Green Roofs Are Trés Chic in Georgetown

DC buildings, like the French Embassy, are installing green roofs thanks to environmental rebates.

DC’s green roof rebate program is turning enough heads that even foreign governments are taking advantage of funding for sustainable development.  The French Embassy in Georgetown is one of several local buildings to take advantage of the Anacostia Water Shed (AWS) green roof rebate plan this year. Others include Rhode Island Row, 2300-2350 Washington Pl. NE, Aquinus Hall at Catholic University and a home at 813 A St. NE. "We are thrilled the French Embassy has installed a green roof and are participating in the District's rebate program," Michael Lucy, senior consultant with AWS, said in an email to Patch. The embassy's approximately 10,000 square-foot green roof was installed by Furbish Company. “The goal is essentially to reduce [the …

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Get your Holiday Green in Georgetown

Several local tree and greenery sales will let you make the Yuletide gay and help a good cause.

Now that Thanksgiving is an entire week behind us, many Georgetowners are on the prowl for the perfect tree or shrubbery to deck the halls and make the Yuletide gay. Several local options let you shop close to home and support a good cause in the process. Georgetown Visitation School is selling trees and wreaths on campus to benefit the school's crew team. Trees should arrive freshly cut in Georgetown Friday. Pick up your tree Saturday or Sunday Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Depending on the size and type of tree, prices range from $50 to $100. Volunteers will cut the bottom of you tree to keep it fresh and help load it onto/into your vehicle. The recently-opened Birdie Club on Wisconsin Ave. is expanding into the space …

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Judith Bunnell

9:31 am on Friday, December 3, 2010

I LOVE that we can buy trees in Georgetown and support local groups!   more ›

Historic Homes

Restoring Your Home? Go Old and Go Local

Vintage architectural materials offer value, durability and authenticity.

If you're renovating an old house, you may have weighed using original or vintage materials (claw foot bathtubs, cast iron radiators, hardware or doors) against using their modern reproductions. Using salvaged architectural materials is often the best way to go.   Why buy salvaged items when you can find an equivalent modern reproduction?First, they are economical, have stood the test and wear of time and can enhance the character of a restoration project. Another reason to reuse materials is to "green" your project. Producing new building materials can cause environmental damage and disposing of demolition debris creates solid waste destined for dumps or landfills. Using vintage materials is an environmentally responsible and sustainable…

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Shaun Courtney

1:35 pm on Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Thanks for the information Ruthie! Glad to hear Brass Knob's wealth of items will be left in good hands.   more ›