Departures and Demolitions: Pace of Change Gains Speed

Ballpark and Beyond is adapted from Jacqueline Dupree's blog on development in Near Southeast, an area between Capitol Hill and the Anacostia River that is being transformed by the construction of the Nationals baseball stadium.

With Opening Day 59 days away, the makeover of Near Southeast appears to be shifting into a higher gear, judging by the amount of news coming out of the area in the past few weeks. Some highlights:

Farewell to Domino's

Seven low-rise buildings in a swath bounded by First, M, N, and Cushing streets were demolished this month, leaving only the long-closed Normandie Liquors at First and M standing as of this writing, although its days are no doubt numbered, as well.

Then, this week, the Domino's pizza outlet at South Capitol and M streets became the neighborhood's latest pre-ballpark business to close. This rather small property (8,000 square feet) is owned by Monument Realty and sits one block north of the ballpark.

Both of these locations are within the pricey two-block "Red Zone," where Nationals season ticket holders can buy parking for $35 per game. Monument told me last week that it is "currently negotiating a parking deal" for the Domino's property. The properties along First are rumored to have temporary parking in their near future, as well, although during a 2006 alley closing request, developer Willco Construction described plans for a large office-residential-retail project on this 77,000-square-foot site.

New Owner for 'Blue Castle'

The old trolley barn known as the "Blue Castle" at Eighth and M streets SE has changed hands for the second time in two years, with retail developer Madison Marquette purchasing the 100,000-square-foot historic building for a reported $25 million.

The company's news release about the sale said that the company wants "to work closely with city officials and the community to identify the ideal vision for 770 M Street," and it's chosen a very 2008 way of starting the discussion: a page on Facebook.com, where visitors can post comments and ideas about what the Blue Castle should offer. The first few posters have mentioned ideas such as grocery stores, restaurants, a Torpedo Factory-like arts space and batting cages or other athletic offerings. One visitor mentioned getting rid of the blue paint, although then we'd all be at a loss for what to call the place.

The building is home to two charter schools, Eagle Academy and Key Academy, which have leases until 2012.

Gifford's Joins the Team

Sweet-toothed Nationals fans, especially ones who've lived in the D.C. area for many years, will be happy to hear that Gifford's ice cream will be available at the new ballpark. In addition to a concession stand on the main concourse where scooped ice cream will be sold, other concession stands and Gifford's carts throughout the stadium will serve novelties including the Dinger, a vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookie sandwich created by Gifford's. The Dinger will also be sold at Gifford's locations around the metro area, and a portion of the proceeds from its sales will go to the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. The Dinger will make its debut March 30 at the Nationals' season opener against the Atlanta Braves.

Film on Former Residents

The first two screenings were held last week of "Chocolate City," a film that looks at gentrification in Washington by following the story of some of the 400 families at Capper/Carrollsburg who have been moved out as part of the Hope VI redevelopment of the public housing project. A blurb on the film's Web site describes the documentary's broad themes: "With the symbols and monuments of the world's most powerful democracy on their doorsteps, their story calls into question the fundamental foundations upon which the USA claims to be based."

The film is by Washington native Ellie Walton and British journalist Sam Wild.

Two more screenings are scheduled: today at the Marvin Center at George Washington University, and Feb. 10 at Busboys and Poets at 2021 14th St. NW. For details on the film, the issues it raises and the screenings, go to http://www.choc-city.org.

Jacqueline Dupree, a Post staff member, has been tracking the neighborhood's changes since 2003. For additional information and photos, go tohttp://JDLand.com.