Earlier this month, Kennedy Center budget planners sketched out three options for its two-year renovation, including ways to keep the National Symphony Orchestra performing during construction, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The early plans — ahead of a board meeting tomorrow — offer a glimpse at how President Trump's allies are contemplating undertaking a controversial two-year closure.

Driving the news: The proposal will need to pass muster with a federal judge, who blocked the center's closure and requested detailed documentation about how plans would impact the Kennedy Center's mission and finances.

🎻 Zoom in: One scenario envisions the renowned 96-year-old orchestra — a fixture at the Kennedy Center — performing at "offsite alternate venues," according to a slide deck of the budget plans obtained by Axios.

• This scenario would leave space for limited programming at the center's indoor-outdoor REACH space, while the main building undergoes construction.
• The NSO is used to touring — it'll play Gershwin at its Hollywood Bowl debut next Tuesday — and in September is scheduled to perform at DAR Constitution Hall.

Another scenario is more logistically complex. It'd keep the NSO performing inside the Kennedy Center — with a "phased" construction approach that could stretch beyond two years.

• The REACH would continue with programming and a memorial dedicated to John F. Kennedy on the Terrace Level would stay open, the plans say.

📝 What we're hearing: The unreleased plans are laid out in a slide deck by the Kennedy Center's Audit and Finance Committee, dated Aug. 3.

• They include financial projections for the two-year renovation, with both options to keep the NSO running costing $25 million annually. A third, slimmed-down option would cost $10 million but appears to pause NSO programs.
• The cost forecasts are separate from the $250 million Trump anticipates spending on the renovation.
• As hinted in a court filing back in June, Kennedy Center management plans to present an array of options to the board of trustees, which is chaired by Trump. A board meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:30am, according to a copy of the agenda obtained by Axios.

📊 What they're saying: "A comprehensive, nearly 200-page document encompassing independent, third-party analysis, was provided to the full Board for review ahead of the upcoming meeting where renovation discussions will take place," a Kennedy Center spokesperson told Axios yesterday.

What's ahead: The plans will need to satisfy U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who also wants an explanation for why a tarp is obscuring the Kennedy Center name.

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It's boiling outside, but Washington's real estate market is still feeling cool, per new BrightMLS data.

Why it matters: The data shows more evidence that we're increasingly seeing a buyer-friendly market.

By the numbers: There were 11,431 active listings in the D.C. region at the end of July — the highest level since 2019.

• 39% of these listings experienced at least one price drop as of July 28.
• That number jumps to 40% when looking at the Mid-Atlantic region at large.

Yes, but: When it comes to price drops, the DMV is still trailing other areas like Maryland's Eastern Shore (48%) and the Delaware-Maryland coast (47.6%).

🔥 Smoke from Canadian wildfires will likely linger in the D.C. area through tomorrow, though the air quality is expected to only be "moderate," not the "very unhealthy" we saw last month. (Washington Post)

🍴 D.C.'s restaurant association has submitted the city as a contender to host the James Beard Awards — based in Chicago for 10+ years — sometime between 2029 and 2033. The winning location will be announced early next year. (Washington Business Journal)

🚪 Bourbon Steak restaurateur Michael Mina has closed Aqua Bistecca — years in the making — in City Ridge, less than a year after its splashy opening. Mina blames tough operating conditions, but a zero-star review from the Post likely didn't help. (Washingtonian)

A new rooftop bar and restaurant near Navy Yard is bringing the feel of a Caribbean resort to D.C.

Why it matters: Restaurateur Keem Hughley is turning D.C.'s rooftops into escapist destinations. After opening the Seychelles-inspired Realm in Shaw last year, he's now looking to transport diners to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Driving the news: Caribbean restaurant Croix, its adjoining Botanic Bar and the open-air Croix Veranda open Friday atop the Cambria Hotel near Navy Yard.

• All three are themed around St. Croix, where Hughley's family has roots.

Dig in: Chef Malika King's menu blends Crucian and modern Caribbean flavors and ingredients.

• Test-run favorites include callaloo —the USVI's national dish — a conch ceviche arepa, spiced lamb ribs and rum-soaked black cake.
• The Botanic Bar features house infusions made with Caribbean botanicals, from sorrel and soursop to guavaberry and pimento leaf, alongside rum-forward cocktails and frozen drinks.

Don't miss: Hughley's favorite: casabes.

• The shareable bites swap taco shells for crisp cassava discs filled with options like jerk chicken and goat pepperpot.

What's next: The outdoor Veranda will host a rotating lineup of DJs.

• Expect open-format sets from local favorites, plus visiting DJs from Paris and London.

If you go.

When we introduced you to the Washingtonian creating his own local apps, we also asked which D.C. apps you all would love to see.

Why it matters: Readers, you delivered.

State of play: You all said you'd love to see an app that lets you …

• Book D.C. tennis courts
• See real-time road closures around the city, plus incoming motorcades
• Find last-minute tickets for events
• See where traffic cameras are located, along with how many tickets they've issued
• Find services and spots catering to older adults by neighborhood
• View all the pop-ups currently running in the city, and where they're located

Hot take: One reader asked for a "Pro Home Rule DoorDash app."

What we're watching: Whether any grassroots coders out there take these matters to their own keyboards …

• Did we miss a dream app? Hit reply and let us know!