As the crowded commercial area near the Metro, clearly in transition, is left behind, we enter a few blocks where the development is less intense. I think this is ahistorical and is the result of buildings having been torn down, although, with one exception, I can’t really prove that. But we do see a few vacant lots, which I am sure weren’t always empty.

We walk past one of the city’s largest apartment developments, formerly called Brookland Manor, but now with signs that say RIA (I bet you can figure that one out).

Here is one building, but there are many, with something like 1700 separate apartments. Built in the 1940s for working class families, the property was acquired by a former client in the 1970s, and rehabilitated as Section 8 subsidized housing. It provided an important city resource as it contains, if memory serves, many three and even four bedroom units, of obvious importance for large families and rare in government assisted housing. But it was always controversial, was viewed as harboring too many children and too much crime. It was, in part, because of its age and size difficult to manage and maintain and I think my clients, serious people, did as well as possible.

Then my client decided it needed a full scale rebuilding that became very contentious. I am not sure where things stand today. It looks the same (still looks well maintained), the name has changed, but I am not sure what the plans are today. Probably still in flux. On the lot on Rhode Island next to this property was a small, old strip shopping center that was part of the problem. It was purchased by my client and has been leveled. That is one of the empty lots. Keep your eye on that space.

As we continue,  we see more transition in action. New rental or condo buildings are interspersed among older buildings and some commercial properties along with the vacant lots and vacant stores. This, for example, was a Wallgreens.

But never fear. The McDonalds, the 7-11, the laundromat right across the street – they are still there.

We walk on. And then again the neighborhood changes and we now enter several blocks of active commercial activity that looks like what you might see in older cities across the country. Yes there are still some vacancies, but most buildings are well occupied.

There are several small restaurants, including a Jamaican restaurant (which I just heard has closed), pizza, and a restaurant that also serves as a culinary school. There is also a Chinese carryout.

There is a wonderful coffee house, where you can watch the friendly, busy staff, pack the beans, grind them, roast them and make your drink.

There are no big churches here, but some smaller ones. And not everyone here seems to be religious in a conventional sense, or to know how to spell.

And oh yes, there is a beauty school, where you can learn to do this.

Finally, we don’t want to forget where we are. And on the side of the now closed Public Option pub, we remember.

We might see a bit more of this neighborhood next time. Then, we will walk a few exclusively residential blocks, after which we will tiptoe into the State of Maryland, and everything changes once again.