Fathom Creative moved from their office in Dupont to their location in Logan Circle a few months ago. They had a daunting task, to transform a brake shop into a mixed-use creative space. They have successfully turned a commercial rowhouse into 3 spaces.

The building has quite some history. It was originally built in 1885 as a fine wines and groceries distributor. Then starting in 1915 it went through various automobile related uses, as 14th became known as “auto row”. Now as 14th Street becomes known as a “creative corridor’, 1333 14th Street is now suited for a different purpose.

The first level is the office of the design firm. The beautiful white interior features exposed duct work and enormous skylights. Here the company’s staff handles graphic and web design, as well as printing. Directly above this space is a rooftop.

In this space you will notice many remnants of the old brake shop. What you will mostly notice is old signage, such as “Minimum No Fix Charge $16.00″ or “Specialized Brake Service Grizzly Brake Lining”. My favorite, which Bill Fischer pointed out to me, is a post-it note (now framed) which states “Successful people don’t give up when it don’t work”. Things like this allow the modern space to keep that feeling of history and authenticity.

The second level is Fathom Gallery. In addition to being a gallery, the space’s use is flexible. There will more than likely be many creatively charged happenings, as well as philanthropic gatherings, here in the future.

Be on the look out.

Currently showing at Fathom Gallery are the photographs of Stirling Elmendorf, Adam Fenster and Scott Henrichsen. These photographers captured the space prior and during renovation. Stop by sometime to check them while they are still up.

The third floor is the private residence of Drew and Bill, the two who run Fathom. The rooms here blend modern elements, like sliding glass doors, with classicial elements, such as the window moldings (although they couldn’t keep the original molding due to lead, they did a damn good job a replicating them).

The master bedroom overlooks the rooftop and skylights with a Juliet balcony. Little details abound, such as the word “complete” on the sliding glass door of the guest rooms shower. When opened, it completes the blank in “you ____ me” painted on the wall behind it.

All in all this building succeeds as an office space, as a venue and as a home. I hope to see more creatives following their lead on 14th Street and throughout the city.

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You don’t need no stinkin’ pedals…

Loved the bright red lock…

As seen in front of MidCity Caffé & Miss Pixie’s.

Last night we previewed (and helped set up!) the De*Nada/Kelly Towles art show/pop-up shop event “For The Love Of It” at Redeem. We had a great time catching up with the fiance duo, and their dog Mia!

Stop by at 6:30pm to check out De*Nada’s new autumn/winter collection, new works by Kelly, music by DJ Ca$$idy and complimentary drinks supplied by Wasmund’s Whiskey and Flying Dog Brewery.

All photos after the jump:

I said this was going to happen. The southbound, contraflow bike lane is indeed being used to go northbound as well, because cyclists prefer to be separated from moving vehicles. I’m not complaining or condoning it, but at 9′ wide, I think DDOT should consider making this a two-way cycle track…

I read a resident complaint on GGW that the street feels less urban because now the vehicles are parked off the curb, making them more noticeable. I have to differ (ps. I live less than a block from the cycletrack). The street feels much tighter because now there is one less car lane, making it feel less like a suburban highway.

My suggestion to DDOT: Place a short curb to separate the parking from the cycletrack, and paint a two-way arrow on it…

Loved the bike seat:

Think you have a nice ride? Send in a photo with your name and neighborhood to info@readysetdc.com!

Think you have a nice ride? Send in a photo with your name and neighborhood to info@readysetdc.com!

Think you have a nice ride? Send in a photo with your name and neighborhood to info@readysetdc.com!

The new addition to 14th street, Masa14 is alive and buzzing with excitement. The fusion restaurant with chefs Kaz Okochi (of Kaz Sushi Bistro) and Richard Sandoval (of Zengo) at the helm has been flooded with crowds all awaiting a taste of the collaboration of these two masterful chefs. Masa14 can best be described as lively; with its lengthy bar (65 feet to be exact,) open spaces, and hip yet minimalist decor. Masa14 has also proved early on in its life that it is a prime location for a super swanky event i.e. last Monday’s Fashion Washington first anniversary party, which featured The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman and the Washington fashion elite.

Masa14 has sought to reinvigorate the fusion restaurant, and this Latin/Asian fusion concept seems to find a nice home in the eclectic and ethnic U Street Corridor. Aside from its conceptual aspirations, Masa14 boasts a sample ready menu, with small portions perfect for those of us who can’t help but ogle our neighbors plates. Masa14 also provides quite the tequila selection; with 119 varieties, Masa14 seeks to become the District’s first tequila bar.

The menu itself is divided into two categories; hot and cold. From the cold side, you can enjoy Masa14′s cleanly presented Temaki Hand Rolls. I recommend the Spicy Tuna, with wasabi, tuna, jicama and scallions. The sweeter Barbecued Eel with pickled jalapeno, mint and eel sauce is also well recommended.

From the hot side I recommend; Barbecue Salmon, a light and rustic fillet of Salmon topped with a flavorful achoite ponzu, bacon and spinach. The Yucca fries with a lime ailoi dipping sauce are wonderfully simple and delectable. The Kobe Beef and Pork Meatballs are quite impressive; tangy and spicy. Hands down the most skillful entree on the menu, is the Black Cod with chipotle miso and pickled onion. The Cod has a subtle spice, is unpredictably light and melts in your mouth.

If you are not entirely stuffed after your meal, Masa14 offers up four dessert options; my personal favorite the Panna Cotta with coconut milk and fresh mango.

Many more photos here!

Masa14 is located at 1825 14th Street NW. Call (202) 328-1414 for reservations. Masa 14 is open Monday through Thursday.

Ladies and gentlemen and beer enthusiasts alike; the day you have been waiting for is finally here. Today, the much anticipated duel project, Birch & Barley and ChurchKey opens on 14th Street in Logan Circle. This is the first venture in the city for The Neighborhood Restaurant Group, whose empire includes Columbia Firehouse, and Rustico.

The Neighborhood Restaurant Group acquired the building in April of 2008, perhaps unprepared for the undertaking they were about to embark upon. The old building, once home to Dakota Cowgirl, was in worse condition than anticipated and endured long renovations; much to the dismay of excited locals and beer connoisseurs.

Please note: This menu is subject to change.

More words and lots of photos after the jump:

Enter 1337 14th Street and you are presented with a choice; remain on the main floor to frequent Birch & Barley, or proceed up the stairs to the ChurchKey bar. At Birch & Barley you will find a spacious dining room, offering up large plates prepared by husband/wife culinary team, Kyle Bailey and Tiffany Macisaac. Take your pick between housemade flatbreads or dishes such as the Crispy Wild Striped Bass with baby fennel or the Honey Glazed Duck Breast with wild dates and wild rice. The garage door floor to ceiling window allows for plenty of light during the day and a perfect perch for people watching in the evenings. During the warmer months, Birch&Barley will open up to offer patio seating. Perhaps the most fascinating part of Birch & Barley (aside from the great lighting) is the enormous and mesmerizing “beer organ” These 9 foot copper pipes transport beer from the three temperature controlled beer rooms above at ChurchKey down to its partner below.

Post dinner, you can venture upstairs to the cavernous, yet cozy ChurchKey. The 75′ long bar provides ample room; providing an accommodating atmosphere with room for all, without being devoid of character. ChurchKey offers up a separate menu with light modern American fare, separated into four distinct categories; fresh, pressed, roasted and fried. I may be leaving out the most impressive aspect of this newest venture from the Restaurant Group…the selection of 555 beers. That’s right, 555; with 500 bottles, 50 on draft and five cask conditioned ales. Beer director, Greg Engert said he began working on the massive beer list in April of 2008; putting much care into creating a destination bar for beer lovers.

Decisions, decisions…All in all, Birch & Barley and ChurchKey promise to be a beer and food lover’s dream, but also a unique and pleasing delight for local residents.