Things to Do

D.C. has been locked in a behind-the-scenes legal battle with an architect over the renovation of the pool at Hains Point — leaving it without any timeline for reopening. 

Why it matters: This makes six summers that the Olympic-sized pool — a popular destination for swim teams — has been shuttered.   

Catch up quick: The city had planned to replace the pool, pool deck, and bathhouse. 

• But in 2020 the project was halted because the site kept filling up with groundwater as crews were working. 

What’s happening: The city proceeded to sue Hughes Group Architects for breach of contract and wants the company to pay more than $14 million to cover the project costs. 

Details: D.C.’s Department of General Services alleges that it received an “inaccurate” report from Hughes misstating the groundwater level, according to the lawsuit.

• The groundwater depth was cited as 23 feet, the agency tells Axios — deep enough for the new pool. 
• But once construction began, it turned out the level was “significantly more shallow,” the agency says, and the site “consistently filled with water.” 

The upshot: The renovation couldn’t go forward “without substantial additional investment,” per the agency. 

The other side: Hughes denies that it broke its obligation to the city and says that the city began construction without its own contractor flagging discrepancies, according to the company’s filings.

• Additionally, when a potential solution for completing the project surfaced, "DGS failed to mitigate its damages by abandoning the project, and destroying some of the improvements made, instead of finishing it," per the filings.
• A lawyer for Hughes declined to comment to Axios. 

What’s next: The city says that the Contract Appeals Board has a hearing scheduled for February 2023. In the meantime, staff is still working to stabilize the pool.

Washingtonians might leave museums to tourists, but D.C. resident Noelle Harada set out to visit every museum in town in just one year. So far, she's crossed 73 off her list and has about ten left to go.

What’s happening: Harada, who works in the Office of the Surgeon General, is documenting her journey on TikTok where she includes facts and tips about each museum and rates them.

👋🏾 Paige, and HUGE fan of "The Office," here.

Scranton touched down in D.C. last week with the opening of The Office Experience, an interactive tour through a recreated show set. It’s chock full of real props and costumes used by the original cast, games, and tons of photo ops.

My Australian Shepherd Kirby recently got neutered, so after two weeks of bed rest (and the cone of shame), we're ready to make up for lost adventure time.

Celebrating or not — be aware of big traffic and parking disruptions around town on Monday.

• The National Independence Day parade will go along Constitution Avenue from 11:45am to 2pm.
• A Capitol Fourth concert will take place on the West Lawn of the Capitol; gates open at 3pm.
• The fireworks show on the Mall will start at 9:09pm.

Escape the summer heat with these swimming spots, all listed on pool-sharing company Swimply.

How it works: Pool owners can list their pools for chunks of time, just like homeowners list their properties on Airbnb.

Sam Gilliam, a prolific Washingtonian whose bold, colorful canvases and drapery pushed the boundaries of abstract art, has passed away at age 88.

Catch-up quick: Gilliam, who moved to D.C. in the early 1960s to teach art at McKinley Technical High School, first exhibited his work in 1969 at the then-Corcoran Gallery of Art, per the Washington Post.

👋🏿 Hi, D.C. editor Kayla here!

I'm guessing you probably don't have plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb.

My suggestion: Walk like an Egyptian to the National Geographic museum's new immersive exhibit: Beyond King Tut.