change that. Leinberger contends that there are really only two options for development: walkable urban -or- drivable suburban. Leinberger cites that, for several reasons, DC has seen an influx of new residents - these include the allure to Gen-Xers (thanks in part to TV show set in urban areas) and the fact that the baby-boomers are now empty nesters, and states that to sustain such growth that cities need to maintain walkability through access to resources and public transit. Walkable distance is measured as being no more than 1500-3000 ft.

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells at the same event reiterated the importance of creating walkable communities, and said that emphasis is being placed on implementing strategies which support and encourage that goal. He admits that some are not as well-received as others, such as parking metering strategies near and around the new Nationals stadium, which, in addition to potentially charging higher rates for on-street parking, also extend metered parking hours. However, as indicated by subsequent meetings with residents in Ward 6 regarding pedestrian safety, it is clear that at least Wells is taking the task of making DC streets safer for pedestrians seriously. His elimination of the one-way traffic flow in the mornings on Constitution Ave, NE is one such policy that has been well-received. Now other similar one-way and reversible lane thoroughfares are under consideration for elimination as well.

As a Ward 6 resident, every morning that I walk to the metro from my house I have to be extremely careful at two intersections which were mentioned in the July 6th article, as well as another: 17th, 18th, and 19th Streets in NE/SE along East Capitol, which is a main access point for MD commuters as well that come in VIA 295 and cut through to the SE/SW Freeway. While improvements to the 11th Street bridges are aimed at creating a better connection between the SE/SW Freeway and 295 to further ease pressures such as these on the cities neighborhood streets, the completion of this work, which will lessen the flow of traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue's Sousa Bridge, is at least five years away.

As for the highly criticized traffic study centered around the closing of the 3rd street tunnel, while it is as of yet indeterminable what the final recommendations will be, it seems that such efforts to ease traffic on certain overly used corridors are in fact quite prudent, especially given that such avenues, such as New York Avenue, were never really intended to handle that volume. I imagine that there will be alternatives that are born from these studies that are less extreme, but I much favor the urbanistic notion of allowing streets to serve pedestrians as well as vehicular traffic -- it has been well illustrated that the faster that traffic moves on a street, the less pleasant the street is to be on from a pedestrian and aesthetic standpoint, and that affects the quality of life on that street for the residents and shop owners...I think that unfortunately, New York Avenue as we know if today is especially a reminder of that, as are nearby Florida Avenue and North Capitol Street.

In the end, what is perhaps most telling is that Washington Post polls of suburban residents and DC residents both illustrated support for what the DC government is doing.

As I pass by the intersection of 18th & K on my way to work on July 23rd I come upon the scene of another hit-and-run -- fortunately not fatal this time. As reported by the Post, "The District has higher pedestrian death rates than New York, Boston, Seattle, Chicago and Los Angeles, with 2.7 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pedestrian injuries rose from 586 in 2000 to 725 in 2006." While getting into and around the city will always be an important aspect to residents and commuters, feeling safe and not fearing DC traffic must become a top priority.
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NBM to Continue the DC Height Act Dialogue

Back in December we discussed the DC Height Limit in a post DC: A Storied Future. We found the topic of DC's Height Limit, as prescribed by the Height Act of 1910, to be of interest to many. And since attendance at the DCBIA discussion, which prompted our discussion of the Height Act, we have noticed the issue being raise in a variety of forums, such as the potential for greater height or density for new developments such as Poplar Point, as well as in the recent Witold Rybczynski lecture at the National Building Museum on May 13th, where the architecture author and critic had a hard time convincing us that revising the Height Act would be a bad idea (stating, "if it's not broken, don't fix it", but then later agreeing that a more undulating, visually interesting skyline is an appealing notion for this horizontal city). We are therefore pleased to see that NBM is continuing this discussion on September 24th with DC Builds: How High to Build? (6:30 – 8 pm). Moderated by Mary Fitch, AICP, Hon. AIA, Executive Director, AIA|DC, panelists Thomas Luebke (Secretary, US Commission of Fine Arts), Christopher Leinberger (Brookings Institution Visiting Fellow), and Whayne Quinn (Holland & Knight, LLP) will debate the pros and cons of revising this almost century old act.

$12 Museum members and students; $20 nonmembers. Prepaid registration is required.
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Modernism In Your Neighborhood : Columbia Heights

Modernism appears in places where you would least expect it. This happening gives neighborhoods a special spark of interest. This example appears on the block directly behind the new Target store in Columbia Heights. The block is a quiet one, lined with a grid of varied classic townhouse typologies. A row of simple 1920's two story porch front federals anchors one side, while mid-sized Victorian walk-ups are on the other. Tall trees soften the block of varied rooflines and jagged angled bayfronts. Slammed in between all of these variations on the block is a brand new townhouse scaled condo building. Its large bay cantilevers over the street front. Its overscaled glazing makes this dominating element reflect the trees, giving it more transparency. It's reflections allow it to blend with the surroundings. It is a simple design that uses the odd angles of the lot and surrounding buildings to it's advantage. This is what gives the architecture it's dynamism. The roofline thrusts outwards to give a dramatic overhang. This is a play off of the neighboring buildings' prominent cornice lines. It is still a very modern aesthetic for a classic block, but by taking cues from the historic architectures, it respects the existing history while exuding a contrasting modernism in it's own right.

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A Sweet Tooth for Design

If you are looking for a quick sugar fix topped off with slick design, hop on over to the newly opened TangySweet (P Street near 21st Street, NW). Designed by Washington-based KUBE Architecture, the space, much like the tasty treat served, is colorful, refreshing, and not overly complicated.

Upon entry (once the line is short enough that you have emerged into this oft-packed space) you will almost immediately notice the color-changing light features-cum-standing height tables. Described by the architects as "woven light" which "introduce the fresh colors and flavors of the yogurt and fruit toppings", these elements embrace, rather than defy, the low-light nature of this lower-level space in a pleasing way. For customers wanting to sit and relax there is a small seating area, opposite the cantilevered, LED enhanced tables, dubbed the "yogurt lounge". In fact the entire space, which employs energy-efficient lighting and sustainable materials, feels like a lounge -- one would almost be inclined to order a mojito or cosmo (perhaps future flavor offerings?) --but for now you'll have to indulge in a 'well-dressed' yogurt or smoothie.
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Modern Update : Existing Office Buildings

The general trend with updating old and dated office buildings within the District has been to clad everything in glass. We covered this issue in a previous post and you can read how we think this can be both a positive and a negative thing to do. One building in particular along the 1100 block of 16th Street, NW took a different approach with it's modernizations. The original building was a semi-interesting mid-century modern structure. The majority of the facade was placed in a frame containing ribbon windows and a metal cladding banding horizontally between the windows. Instead of ripping the facade to shreds and facing it entirely with a monotonous glass system, the horizontal bands were maintained, but the metal spandrels were re-clad. The were panelized with a very simple, yet elegant oversized weaving system of panels. Each metal panel is slightly etched with another interlocking design to continue the theme. The theme is strong yet not overplayed. The woven facade gives a more delicate association to the heavy material. A new canopy entrance also brings the building up to date. The brilliant red geometric sliver gestures to the street, pulling the passerby in towards the building. It is pierced overhead by a roof system of steel structure and glass. These two elements play off of each other in a juxtaposition of vertical and horizontal massings. The red wall slopes into the glass elevation of the lobby and continues inside following the lobby wall. This is a nice connection between the exterior and the interior architectures. The lobby is a simple space where the walls seem to pierce the ceiling plane and are lit at this connection. The round columns are clad in an energetic mosaic tile in black with pink specs. This building has successfully been reborn. It's original features were not obliterated, but rethought and celebrated. Texture, color, patterning and materiality are what make this one stand out on the streetscape.
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Modernism In Your Neighborhood : Floor Add-Ons

There are still many pockets within the city limits of the District that are exempt from historic preservation review boards. This fact does not mean that any designer should not take the history and the existing context into consideration when designing additions or new buildings in these areas. It does not mean that a free-for-all is appropriate or even the most simply "slapped on" addition will do the trick. The triangular shaped block along Florida Ave. and 10th Streets NW in the Shaw neighborhood has several examples where existing townhouses have been added onto with an entire new third floor. One of the following four examples is a totally new building anchoring both of these blocks on the pointed end of the irregular shaped block. The block of 10th Street has a continuous row of very simple historic Federal front townhouses. These buildings are very narrow and were never intended to have a strong and dominating street presence. One of the houses is in the process of being added onto with a full third floor addition. It is obvious that everything seems to be a disaster here by the Stop Work signs in the windows. The existing cornice brick work which ties the entire block together, has been eradicated. Concrete block is placed on top of the existing brick wall and two new windows are placed in the wall. The windows relate to nothing of the existing proportions and the new height of the floor is completely disproportionate to the existing two floors. Everything that was significant about this house has been destroyed. This is an example of exactly what NOT to EVER do to your townhouse. On the Florida Avenue side of the block, a similar Federal front townhouse has been added onto as well. A full third floor was added, but from the front elevation, it was set back several feet. This separation allows for the original brick cornice line of the block to continue and not break up the simple rhythm of the street. It is clad in a completely difference material, horizontal wood cladding, which helps play down the new verticality. The rear of the house is where the great modern design comes in to play. Large amounts of glazing open up the interior of this narrow and now tall house. The significant historical aspects of this house were kept intact, and the new modern addition plays with the scale and adds a fantastic new architecture to the existing. The new and the old respect each other and compliment each other in the composition. A wider version of these Federal fronts is located on the 10th Street side. The original detailing has been restored and is celebrated with a contrasting color scheme. An entirely new third floor has been added. The proportions of the new windows keeps to the original scheme as does the surrounding brick work. The unfortunate part of this addition is the scale and massing. The massing of the new floor is way too tall compared to the existing floor heights. This condition make it feel extremely top heavy. The new floor has no formal cornice. If the new roofline somehow played with the original design of the cornice, the verticality would have been somewhat diminished, mitigating the top-heavy feeling. Still, the massing was totally an afterthought and has once again ruined the compatibility and composition of the new and old. The final building on this block is a new structure which occupies the triangular lot at the intersections of Florida Ave. and 10th Street. The massing is taller than the existing two rows of townhouses it backs up to, but on a typical city block, the concept of "bookending" is contextually typical. A taller and more massive building on the ends of the block can be a nice design element to any neighborhood. This townhouse picks up on the existing scales and proportions of its historic neighbors. The fenestration of punched openings works well with the existing facades. Towards the point of the lot, bays project from the angle of the street to hint at the dynamic intersection of both streets. These bays are constructed of glass and steel storefront systems which make them more delicate and more transparent. This creates an element of interest but keeps down the perception of heavy massing. This house is a great blend of modern elements and historic elements. Dynamic modern architecture sympathetic to the historic context is always a welcome addition to the block.

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Next Time, Have a Little Style with your Coffee!

For those of us that admit that we once found Starbucks exciting and stylish, no doubt in this era of coffeehouse giant world domination we are now finding the chain store a little hard to swallow. No doubt this is why the coffee chain introduced its Pike Place Blend this spring, signaling a return to basics and trying to lure coffee drinkers back. And back in February Starbucks closed over 7,000 stores for several hours to retrain baristas. Reports suggest, however, that the tactics aren't working, and patrons are becoming disenfranchised. If you count yourself among those for whom Starbucks has lost its allure, perhaps there's no better time to try some of the areas less frequented shops.

Illy is not a new name in the coffee world, and especially for anyone who has traveled abroad, the name is recognizable. But what you may not know is that the first Illy Cafe location opened up right here in Washington, DC -- a year ago in fact -- and has become a welcome respite from its prevalent counterpart. But in addition to serving up an authentic cappuccino (what us self-avowed coffee connoisseurs have to order 'dry' at Starbucks), Illy's West End 'Caffe' also serves up great design. And this is in no small part due to the company's philosophy for it's shops, what it characterizes as "the art of the Italian café culture". The company even refers to the role that architecture plays in their corporate branding on their website. And though small, the cafe, located at 1143 New Hampshire Ave NW (adjoined to the Marriott Renaissance), is big on style.









For those in search of coffee with a local flavor, Mayorga Coffee might just be what your craving. The Maryland based company offers up a handful of locations in the area, including the welcome addition to the Columbia Heights neighborhood in the Tivoli Theatre building (3303 14th Street, NW). Dedicated to sustainable growing methods and positive support of its growers, Mayorga's coffee can leave you feeling warm and fuzzy in more ways than one.
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H is for Housewares!

For those of us urbanites involved in the constant hunt for modern, handcrafted, chic, and useful elements to furnish our homes with, I have recently discovered a new boutique that is a must see. Nestled inside a new storefront on the bustling 14th Street NW corridor, Timothy Paul Bedding + Home welcomes the window shopper by allowing them to, for a few moments, peer at the window displays and feel as though they are looking in at a shop in SoHo. The goods are plentiful. Everything from hand crafted beds, tableware, bedding, seating, mirrors, and some of the most incredible glassware that can be found anywhere in the city is bursting with energy inside. Trends and Classics mix well with bright colors, luxurious materials and finely crafted elements. The design of the store itself follows the theme of well crafted design. The wall system is composed of perforated metal shelving anchored to a more organic composite wood that is sleek with a high gloss finish. The metal racks which delicately display the bed linens are also crafted to an organic curve to soften the structured and orderly display. The service desk is a rigid metal frame wrapped in screenwork. The countertop is a study in concrete surface that is somewhat bleached and embedded with glowing light blue shards of recycled glass. The three materials of dark metal, polished concrete and shards of glass all compose a very elegant and functional piece for the store, on casters no less! Do yourself a favor and stop by 1529A 14th Street, NW and indulge in the great eye candy on display and take a step further and indulge in that perfect piece to bring to your own home.

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On The Scene : Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

It has been quite the week for socializing amidst good design. What better way to spend a balmy Wednesday evening than to attend the White Here White Now party at the super chic Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture store on 14th Street in the Logan Circle neighborhood. Upon arrival, you were greeted with a streetside lounge complete with white lounge seating and white carpets. This outdoor room invited the inside guests to mingle with the outside urban energy of the street. Huge storefront windows beckon the passerby to peer inside to the one time auto showroom. Original details still remain with massive limestone clad columns and plaster ceiling designs and become an invigorating setting for the simple and chic furnishings that the store promotes. Inside several hundred urbanites were dressed to the nine in white and more white. A white chocolate martini fountain got the party started while the Legendary Lady Bunny directly from Manhattan spun the tunes behind the dj booth. Rumor had it she arrived by a white helicopter that parked on the rooftop. Gift bags topped off this spectacular event to promote the urban lifestyle and great ways to furnish it.

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On The Scene : G-Star

It is always a treat to go to an opening party for a new store in the city. This is one of the perks you get by living in an urban environment. People watching, socializing, cocktailing, dj spinning, and gift bags all the while being surrounded by great design. The G-Star store on Connecticut Ave. and R Streets that recently opened threw a great party to promote its sleek, modern, and raw Dutch clothing designs. This fashion house bases itself on urban and durable fabrics such as waxed canvas coats and stiff cotton jeans. Military and industrial themes rein in the stylistic content throughout the store. Picture a safari-warzone. This is the general aesthetic. The detailing and design of the store itself echos the inspired clothing line. Waxed canvas drapes and "jump seats" similar to those of the Land Rover Defenders, compose the fitting rooms. Stained steel panels line several accent walls. Fabricated steel racks and displays that are carved into the walls function for the displays. Haphazard lighting hangs from the ceiling and from underneath the metal shelving, creating a sterile and laboratory feel. The store may feel a bit raw, but that is the entire intention. The clothes themselves fit perfectly into the urban warzone where creative denizens enjoy playing the part. Everyone from editors at Washington Life Magazine, Fashonistas, and social scenesters like Svetlana at Brightestyoungthings enjoyed the revelry of the urban event. Great design is always a good way to start a party.

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Travel Log : St. Armands Key, Florida

The Sarasota School of Modernism plays a very important role in the significance of mid-century modern architecture. The area of central Florida still has many relics from this period. Drive-in motels with flashy pools and courtyards, automobile dealerships and showrooms, strip-malls (the first ones) and single family residences all themed for the age when people went "motoring" and sat poolside during their three martini lunches, turn up in most of these Floridian towns. Many have fallen into disrepair, but still retain some of that original glamour that they intended to evoke for the modern lifestyles of that age. Sarasota and the key islands that border it are no exception. Many of these mid-century residences are being restored to their original glory. The downtowns with the glitzy display cased storefronts are booming again with pedestrians. While these historic gems are having a revitalization, there is also a growing taste for today's modernist principles in design. New waterfront homes that are designed with the mid-century principles of open floorplans, simple materials, spaces that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, and modest square footage are becoming more popular. One commercial space along the main drag through St. Armands Key, which is just beyond Sarasota, follows these new Floridian modern principles. Cork is a hot new winebar and lounge. The exterior storefront is a simple palate of glass, steel and stucco. The heavier masonry massing of the elevation gently wraps around the delicate glazing to create overhangs and balconies. The effect is a pulling of the passer-by into the spaces while encouraging the occupants to interact with the street scene. The entrance invites you into a very light-filled space with terrazzo surfaces and plenty of bright tropical colors which punctuate individual walls to create boundaries rather than enclosures to the spaces. The first floor is more of a cafe welcoming visitors in from the Florida heat during the day. Evening hours bring people up to the second level to engage in a more intimate and loungy atmosphere. A central open riser stair, transparent glass rails and countertops flank a orange tiled wall which connects the upper and the lower spaces. The lounge combines rich wood panels, dark leathers and fabrics with more luxe seating banquettes. The lighting here is through a series of clerestory windows and the light filtered through a mobile screen floating in the stairwell. Glass panels create a flow of this space to the exterior balcony space. Here the loungers can interact with the vibrancy of the evening street culture. These spaces combine the public of the street with the intimacy of the lounge as well as the old Florida lifestyle with the new.
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