Scoop: D.C. pushes back Connecticut Avenue bike lane designs

1 big thing — Scoop: Bike lane delay

Dry cleaner shop owner poses next to anti "Conn Ave Bike Lanes" sign on storefront

The Atlantis brings small shows for $44

2. The Atlantis brings small shows for $44

Metro's Yellow Line to reopen next month

3. 🟡 The Yellow Line returns!

4. Around the Beltway: More light shed on McGrath case

Illustration of a pattern of cherry blossoms.

On the job junt? 

D.C. installs overdose-reversing vending machines

5. Overdose-reversing vending machine

The inside of a vending machine, showing Narcan, condoms, and antibiotic ointment. 

6. Washington vs. Washington

🌤️ Today's weather: Mostly sunny. High of 87.

Today's newsletter is 979 words — a 4-minute read.

🌷 Tickets for the spring festival at Burnside Farms in Virginia are now on sale. Visitors can pick from 15 acres of tulips and daffodils.

Today's newsletter was edited by Fadel Allassan and copy edited by Patricia Guadalupe.

Washington D.C.

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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel and Cuneyt Dil.

Axios D.C.

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Three ways D.C. is reimagining Chinatown-Gallery Place

1 big thing: ✨ A brand new Chinatown

2.  😩 Well, this is embarrassing ...

3. Around the Beltway: Fall of the Transformers

Illustration of the Axios logo growing a cherry blossom branch.

4. House hunt: A rapid fire condo search

Fiances Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson  with their dog Cooper.

New jobs to check out

5. Not goodbye, but see ya later

From left: Paige Hopkins, Chelsea Cirruzzo, Kayla Sharpe, Cuneyt Dil.

6. 🐈 1 tribute to go: An iconic cat 

🌧️ Today's weather: Scattered showers possible. High near 59.

Today's newsletter is 931 words — a 3.5-minute read.

♟️ Cuneyt is getting back into chess.

✈️ Paige is taking a quick trip home to Charlotte.

🎲 Chelsea is seeing the Dungeons & Dragons movie.

Get your rent under control

1 big thing: Get your rent under control

Illustration of a key floating in a glass dome. 

Spring music festivals in D.C.

2.  🥳 Festival season

Illustration of an animated neutral emoji changing into a smiling-with-sunglasses emoji.

3. Around the Beltway: The largest food hall

Illustration of a text-message balloon that looks like the Washington D.C. flag, with the stars fading in and out like a text-message waiting animation.

Stacey Abrams joins Howard faculty

4. 🎓 Stacey Abrams joins Howard

A new career is waiting for you

5. 🐣 What’s in your Easter eggs?

⛈️ Today's weather: Showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms. High of 86.

🎵 Sounds like: "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel. 

Today's newsletter is 876 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Three D.C. budget fights we're watching

1 big thing: 👀 Three budget fights we're watching

Demolition begins to make way for next Rosslyn tower

2. 🌃 Rosslyn's next tower

A side-by-side picture of a demolishing 1960s era building and a rendering of a new 27-story luxury tower

3. Around the Beltway: Brixton’s replacement

Illustration of a blue crab carrying a jumbo slice of pizza.

4. Inside Jeff Zient's zen White House

Illustration of the White House balancing on a stack of zen pebble stones

Take your career to the next level

5. Pic du jour: Spring in the city ☀️

☀️ Today's weather: Mostly sunny. High of 82.

🪴Help Axios D.C. thrive when you become a member!

Today's newsletter is 911 words — a 3-minute read.

🌕 A Marylander is going around the moon. 

Baltimore native and astronaut Reid Wiseman will be commander of NASA’s Artemis II Mission to orbit the moon, launching as early as next year. 

Tour the Amaris, D.C.'s fanciest condo building

1 big thing: Our fanciest condos, and the folks living in them

The outside of the Amaris building overlooking the Wharf waterfront.

D.C.'s rat problem might have gotten worse

2. Rats don’t run this city 🐀

3. Around the Beltway: Mind the detour

Illustration of a bass drum, a snare drum, a conga drum and a hi-hat, playing. 

4. Help us pick D.C.’s best building

D.C. skyline with Monument in background and Tidal Basin in foreground

☀️ Today's weather: A sunny spring day with temperatures in the mid-60s. 

📍 Situational awareness: We're so excited to announce that Anna Spiegel, recently the food editor at Washingtonian magazine, is joining our team as a co-writer later this month! Welcome, Anna!

Today's newsletter is 685 words — a 3-minute read.

🍃 4/20 is fast approaching, and we know some of us like to celebrate the "holiday."

From a pot-tery night to a cannabis crawl, there are a number of stoner-friendly events around D.C. Check out this list from Washingtonian.

This newsletter was edited by Fadel Allassan and copy edited by Patricia Guadalupe.

The Amaris is D.C.’s swankiest new condo building, housing luxe amenities and powerful people.

Driving the news: Late last week, one of the building’s seven penthouses sold for just under $12.8 million, making it the most expensive condo in D.C.

Details: The Wharf property opened last year and was designed by the late Rafael Viñoly. It has a distinctive curved shape that overlooks the waterfront.

The intrigue: The building is meant to feel like a boutique hotel and boasts a sleek, modern design in the shared spaces and units. Each unit includes:

A private outdoor space and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Wide-plank French European white oak flooring.

Marble kitchen countertops and waterfall edge islands.

Custom Italian bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets.

The amenities rival those found in other condo buildings and include:

A car elevator with valet service. Meaning residents don’t have to wind their way through a parking garage.

An indoor saltwater lap pool that’s 25 yards with two lanes.

A 6,000-square-foot waterfront terrace with firepits and lounge seating.

The indoor saltwater lap pool. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The building’s offerings have attracted big-name clientele. Here are some of Amaris’ buyers and the sold price for their units, according to city records.

🔑 Former Montgomery County Executive candidate David Blair and his partner Mikel. $6,552,500.

🔑 McKinsey & Company partner Sarah Tucker-Ray. $4,107,550.

🔑 Former D.C. Retirement Board of Trustees member Jan Adams, who was appointed by the mayor and is also the founder of JMA Solutions, a management consulting firm. $2,515,100.

🔑 Miller & Chevalier lawyer and former federal prosecutor Kirby Behre, who’s worked on high-profile cases. $2,320,000.

🔑 Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority board member Mamie Mallory, who’s held multiple positions at the FAA and is a consulting firm founder. $1,737,300.

🔑 U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.). $775,000.

A look inside an elevator at the Amaris. 

Even the elevators are fancy. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The screening room. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

A shared lounge area inside the Amaris. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The car elevator! There are very few of these in our area. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The Amaris lobby. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The luxury Amaris condo building has high-end amenities and notable residents.

Not a bad view. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

Real estate

The Amaris is D.C.’s swankiest new condo building, housing luxe amenities and powerful people.Driving the news: Late last week, one of the building’s seven penthouses sold for just under $12.8 million, making it the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most expensive condo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-expensive-condo-in-washington-dc-ec64ab36" data-vars-content-id="08ec3bc5-e2be-4584-bd10-8687cca5c92b" data-vars-headline="Tour the Amaris, D.C.&#x27;s fanciest condo building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-expensive-condo-in-washington-dc-ec64ab36" target="_blank">most expensive condo</a> in D.C.

Real Estate

D.C.’s rent-controlled units are one tool to battle high prices, especially as the housing market pushes some residents to rent for longer than they planned.

Why it matters: Living in D.C. isn't cheap, but anyone can benefit from the savings rent-controlled units provide, because they aren’t subject to income restrictions.

While the cost of rent-controlled units can increase from year to year, those increases are regulated and generally smaller than uncontrolled units.

Yes, but: Tenants in rent-controlled units could see 8.9% rent hikes this year, the largest increase since 1982, Washington City Paper reports. Increases are calculated using the Consumer Price Index plus 2%, with a cap at 10%.

The increases are capped at 5% for elderly tenants and those with disabilities.

D.C. Policy Center executive director Yesim Sayin Taylor says she thinks of D.C.’s rent control laws as more like rent stabilization that prevents price gouging.

State of play: There was an attempt by the D.C. Council during a meeting this week to slow the 8.9% increase, but it ultimately failed.

How it works: Most buildings with five or more units that were built before 1976 are subject to rent control rules.

The D.C. Policy Center estimated in 2020 that there were 73,000 rent-controlled units in the District. That’s compared to 124,600 total rental apartments. Wards 3 and 8 have the bulk of D.C.’s rent-controlled units, Sayin Taylor says.

Between the lines: The number of rent-controlled units drops when landlords sell properties, and turn units from rented to owned. This often happens when landlords feel that they aren’t getting a high enough return on their investment.

Pro tip: Sites like Zillow allow users to search for rental properties by the year they were built – a good place to start if you’re looking for rent-controlled units.

How to find rent-controlled units in D.C.

Most rental units built before 1976 are subject to D.C. rent control laws.

D.C.’s rent-controlled units are one tool to battle high prices, especially as the housing market pushes some residents to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rent for longer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/mortgage-applications-plummet" data-vars-content-id="54f04bb7-a51f-4165-bd01-43d620772351" data-vars-headline="How to find rent-controlled units in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/mortgage-applications-plummet" target="_self">rent for longer</a> than they planned.Why it matters: Living in D.C. isn&#x27;t cheap, but anyone can benefit from the savings rent-controlled units provide, because they aren’t subject to income restrictions.

After eight months of construction and $384 million, Metro’s Yellow Line will reopen on May 7 at 7am.

Why it matters: Ridership is increasing and Metro needs all of its available resources to keep up with demand.

Late last month the agency had its busiest Sunday since 2015 with 340,000 trips systemwide.

What’s happening: The roughly 40-year-old Yellow Line bridge and tunnel were in need of repairs, including fixing water leaks. The reopening aligns with Metro’s original timeline.

Note: In a move that Metro says will save money and improve wait times, the reopened line will run a shorter route from Huntington to Mt. Vernon Square instead of going to Greenbelt.

Paige’s thought bubble: I went 85 feet underground (nine flights of stairs!) to tour the renovated tunnel yesterday with a group of reporters. It’s surprisingly clean down there, and I’m happy to report zero rat sightings.

What’s next: The new Potomac Yard Station, which is between Braddock Road in Alexandria and Reagan National on the Yellow and Blue lines, is also supposed to open next month. But Metro has yet to announce an official date.

The Yellow Line will reopen after eight months of renovations.

The renovated Yellow Line tunnel. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

Transportation

After eight months of construction and $384 million, Metro’s Yellow Line will reopen on May 7 at 7am.Why it matters: Ridership is increasing and Metro needs all of its available resources to keep up with demand.

News

Note: Overall number includes 50 metro areas analyzed by RE/MAX. Table: Kavya Beheraj/Axios

Home sales were down 23.4% year-over-year in the D.C. area, per RE/MAX’s February report.

Why it matters: In 2022, potential buyers were desperate for more inventory. Now, homes are hitting the market but people can’t afford them.

What’s happening: Rates for a 30-year loan were at 6.09% in early February, and shot up to 6.65% by the end of the month, per Freddie Mac.

By the numbers: The D.C. area’s drop in home sales is roughly on par with the national average.

DMV homes spent an average of 20 days on the market in January and February this year. That’s a slight decrease from the same period last year.

Home prices increased 6.2% from January to February.

Zoom out: In their February report, Greater Capital Association of Realtors president Avi Adler said the higher rates mean less competition.

And because there’s less competition, buyers don’t have to front as much cash as they did a year ago, Axios' Emily Peck reports.

Between the lines: Buyers who can afford these mortgage rates have more power.

They have more options than a year ago, they can take their time searching, and they can make offers that aren’t wildly above list price.

Yes, but: These rates make buying unaffordable for many, which can mean staying longer in the rental market.

What's next: Mortgage rates dropped nearly a quarter point this month, which means buyer activity will likely pick back up. Plus, D.C.’s spring market is known for having high demand.

D.C. home sales stagnant

The D.C. area’s drop in home sales is roughly on par with the national average.

Washington, D.C.

Home sales were down 23.4% year-over-year in the D.C. area, per RE/MAX’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="February report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/remax-national-housing-report-for-february-2023-301774754.html" data-vars-content-id="c75bfadc-9b58-44b9-9da8-75a3a62c01b4" data-vars-headline="D.C. home sales stagnant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/remax-national-housing-report-for-february-2023-301774754.html" target="_blank">February report</a>.Why it matters: In 2022, potential buyers were desperate for more inventory. Now, homes are hitting the market but people can’t afford them.

This time last year engaged couple Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson were on a tight deadline to find their first home or a new place to rent, with the pressure of having just a few months left on their lease and mortgage rates rising.

The big picture: They only spent a couple of months on the homebuying process and used public transit to attend roughly two dozen open houses in one weekend.

In this installment of our House Hunt series, we’ll follow the young couple’s journey in buying their first home.

👋 Who: Sofia, who works in global health programs, and Jason, who runs communications for a member of the House.

📍Goal: Transit-accessible neighborhood

❤️ Wish list: Two bedrooms, natural light, nearby dog parks

A cozy dining area and kitchen inside a D.C. condo.

The condo has a cozy dining area and kitchen. Photo: Sofia Cortes

Option 1: Modern condo, $599,000 – Petworth

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms | 970 square feet

Pros: High ceilings, well-located, nice rooftop deck

The living and dining area inside a D.C. condo.

Lots of space to stretch out! Photo: Realtor Inc.

Option 2: Spacious condo, $550,0000 — Hill East

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom | 1,145 square feet

Pros: Abundant natural light, shared backyard, two fireplaces

Cons: Limited nearby shopping, lower unit, only one bathroom

Option 3: Budget-friendly condo, $560,0000 — Shaw

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms | 975 square feet

Pros: Low condo fees, walkable, large living room

Cons: Limited natural light in second bedroom, on a busy street

After visiting dozens of properties, Sofia and Jason opted for the modern Petworth condo with soaring ceilings and abundant shopping and restaurant options nearby.

Since buying their home in June, they’ve kept the unit as is and love the modern feel.

House hunt: A rapid-fire condo search

Follow the journey of a young D.C. couple as they look for their first home.

Homebuyers Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson with their dog, 

Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson with their pup, Cooper. Photo: Sofia Cortes

This time last year engaged couple Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson were on a tight deadline to find their first home or a new place to rent, with the pressure of having just a few months left on their lease and mortgage rates rising.The big picture: They only spent a couple of months on the homebuying process and used public transit to attend roughly two dozen open houses in one weekend.

Paige Hopkins

Stories

Tour the Amaris, D.C.'s fanciest condo building

House hunt: A rapid-fire condo search

How to find rent-controlled units in D.C.

Metro's Yellow Line to reopen next month

D.C. home sales stagnant

Newsletter editions

🤯 Fancy condo tour

✨ Reimagining Chinatown

🎉 Festival season underway

Scoop: 🚲 Bike lane delay

⚔️ Money wars