Feb. 1, 2010, 12 a.m. - D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty joined Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper and Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans to celebrate ongoing renovations at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library. The occasion was marked by the mounting of the cupola on the library’s new roof.

“Where once sat a structure crippled by fire damage, we will erect a state-of-the-art facility,” said Fenty. “As we raise the cupola today, we signify our progress in resurrecting and preserving this historic establishment for the residents of this proud community.”                                                                                            

The $15.7 million renovation will add many modern improvements to the historic library, including:  better lighting, improved Americans with Disabilities  access, more space, new outdoor reading terrace a new expanded space to house the special collection on Georgetown’s history. 

Additionally, a third floor is being added to house, showcase and protect Georgetown's historic Peabody collection which contains books, documents, photographs and artwork spanning three centuries of Georgetown history.  It is one of the most expansive collections of neighborhood history in the nation. 

The Georgetown Neighborhood Library was severely damaged by a fire on April 30, 2007. Due to the library’s significance as an historic landmark, all renovations will be made mainly to the library’s interior while maintaining the library’s original exterior frame. 

Interim library services are currently being provided at a 4,000-square-foot facility at 3307 M St. N.W. in the former Staples storefront.  

The renovated Georgetown library will reopen in October 2010 to commemorate its 75^th anniversary. 

Fenty Breaks Ground on Georgia Ave. Restaurant Redevelopment

Fenty joined Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development  Valarie Santos, developers and community leaders for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the redevelopment of 3813/3815 Georgia Ave., NW, in the Petworth area.  This project will convert two empty District owned properties into a first class restaurant on the historic site of what was once Billy Simpson’s House of Seafood and Steaks. 

“The administration is pleased to bring neighbors and developers together to create a fitting commemoration to this historic site and bring it back into the service of the community,” said Fenty. “This project brings the best of the city’s developers and restaurateurs to fulfill the wishes of the community in what promises to be an outstanding contribution to the District.” 

Fenty get update on renovations

Fenty, Executive Director of the Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization Allen Y. Lew, and Interim Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation Jesus Aguirre joined the Ward-6 community to provide an update on renovation efforts scheduled for Rosedale Recreation Center.

“I am pleased to meet with the dedicated residents of this community to thank them for their endurance and commitment in seeing this project through to completion with us,” said Fenty. “I am confident that our team will create a first class facility that this community will be proud of.”  

The $17 million complex will include the abatement and demolition of the existing recreation center and will feature a highly anticipated adjoining library and a brand new recreation facility with space for:

·         child care center

·         administration offices

·         senior room

·         computer lab

·         gymnasium

·         new locker rooms

·         game room

·         new athletic field and a refurbished pool

 "It is a goal at DPR to meet the recreational needs of all of our residents, and the new Rosedale Recreation Center will meet that goal," said Interim Director Jesús Aguirre.  "The community has asked for and is getting a new facility that will provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone to enjoy."