JOHNERICHOME Magazine
DC | VA | MD September 2012, Volume 5
TEA TIME C OV E R
STO RY
The Impressive Experiences of Robert Rex Waller, Tea Expert Park Hyatt Washington
PLUS San Francisco Library of Congress DC Scoop Foodie Mixology Premium Listings Home Trends
JE JOHN ERIC R E A L E S TAT E
johneric.com John Eric Home 1
™
JE JOHN ERIC
™
R E A L E S TAT E
WASHINGTON | VIRGINA | MARYLAND
John Eric
Washington Fine Properties 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW | Washington, DC 20016 P: 202.274.4668 | E: john@johneric.com | www.johneric.com
JOHNERIC
S
eptember has arrived and with it, the end of summer. The Washington, DC Metro area certainly became acquainted with hot weather this past season, as we lived through the hottest recorded summer in DC history. In addition to the heat, we experienced a weather phenomenon known as a derecho that did tremendous damage throughout the area. This storm caused many of us to
live without power for days, and in some cases, a week or more. Mother Nature can be both amazing and frightening, simultaneously! So, as summer wans, vacations come to an end and we begin to head back to work and school, there still is some time to enjoy some last minute fun. In this month’s John Eric Home, we give a last hooray to summer in our Mixology Section with three delicious margarita recipes and we extend the grilling season in our Foodie Section with flank steak fajitas with homemade guacamole. As Washington gears up for the Presidential Election and the insane amount of campaign commercials begin to hit our airwaves, some of us could use a moment or two of relaxation. In that spirit, we focus on one of the America’s exclusive tea sommeliers, Robert Rex-Waller of Park Hyatt Washington. It is truly a fascinating article on tea and the amazing custom tea service available at the hotel. Next, as some of us never need an excuse to travel, we head to one of America’s most beautiful cities, San Francisco, in our Travel Section. Back here in Washington, we take you on a fact filled tour of one of our city’s national treasures, the Library of Congress. And, in our DC Scoop, we feature tidbits on Washington, DC, Arlington and Montgomery County. Finally, we feature Victoria Sanchez of Victoria Sanchez Interiors speaking about her recently completed project in Alexandria that was inspired by love. So, as we bid adieu to summer, we certainly hope you enjoy this edition of John Eric Home. Best, John Eric Publisher & Principal
CONTENTS
7
12
22
34
WELCOME Welcome Letter from John Eric PAGE 4
PREMIUM LISTINGS John’s Current Portfolio of Listings PAGE 15
FOODIE Flank Steak Fajitas & Fresh Homemade Guacamole PAGE 28
IN THE NEWS Washington DC, Arlington Montgomery County PAGE 33
TEA TIME Robert Rex Waller, Tea Expert, at Park Hyatt Washington PAGE 7
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Library of Congress, the Largest Global Library PAGE 20
MIXOLOGY Classic Margarita Ultimate Margarita Skinny Margarita PAGE 30
HOME TRENDS A Room Inspired by Love PAGE 38
SAN FRANCISCO The Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. Ghirardelli chocolates and cable cars. PAGE 12
ARCHITECTURE of the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Architecture of the Library of Congress PAGE 24
BUYER’S GUIDE The John Eric Group’s Homebuyer’s Guides are now available online at www.johneric.com. Take a glimpse into Arlington’s and Washington, DC’s past and discover the Arlington and Washington of today......Learn the differences between Arlington’s urban villages and Washington’s neighborhoods and grab some fun facts along the way. For anyone interested in buying a home in Arlington or the District, these guides are great tools in helping to understand not just the topography of Arlington and Washington but also the distinct atmospheres of their individual neighborhoods. They list important information including demographics and schools and also give the reader a true flavor of Arlington and the District. Beautifully presented in an easy-to-read format. Sign up today to receive your online copy.
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TEA TIME Robert Rex Waller, Tea Expert Park Hyatt Washington
The world of tea revolves on an axis that is both exotic and intricate. It travels through foreign lands from China to South Africa to India and their distinctive cultures of tea. It also spins on the understanding of elements such as grades, growing methods, harvesting and manufacturing processes, brewing methodologies and flavor characteristics of the leaves themselves. To navigate these divergent paths of tea, John Eric Home has spoken to Robert Rex Waller, Tea Expert, at Park Hyatt Washington, to gain a better understanding of this intriguing world.
John Eric Home 7
Rex Waller is no stranger to a perfectly brewed cup. He has been enjoying them since his childhood. “I grew up with proper English tea,” he says, “at around 6:30, every morning, one of my parents would put the kettle on and make a pot of tea. Then, my sister, my parents and I would gather on my parents’ bed. We would all then sit and drink our cups. It was great.” This childhood experience endowed Rex Waller with not only an appreciation of tea but also an interest in the cultures wrapped around the tiny, little green leaves, specifically China. “I started taking Chinese classes when I was in high school and then went on to study China at college. When I was at Connecticut College, I was a founding member of the school’s Tea Enthusiasts Association (TEA). This was a group that would discuss tea, and, if a member went abroad, would make sure to bring a local tea back so that we could all try it. The teas varied from blends from the Azurs to Japanese green teas.” Rex Waller’s enthusiasm for tea and China didn’t end upon graduation. He started a business meant to send students on educational trips to China through partnerships with tea companies. Eventually, he took on the Middle Kingdom himself, using all of his savings to spend five months backpacking through the country. In Hangzhou, Rex Waller worked on a tea farm and learned the process of cultivating and harvesting the tea trees. He says of his learning adventure, “Seeing (the process) from leaf to cup is an awakening experience.” It was both a gratifying and rewarding. In addition to his time on the farm, he stayed in Shanghai and Hunan Province soaking in their teas. And, upon leaving China, he traveled to Japan where he spent his time learning about Japanese tea varieties in teahouses throughout Kyoto. With tea now firmly established as his passion, upon returning to the United States, Rex Waller decided to follow this unique road further. He joined Starbucks and studied in their tea-training program. Afterwards, he studied at the Specialty Tea Institute of the Tea Association of the United States of America. The Tea Institute, created in 2002, is a resource for those involved with or served by the specialty tea industry. Rex Waller completed the program and received its coveted certificate of being named a tea sommelier, a different and distinct position. Park Hyatt Washington, which is home to Tea Cellar, a dedicated room for sipping and storing tea, lays claim to the most unique and expansive collection of teas in the United States. Holding an exotic selection of leaves,
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“I love to share tea with people,” he says, “and educate them on different styles and blends. I love to expand people’s knowledge of tea.”
including Pu’er (an exclusive and rare fermented tea from Yunnan Province in China), the Park Hyatt’s inventory is the deepest in the country. Single estate selections from remote regions of China, Japan, Sri Lanka and the Himalayas and herbal teas from Egypt, France and Argentina are available to clients through their tea program. Rex Waller, with his experience and education, chose to apply for a tea sommelier position in their program when it became available. Since then, he has been managing the prestigious service and offering friendly advice to patrons who come to the hotel for a refreshing cup of tea. “I love to share tea with people,” he says, “and educate them on different styles and blends. I love to expand people’s knowledge of tea.” And, Robert Rex Waller has a lot of knowledge to share. There are standards to elucidate and myths to bust. For example, the true taste of Lapsang Souchong tea, which isn’t the smoky blend of today. “Originally,” says Rex Waller, “the tea leaves that were brought to Europe went overland in wooden cases. As the importers stopped along their journey and lit campfires, the packed leaves absorbed the smoke from the burning pine, which naturally altered the leaves. Since then, a variety of methods have been used, such as smoking Lapsang Souchong leaves over green pine logs, to retain the altered smoky flavor.” Or, that Orange Pekoe isn’t a flavor of tea at all, but rather belongs to an internationally accepted rating system and sits at a medium rank. Black tea has a rigorous system of grading. The lowest level - Dust - is precisely that, tea dust and small pieces of tea leaves. This is followed by Fanning - which consists of small pieces of tea leaves - and, then Broken Orange Pekoe. Orange Pekoe, utilizes whole tea leaves, picked without the flower bud of the tea plant and Flowering Orange Pekoe, which is whole tea leaves with the flowering tea plants. And, to make things even more complicated, Flowering Orange Pekoe is then divided into Golden Flowering Orange Pekoe, Tippy Golden Flowering Orange Pekoe, Fine Tippy Golden Flowering Orange Pekoe and Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowering Orange Pekoe. Classifications are determined through both scientific and sensory testing. Chemical and physical analyses are performed to assess the leaves’ composition. This is known as the “electronic nose.” In addition, tea leaves undergo exhaustive
sensory testing, which includes taste, smell, physical feel and appearance determinations. The higher the classification, the higher the quality of the tea leaves. And price. It takes a tea sommelier to understand all of the differences. Green Tea, while not as complicated, still has a precise methodology attached to leaves. “Everyone looks for a first flush,” says Rex-Waller, “or the first picking of the season. They fetch ridiculous prices and are the most perfect of the leaves. As trees are picked over again, the quality of the leaves goes down.” And, what about the belief that green tea should be drunk unadulterated? Or, if, someone wants to enjoy a cup of green tea and its numerous health benefits but doesn’t enjoy the taste? “I don’t subscribe to that,” says Rex-Waller, “by adding a half teaspoon of honey, the tea becomes less astringent. The same can be said for black tea. Adding milk, sugar or honey, actually, brings out the flavors.” Although, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a cup of tea, there is in terms of blending. Rex-Waller keeps over eighty teas sealed in little jars and packed in an antique alchemist’s chest at his home. “I enjoy blending. Sometimes, I crave different elements and will try to incorporate them into one blend. I keep a couple of moleskin journals and record both the good and the bad. And, believe me, there have been some pretty bad mixes.” But, it isn’t just an enthusiasm for a brewed cup that is becoming a rage in the United States. Green tea, in particular, is being used as an ingredient in different dishes in gourmet cuisine. “People have always known about the benefits of green tea,” says Rex-Waller. “The American palette is becoming more accepting of the flavor and teas are making their appearance in food. Green tea is being incorporated into oils, sugars and waters. And, herbal teas are being used. For example, here at Park Hyatt, we serve a dish of sweetbreads that are poached in chamomile tea.” High quality teas are similar to the complexities of fine wines and Park Hyatt’s guests’ palates are introduced to the nuances and tastes of high-end blends. Rex Waller and other members of the program meet with suppliers to find the best leaves and those most suitable to the program. They remain consistently engaged in finding the highest quality and most popular blends, which creates a tea program that remains current and is not static. This has led to
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a resounding success. Many times, Park Hyatt’s weekend Tea Table is sold out. Tea Table, which is available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, offers tea paired with sweets and savories made with the freshest ingredients. Everything is made in-house by Park Hyatt’s pastry and banquet departments. The popularity has exploded not only with avid tea drinkers, but as a venue for bridal and baby showers, birthday celebrations and other important occasions. Long gone is the image of stiff, high tea cultivated during the Victorian era. The 21st century and Park Hyatt have ushered in a new wave of appreciation. And, Robert Rex Waller is at the helm. With a world of unusual opportunities to choose from, when Rex Waller is asked his most unique or treasured memory, he chooses one from his time in China. “I had an unusual opportunity at Huangshan (Yellow Mountain in China’s Anhui Province) to enjoy a rare cup of Big Red Robe tea. There are so many forgeries of this blend but it was not fake and was the true tea. Later, I spoke with Bruce Schoenfeld of Travel and Leisure magazine and he actually went in search of this blend and then brought some back to me.”
thesource.
by Wolfgang Puck
the art of dining
575 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20001 O: 202.637.6100 W: wolfgangpuck.com
John Eric Home 11
SAN FRANCISCO The City by the Bay
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. Ghirardelli chocolates and cable cars. Alcatraz and HaightAshbury. The understated charm of San Francisco calls and we must respond to its gentle provocations.


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S
an Francisco, named after Saint Francis, was founded on June 29, 1776. Spanish colonists established a fort at the Golden Gate and a mission, named after Saint Francis of Assisi, a few miles further along. The California Gold Rush of 1849 propelled the city into the stratosphere with its rate of rapid growth and the City by the Bay has never looked back. Most do not realize the city’s significance in the business world - it ranks 12th in the top twenty global financial centersbut are quite aware of its mainstay as one of the top tourist destinations. A city that is known for its cool summers, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture and several of the most internationally recognized landmarks cannot be anything but a large calling card for visitors. And, San Francisco has much to offer in the way of interesting sites, historical venues, restaurants, museums and galleries. The Golden Gate Bridge and the city are synonymous. It is impossible to untether the two. However, another “Golden Gate” of terrific importance is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This park holds Ocean Beach, which runs along the Pacific Ocean shoreline and is frequented by a vibrant surfing community, and Baker Beach, which is located in a cove west of the Golden Gate and part of the Presidio. The Golden Gate Park, which stretches from the center of the city west to the Pacific Ocean, is both a local and tourist hotspot. Once covered in native grasses and sand dunes, the park was conceived in the 1860s and was created by the extensive planting of thousands of nonnative trees and plants. Today, it boasts attractions such as the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. It is something not to miss when planning a stay in the city.
San Francisco is a city that is a treat to visit. Stock full of history and culture, shops and restaurants, outdoor activities and iconic American landmarks, it doesn’t disappoint its visitors.
John Eric Home 15
Of course, those who love art and other types of museums have plenty from which to choose. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art houses 20th century and contemporary works. The Palace of the Legion of Honor holds primarily European antiquities and works of art. The de Young Museum, in Golden Gate Park, holds a top flight collection of American decorative pieces and anthropological holdings from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. The California Academy of Sciences, which is a natural history museum, is home to a “living roof.” The roof is covered with vegetation and includes drainage and irrigation systems, all providing a fine example of sustainable architecture. And, The Palace of Fine Arts, built originally for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, houses the Exploratorium, which is an interactive science museum. One of the highlights of visiting this city is the exploration of its neighborhoods. North Beach, the city’s Italian quarter, is an area full of quaint sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops. It is easy to lose time ambling through the streets, which host a fine variety of delights. This area is also home to Coit Tower, which sits on top of Telegraph Hill. Telegraph Hill offers a fantastic vantage point for taking photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge. While inside
THE UNDERSTATED CHARM OF SAN FRANCISCO CALLS AND WE MUST RESPOND TO ITS GENTLE PROVOCATIONS.
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John Eric Home 17
the Tower, floor-to-ceiling murals, painted in the 1930’s, depict scenes of early life in the city. Of course, Chinatown is, perhaps, the most recognized neighborhood of San Francisco. Its backbone runs along Grant Avenue, the oldest street of the city. The whole area is comprised of twenty-four blocks of shops, markets, restaurants, temples and herb shops. If you visit Chinatown and find yourself peckish, visit Brady Ho’s Hunan Food (217 Columbus Avenue) for hot and spicy, country-styled Hunan based food. If you are more interested in more traditional Chinese food, grab a bite at the Far East Cafe (631 Grant Street), which is decorated in a 1920s Chinese-styled motif and offers private booths. Other neighborhoods hold dining pleasures of their own. Hyde Street Bistro (1521 Hyde Street) located in Nob Hill, is a casual eatery, which offers French specialties paired with both California and French wines. Also, in the area at 1075 California Street is Big 4 Restaurant. This restaurant, which offers innovative American cuisine, has been recognized by Gourmet magazine as one of the top twenty restaurants in San Francisco. But, Nob Hill isn’t the only neighborhood that boasts award-winning restaurants. In the Russian Hill section of the city, Harris’ Restaurant (2100 Van Ness Avenue) sports tons of fans. Partially due to its Zagat rating but moreover because of its fine food, it is a favorite in the city. Their menu consists of fine dry-aged steaks, seafood and lobster. San Francisco is a city that is a treat to visit. Stock full of history and culture, shops and restaurants, outdoor activities and iconic American landmarks, it doesn’t disappoint its visitors.
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$1,735,000
1201 N NASH STREET, #PH 2 Arlington, Virginia
This pristine condo combines classical finishes with modern conveniences in an open floor plan with many custom upgrades. The spacious, top floor unit faces east and is filled with light in the day and has mesmerizing, sparkling city views at night. The two bedrooms with den/library, two-and-a-half baths floor plan with its state-ofthe art lighting and chef’s kitchen is perfect for entertaining. The generous room sizes, high ceilings, wide crown molding, marble and hardwood floors throughout, built-in sound system, spacious closets as well as the many building amenities grant comfortable living. The luxurious Residences at Memorial Overlook feature the finest materials and superior attention to detail. There is an immediate feeling of entering someone’s home when guests are greeted by friendly and accommodating staff. A well equipped Fitness Center with two televisions is open 24 hours, and the large, attractive Club Room with kitchen adds convenience for owners and their guests. This penthouse unit also comes with two garage spaces and two good sized storage spaces. The feeling of privacy while having close access to downtown Washington, the splendid views and the elegantly appointed penthouse unit with balcony/terrace make this a stunning offering.
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$625,000 SOLD
6100 Washington Blvd. Arlington, Virginia
The words “casual and contemporary” easily describe the feeling of this exceptionally maintained home! Located in the sought-after Over Lee Knolls/Westover section of North Arlington, this lovely and contemporary home has spacious living space and sits on an eight thousand plus square foot lot. Upon entering the front door, one can’t help but be impressed by the space. The neutral color palette with hardwood floors, the open floor plan and a wall of windows streaming with natural light invite and welcome you. This lovely home features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an abundance of both cabinet and counter space. This space is able to accommodate both small intimate dinners and large parties. This home also features two spacious bedrooms with a nice amount of closet space. The upper level bath features a large custom vanity, Jacuzzi tub, sky light and lovely tile floors.
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$530,000 SOLD
1633 Colonial Terrace North #406
BALCONY
Arlington, Virginia
This residence features exceptional details throughout, including hardwood floors, high ceilings, upgraded lighting, walls of windows, granite countertops, ceramic tile, new carpet and has been freshly painted.
LIVING ROOM 17' X 15'3" BATH
LIN DN
UTILITY
DINING AREA 11'7" X 6'
W.I.C.
CLOSET
This contemporary loft condo is located in sought-after Rosslyn in North Arlington, positioned on the hill overlooking the banks of the Potomac River and across from Georgetown. This lovely home offers peaceful, luxurious living within a heartbeat of DC attractions. The community is conveniently located within walking distance to the Rosslyn Metro and Georgetown shopping and provides easy access to the restaurants of Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, major highways, and Reagan National Airport.
MASTER BEDROOM 13'9" X 12'4"
DW
KITCHEN 10' X 7'11"
BATH
W.I.C.
REF
BEDROOM 2 11'3" X 10'5"
UP
This home features two bedrooms, two and one half baths, a lovely deck and two parking spaces. A gourmet kitchen is featured in this home with a large granite countertop perfect for barstools. The open floor plan provides the perfect environment for living and entertaining in style.
FOYER P.R.
MAIN LEVEL
UPPER LEVEL
8'9" CEILING
8' CEILING
1633 COLONIAL TERRACE NORTH, #406, ARLINGTON, VA Š2012 J. ERIC
ALL ILLUSTRATIONS AND DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY VARY FROM ACTUAL STRUCTURE. DIMENSIONS HAVE BEEN ROUNDED. ALL INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. WWW.INTERIORFOOTPRINTS.COM
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$424,900 SOLD
2100 LEE HWY #506 Arlington, Virginia
The words “Casual and Contemporary” easily describe the feeling and vibe of this lovely condo. Located in the sought-after Courthouse section of North Arlington, this stylish and contemporary home has generous living space and a tranquil feeling. Upon entering the front door, one can’t help but be impressed by this space. The neutral color palette with dark hardwood floors, the open floor plan and a wall of windows streaming with natural light invite and welcome you. The spacious living room allows you to entertain in style. This lovely home features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a large counter with space for three bar stools and an abundance of cabinet space. This space is able to accommodate both small intimate dinners and larger parties in the lovely separate dining room. This home also features two spacious bedrooms with a nice amount of closet space. The full bath has been updated and features a large vanity, custom framed mirror and a shower/tub combination. There is also a half bath that has been updated.
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$530,000 SOLD
6302 Massachusetts Avenue Bethesda, Maryland
Located in Glen Echo Heights, this deceptively spacious brick Colonial perfectly blends traditional charm and thoughtful renovations for comfortable living and gracious entertaining. The MAIN LEVEL features an inviting ENTRY HALL with coat closet and oak staircase. Enjoy an open CHEF’S KITCHEN ideal for serious cooks or casual entertainers that has a Viking stainless steel Professional® refrigerator, six-burner Wolf gas range, Dacor exhaust range hood, KitchenAid microwave and Bosch dishwasher, granite counters and island with counter seating, undermount Shaw’s porcelain farm sink, recessed lights, and plentiful custom cabinetry with creamy finish and opened to BREAKFAST AREA with abundant built-in storage. The spacious DINING ROOM offers recessed lights, attractive and versatile built-ins, display ledge, and under-stair storage closet. Proximity to the step-down FAMILY ROOM gives this level exceptional flow and has a large picture window, fireplace, built-in shelves and cabinets, and bench seating with storage. A nicely appointed POWDER ROOM and LAUNDRY AREA off Kitchen with Bosch front-loading washer and dryer, double door pantry, broom closet and access to side yard complete the offerings of this level.
John Eric Home 23
Library OF
CONGRESS
I
t’s September in Washington and that means one of the city’s most anticipated events will be taking up residence on the
National Mall. The National Book Festival will bring esteemed writers and poets from all over the country to the District to participate in its annual two-day literary extravaganza. This year, writers such as Thomas Friedman, Patricia Cornwell and Jewel will be found in the themed pavilions and will likely draw large crowds. This is not a surprise. The Library of Congress, which sponsors this event and excels in promoting American literature, always raises the bar and bibliophiles respond. This iconic institution is one of the most prolific organizations in the United States.
The Library of Congress, the largest global library, boasts 838 miles of shelf space. America’s library is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and serves over 1.7 million visitors annually. These visitors take in the magnificent architecture of its four buildings, performances in its Coolidge Auditorium, feature films at its Packard campus, and gain access to the most impressive collection of books in the world. Nearly 23,000,000 books are included in the total of the 151,785,778 materials that are housed within the library. And, on a daily basis, the esteemed institution takes in nearly 10,000 additions. Volumes encompass 470 languages and the repository includes one million issues of global newspapers, 5.3 million maps and 5,600 books classified as incunabula, or volumes published before the year 1500. A most prized acquisition - The Gutenberg Bible - is one of only four remaining in the world.
John Eric Home 25
Members of the general public can request books, and subsequently read the retrieved volumes in one of the Library’s many reading rooms. But, the special privilege of checking out materials is reserved for members of Congress, Supreme Court justices and other high-ranking government officials. After all, it was for this population that the Library of Congress was created, as a library for Congress. The mission of the Library of Congress is to research inquiries and provide necessary reading materials to America’s legislators. As such, the Library houses the Congressional Research Service (CRS), which is known as Congress’ “think tank.” A staff of 600 people, spanning industries and fields, from buyers to economists, reference librarians and social, natural and physical scientists, provide Congress with budget related information, reports on fiscal and budgetary issues and analyses of budget policy options, costs and effects. The CRS works in tandem with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of the legislative branch. But, long before the inception of the CRS, the Library of Congress kept true to it’s duty of serving those who work in the Capitol building. In 1800, President John Adams signed an Act of Congress which established the Library of Congress in the Capitol building itself. The nascent collection amounted to 740 books and 3 maps. The majority of volumes were legal in nature, reflecting Congress’ role in the creation of law. Over time, more books were added, which continued until the War of 1812. As the Capitol building burned, so too did the Library’s collection. And, the Library had to start from scratch. In 1815, as the Library began to re-establish its inventory, Thomas Jefferson sold nearly his entire personal collection of books to the institution. 6,487 books were added overnight. Again, the library actively sought to fill its shelves with relevant volumes to maintain its mission. But, lightning struck twice, in the form of another fire on December 24, 1851. This fire, the worst in the Library’s history, destroyed nearly two-thirds of its collection (including the majority of volumes from the Jefferson estate.) Following the Civil War, the Library of Congress, again, sought to replace its collection. The Librarian of Congress at the time, Ainsworth Rand Spofford, found himself in deep competition with agencies that believed they should safeguard America’s critical literary papers. However, by the turn of the century, Spofford had amassed nearly 850,000 books. Many of these volumes were obtained through copyright deposit. With the growing collection, expansion was decided upon and in 1897, the Library of Congress was removed from the Capitol building and into its own space, which is now the Jefferson Building. With the turn of the century, a new Librarian of Congress was appointed by the name of Herbert Putnam. It is Putnam that is credited with the massive expansion that became the foundation for the 150,000,000 volumes of today. Under his direction, in 1904, the Library of Congress obtained the fourthousand volume collection of Indica, the classical work of Megasthenes. Also, a two-thousand six hundred volume Russian Imperial collection from the Romanov family. It was, also, Putnam that convinced Theodore Roosevelt to transfer from the State Department, through an Executive Order, the most historical of American documents - those written by the Founding Fathers - to the Library of Congress for safeguarding. With large donations and
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endowments from John D. Rockefeller, Archer Huntington and Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge (no relation to President Calvin Coolidge) Putnam was able to establish a legacy of books. Over the course of the 20th century, the Library of Congress’ expansion rate was phenomenal. Millions of volumes were added and three more buildings were constructed to house the Library’s ever-growing collection. New programs, such as the American Folklife Center, Center for the Book, Poet Laureate and American Memory were enacted to satisfy growing diverse interests and emerging mediums were founded. The American Folklife Center, which was created in 1976, is the biggest repository of artifacts representing American social history. Features of the collection range from Thomas Edison’s wax-cylinder recording machine (1877) to the latest released compact disc. Native American song and dance recordings, stories of ex-slaves, documentation from the lives of cowboys, farmers, fishermen, coal miners, shop keepers, factory workers and, even, quilt makers span over two hundred years. The Center houses one-of-a-kind histories, such as the tales of “Bruh Rabbitt” from Georgian sea islands and a Cambodian wedding ceremony from Lowell, Massachusetts. The goal is to preserve all aspects which embody traditional American life. Equally important to American life is a solid foundation in literacy. To that end, the Library of Congress established its Center for the Book program. Meant to promote libraries and reading throughout the country, the Library of Congress, beginning in 1984, began to establish affiliate centers in the fifty states. Today, there is a State Center for the Book in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These Center for the Book affiliates sponsor local programs that highlight their area’s literary heritage and call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy and libraries. Of course, in the modern age, the internet is one of the principal methods to disseminate information. This has not been lost on the Library of Congress. In 1994, the Library launched its American Memory program. This program, an internet based archive, allows the public to access a multitude of resources. Images, audio, video and archived web content are available at the touch of a button and collections, such as government/ law, advertising, literature, performing arts, are easily navigable.
Perhaps, the most recognizable program sponsored by the Library of Congress in the United States and abroad is that of Poet Laureate. Officially known as The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, this individual represents the best and brightest in the field of poetry. Annually appointed by the Librarian of Congress, he or she serves as our nation’s official poet and is tasked with raising the national appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry. For the year 2012, Natasha Trethewey has the honored position. Trethewey, who won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for her work, “Native Guard”, will hold the title from October through May of 2013. While the programs are successful, the Library of Congress is still a library. It acquires its holdings through national exchanges, purchases and gifts. It also receives materials from local, state and federal agencies and negotiates acquisitions with foreign governments. However, chief contributors to the Library of Congress are writers themselves, who must comply with copyright protection and registration laws. The Library is the base for the United States Copyright Office. Irrespective of whether a publisher registers a copyright, all are required to submit two complete copies of published manuscripts to the Library of Congress. Nearly 22,000 published works arrive to the Library each day, of which,10,000 pieces are accepted into its collection. Rejected works are used in trading or distributed to federal agencies for use. The Library of Congress also donates others to schools and communities throughout the United States. Living in the Washington area most certainly has its perks. One such perk is having the most comprehensive library on the planet in our backyard. The Library of Congress is open to the public daily and anyone can request access to its collection. Simply stop by the Orientation Gallery in the Jefferson Building and inquire with a staff member or utilize the touch screens computers also located in the Gallery to start the adventure. The past and the present are at your fingertips.
John Eric Home 27
OF THE
ARCHITECTURE
LIBRARY of CONGRESS
Where does one house 151,785,778 materials composed of books, audio and video recordings, maps and other literary collectibles? The answer is in great buildings honoring past presidents and one large campus in Culpepper, Virginia. As the collection of the Library of Congress is astounding and constantly expanding, the four buildings that safeguard these materials are all unique and have defining characteristics. Whether one speaks in architectural terms, such as the Jefferson Building, or sheer size, such as the James Madison Building, the Library of Congress is one impressive sprawl.
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The most recognized edifice of the system is the Thomas Jefferson Building. This grand structure was designed by John Smithmeyer and Paul Pelz, who won an open competition in 1873 and were awarded the prize. The pair had toured Europe studying its great libraries, which is evidenced in the Jefferson Building’s architecture. Taking eleven years to complete construction, the anchor building of the Library of Congress opened on November 1, 1897. Originally called “The Main Building,” its name was officially changed on June 13, 1980, in honor of our third president. Jefferson sold his book collection to replenish the Library after the burning of the Capitol Building (where the Library of Congress was originally housed) during the War of 1812. The Great Hall of the Jefferson Building is an awesome display consisting of a 75-foot high ceiling, in which a stained glass setting filters sunlight, marble columns and a grand staircase. Mosaics and paintings adorn the walls. Works from more than 50 American painters and sculptors are scattered throughout the massive building. The Orientation Gallery is where members of the public can retrieve information as to where books throughout the system are located from touch-screen computers. But, it is not just the architecture and technology of the Jefferson Building that draws visitors to the space. Contained in the Jefferson is also the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Auditorium. Coolidge (no relation to President Calvin Coolidge) was a wealthy patron whose donations built the auditorium in 1933 and fostered the space thereafter. Since that time, thousands of concerts have been held for members of the public. Although, the programs mostly consist of classical chamber music, jazz, folk and specialty music presentations have been performed throughout the years. It is but one of the cultural institutions promoted within the Library of Congress. When the collection of the Library of Congress expanded, and no further shelf space existed in the Jefferson Building, Congress sanctioned new construction to be built in an effort to house the evergrowing collected works. David Lynn, who was the appointed Architect of the Capitol, commissioned the prominent District architectural firm of Pierson and Watson to design the edifice. Alexander Buel Trowbridge served as consulting architect on the project. The new building opened to the public on January 3, 1939 and
immediately received the overflow from the Main Building. Originally known as the Annex Building of the Library of Congress, it was renamed on June 13, 1980. Honoring the second President of the United States and man who approved the law establishing the Library of Congress (1800), the building was thereafter called the John Adams Building. While the construction does not have the magnificent architecture of the Jefferson Building, it lays claim to one of the most distinguishing facets of all four edifices of the Library of Congress campus. The John Adams Building features unique bronze entrance doors at the 2nd and 3rd Street exits. Designed by Lee Lawrie, a key figure on the American Art scene preceeding World War II (Atlas at Rockefeller Center is his principal work), the doors are meant to commemorate the history of the written word. Lawrie sculpted both mythical and historical figures onto the doors: Hermes, messenger of the gods, Odin, creator of the Runic alphabet, Ogma, the Irish god who invented the Gaelic alphabet, Itzamna, a Mayan god, Quetzalcoatl,
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an Aztec god, Sequoyah, a Native American, Thoth, the Egyptian god, T’sang Chieh, the Chinese patron of writing, Nabu, the Akkadian god, Brahma, the Indian god, Cadmus, the Greek sower and Tahmurath, a Persian hero. Those chosen cross cultural and geographic boundaries all in the name of literature. The third building of the Library of Congress is the James Madison Memorial Building. Opened in 1976, it is the home of the Mary Pickford Theater, also known as the “motion picture and television reading room”, and office space for Library of Congress officials. Designed by the firm of DeWitt, Poor, and Shelton Associated Architects, the building is one of the three largest buildings in the metropolitan area. The Pentagon and the J. Edgar Hoover Building are the other two. The name was chosen to honor President James Madison. Madison was the person who originally suggested in 1783 that the Continental Congress form a library containing books that would be useful to legislators. Aside from the Pickford Theater, which hosts free screenings of both classic and contemporary movies, the James Madison Building is also home to the Law Library of Congress and the United States Copyright Office. Both the Law Library and the Copyright Office are important to the function of the Library. Although the Supreme Court sat in the United States Capitol Building from 1801 to 1935, its Justices could not formally use the Library of Congress. However, they were able to consult books in the collection if they held a letter of introduction from a Member of Congress. On March 2, 1812, a Joint Resolution of both Houses of Congress authorized use of the Library by the justices of the Supreme Court. Afterwards, unsuccessful attempts were made to establish a separate Law Library to serve both Congress and the high court. The initiative came from those members of Congress who had distinguished legal or judicial careers. On January 20, 1832, William Marcy, a Senator from New York, introduced a bill to “Increase and Improve the Law Department of the Library of Congress.” This time, the Bill passed both Houses of Congress and was signed by President Andrew Jackson into law. The Act directed the Librarian to prepare an “apartment” for the purpose of a law library and to remove the law books from the library into said
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apartment. The Justices of the Supreme Court were authorized to make rules and regulations for the use of the Law Library during the sitting of the court. The Law Library, however, remained a part of the Library of Congress which was responsible for its upkeep. The United States Copyright Office is an important fiber in the fabric of American life. The Office examines all applications presented for registration of original and renewal copyright claims to determine their acceptability for registration under the provisions of the copyright law. The Office also records documents related to copyright ownership. Tasked with recording the bibliographic descriptions and the copyright facts of all registered works, the Office also maintains an Archives that are an important record of America’s cultural and historical heritage. Containing nearly 45 million individual cards, the Copyright Card Catalog housed in the James Madison Memorial Building comprises an index of copyright registrations in the United States from 1870 through 1977. Records after 1977 are maintained through an online database of more than 16 million entries.
Those chosen cross cultural and geographic boundaries all in the name of literature. Once again, in 2007, the Library of Congress chose to expand its campus. This time, the organization headed outside of the District of Columbia and opened the Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Preservation in Culpepper, Virginia. The main building is a re-purposed Cold War bunker, which was constructed to house enough U.S. currency to replenish the cash supply east of the Mississippi River in the event of a catastrophic event. Now, it is the home of the Library’s movie, television and sound collection. As the John Adams Building is noted for its famed bronze doors, what distinguishes the Packard Campus is its green design. The building is situated mostly underground and equipped with green roofs. The design was meant to have minimal visual impact on the Virginia countryside by blending into the existing landscape. Only a semi-circular terraced arcade appears in the hill to allow natural light into the administrative and work areas. The campus is also the site of the largest private sector re-forestation effort on the Eastern Seaboard. Over 9,000 tree saplings and 200,000 other plantings were planted on site. The Packard Campus also boasts the largest nitrate film storage complex in the western hemisphere. As the campus is devoted to audio-visual arts, its centerpiece is an art deco movie theater that presents free screenings of current films to the general public. The 206-seat theater projects both film and modern digital cinema on its screen. A digital organ rises from under the stage to accompany silent film screenings. With the Herculean task of safeguarding America’s written, audio and visual accomplishments, the Library of Congress is a beehive of activity and organization. This activity and organization is housed within four substantial buildings that are as unique and distinct as the materials they hold.
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Fajitas Flank Steak Marinade
Juice from 1 large orange Juice from 1 large lime 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 chipolte chiles, in adobo sauce 3 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon white pepper
Fajitas 2 1/4 pounds skirt or flank steak, trimmed of fat cut against the grain into thirds or 8-inch pieces salt and pepper 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 large white onion, thinly sliced 1 large red onion, thinly slicked lime juice, olive oil, optional 12 flour tortillas, warm guacamole, recipe follows Good quality store bought salsa
Guacamole 5 ripe Hass avocados Juice from 3 to 4 limes 1/2 small onion, chopped 1 small garlic clove, minced 1 serrano chile, chopped 1 big handful fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Olive oil 32 | September 2012
Flank Steak Fajitas 1. Using a blender, puree all the marinade ingredients until smooth. Transfer to a re-sealable plastic bag and add the steak, seal and shake to coat. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to tenderize and flavor the beef. 2. Preheat grill or a ridged pan on high heat. Drain the marinade from the beef. Lightly oil the grill or grill pan. Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill the steak over medium-high heat and cook for 4 minutes on each side and then transfer to a cutting board and let rest. Depending on the size of your grill pan you may need to cook in batches.
3. Once the beef is off the grill and resting, add the bell peppers and onions tossed with lime juice and olive oil. Grill the mixture for 7 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are just barely limp. While the peppers and onions are cooking, heat up the tortillas. Turn any free burners on a low flame. Place a tortilla on each flame and let it char about 30 seconds to 1 minute, flip the tortilla and repeat on the second side. Once heated and charred remove the tortilla to a clean tea towel and wrap to keep warm. Repeat until all tortillas are warmed. 4. Thinly slice the steak against the grain on a diagonal.
Guacamole 1. Halve and pit the avocados. With a tablespoon, scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork, leaving them still a bit chunky. 2. Add all of the rest of the ingredients, and fold everything together. 3. Lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole so it doesn’t brown and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions 1. Spread some guacamole on a tortilla, top with a few slices of steak, peppers and onions, and salsa. Roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling. 2. May also be served with sour cream, ripe olives, chopped tomatoes and shredded cheese.
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MARGARITAs Mar路ga路ri路ta - noun
[mahr-guh-ree-tuh] a cocktail made of tequila, lime or lemon juice, and an orange-flavored liqueur, usually served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Classic Margarita Ultimate Margarita Skinny Margarita 34
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CLASSICMargarita 1/4 cup kosher salt 1 wedge lime juice of 1 fresh lime juice 1 heaping teaspoon superfine sugar 1/2 ounce Cointreau, triple sec or other orange liqueur 2 ounces tequila About 2 cups ice cubes
PREPARATION 1. Spread salt on small plate. Rub lime wedge around rim of 10-ounce glass, such as double old-fashioned. Dip the lip of the glass in the salt to lightly coat. Set aside and save the wedge for garnish. 2. Place half the ice in a cocktail shaker. Add the lime juice, sugar, Cointreau and tequila. Shake vigorously for 25 seconds. Strain into prepared glass filled with remaining ice.
ULTIMATEMargarita 4 ounces premium tequila 1 ½ ounces Grand Marnier juice of 2 fresh limes 1 teaspoon simple syrup or 2 teaspoons of fine sugar 2 lime wedges for garnish ¼ cup kosher salt
PREPARATION 1. Spread the salt on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the lip of a martini glass. Dip the rim in the salt to lightly coat. Set aside. 2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice and sugar and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into the glass. Serve immediately. If ice is desired, place the garnish into the base of a salted rim highball glass, fill halfway with ice and carefully strain the margarita into the glass. Caution: This is a recipe for TWO cocktails
SKINNYMargarita 1/2 cup seltzer water (or club soda) 1 ounce tequila 1/2 ounce triple sec juice of 1/2 fresh lime 1 teaspoon Rose’s Sweetened Lime juice
PREPARATION 1. Combine everything but the seltzer in a cocktail shaker, add ice, shake and pour into an ice filled glass and add the seltzer. This typically reduces the calories by half
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> The DC State Fair has announced that it will be joining Barracks Row Day this September 22 for a festive day displaying and celebrating DC residents’ agricultural, culinary, crafty, and artistic talents. > Stella Artois threw the Taste of Belgium featuring Stella, Leffe, and Hoegaarden, a mussel-eating contest, Belgian music, food, and games, and a Belgian beer class were enjoyed. The event took place at Yards Park. > Scion will be opening a sister restaurant called Crios Modern Mexican Restaurant in Dupont.
DC SCOOP Washington DC > Congratulations to Fiola and Little Serow for making Bon Appetit’s list of 50 Best New Restaurants of 2012! > The Corcoran’s Save the Date performance-art piece, featured Kathryn Cornelius who married and divorced seven people over the course of seven hours as a commentary on America’s disposable marriages. > 3 Stars Brewing Company has launched - This District based brewery took part in D.C. Beer Week to much success. > A WTOP Beltway Poll shows that Pepco’s customers are more dissatisfied with the company than customers from other utilities following the derecho.
> New laws, passed by emergency legislation a few weeks ago, have taken effect and double jail time for drivers who blow between a 0.20 and 0.24 blood-alcohol level to 10 days behind bars. Drunken drivers who have a minor in the car will now face a minimum of five days in jail, and maximum fines will increase from $300 to $1,000. Maximum DUI jail time will jump from 90 days to 180 days in jail. > Self-described as a community market “where culture and neighbors collide,” the DC MEET Market hosted a gathering on July 21 on the corner of 15th and P Streets, NW. The event showcased local and independent art, food, music and fashions.
> PETA has announced its annual list of the 10 most vegetarianfriendly ballparks in the country - Nationals Park came in eighth. The #1 park? Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park (it has a vegan chicken-steak sandwich, among other options.) > The Hill Center and Capitol Hill Village sponsored a talk by John Vlach (a Capitol Hill Village member and member of The George Washington University faculty) focusing on the earliest settlers of Capitol Hill. > Jamba Juice opened a new location in Dupont Circle with tennis star Venus Williams on hand at the 19th Street store. Williams and Jamba Juice created a partnership responsible for bringing the chain to DC.
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> The Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation has invested in a new 41-seat coachstyle bus. The bus will be used for the department’s travel programs for adults 55 and over. > The Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant slated for the former Cafe Parisien space at 4520 Lee Highway in the Lee Heights shopping center is scheduled to open on Oct. 16.
DC SCOOP Arlington > Those wanting to plan bike trips around Arlington and D.C. can now do so via a new online bike routing tool. BikeArlington contributed knowledge of local bike routes to the free tool, which was developed by the nonprofit group OpenPlans. > More than 100 bellydancers performed at Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd.) The D.C. area belly dance studio Sahara Dance put on a show at Artisphere on Saturday, Aug. 18 entitled “Carnival.” > The Georgetown Center for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE) will be moving to the District. The campus, part of the Georgetown School of Continuing Studies offers noncredit classes and 25 professional certificate programs.
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> The Sports Junkies hosted their 5th annual Sundress Party at Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) with a number of local TV and radio personalities in attendance. > Arlington resident Michael Petrina, 67, has won the annual AARP spelling bee. The bee, which is open to adults 50+, was held in Cheyenne, Wyoming this year. > A block of Rosslyn is going to be redeveloped. The County Board has approved the rezoning and phased development site plan for the 1 million square foot Rosslyn Gateway project. The mixed-use project covers the 2.2 acres of land bounded by N. 20th Street on the north, N. Moore Street on the east, N. 19th Street on the south and Fort Myer Drive on the west.
> Arlington nonprofit Our Task hosted an “intergenerational” conference to discuss environmental and global development issues on Aug. 11 at the Arlington Central Library. The conference aimed at local high school and college students who want to share ideas and discuss what the world will look like in 2100, and what should be done to deal with ongoing deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, population increases and a host of other issues. > An Arlington catering company is first in the D.C. metro to use a non-traditional technology, aquaponics, to farm its own fish. Main Event Caterers (3870 S. Four Mile Run Drive) recently began using the urban farming technique. Aquaponics is the practice of using a closed-loop ecological system to grow both fish and plants in one body of water. The catering company says the process benefits the business as well as the environment.
Chase Lake Sector reach up to 70 feet before the building of the Purple Line, and up to 90 feet (along the Purple Line) after the building of the light rail.
DC SCOOP Montgomery County > Potomac residents are fighting the loss of a 32-year-old organic farm at the Brickyard Road School site in their community but it’s schedued to be turned over to Montgomery County on Thursday, Aug. 16. For nearly two years, the property has been at the center of a heated battle between the county, which wants to turn the site into youth soccer fields, and local activists who want to save the farm. > Forbes magazine has ranked Bethesda and its surrounding environs as the 17th coolest metropolitan area in the country. > The votes are in, and the number one brunch spot in the WTOP Top Ten is Bagel City in Rockville.
> The Montgomery County Police Department worked more than 2,000 overtime hours after the June 29 storm and overtime costs for the county are over $100,000. > The Montgomery County Planning Board urged county planning staff to consider higher height limits for some portions of the Chevy Chase Lake Sector plan. At the meeting, county planners recommended 1,000 new dwelling units and 1.3 million more square feet than what is currently existing and approved in the Chevy Chase Lake Sector. At the heart of the sector—near the proposed Purple Line station—would be a “town center” similar to Rockville Town Center, Montgomery County Senior Planner Elza Hisel-McCoy said at the meeting on July 16. County planners recommended that building heights in the Chevy
> BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a regional privatepublic partnership focusing on commercializing marketrelevant biohealth innovations and increasing access to early-stage funding in Central Maryland, announced today that it has located its corporate headquarters in the historic Wire Hardware Building at 22 Baltimore Road in Rockville. > Councilmembers Nancy Navarro and Hans Riemer introduced a resolution to the Montgomery County Council calling for a Wheaton Revitalization Implementation Working Group, whose members would be appointed by the Council. > The Meadowside Nature Center (Rock Creek Regional Park, 5100 Meadowside Lane) hosted a morning of horticulture where groups and individuals helped to give the park’s native plants room to grow by removing the invasive non-natives.
John Eric Home 39
JE JOHN ERIC
™
R E A L E S TAT E
WASHINGTON | VIRGINA | MARYLAND
John Eric
Washington Fine Properties 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW | Washington, DC 20016 P: 202.274.4668 | E: john@johneric.com | www.johneric.com
HOMETRENDS
VICTORIASANCHEZ SANCHEZ DESIGN INTERIORS
T
There are numerous reasons why homeowners get inspired to renovate and renew their homes. In this edition of John Eric Home, we speak with Victoria Sanchez of Victoria Sanchez Interiors about her recent renovations to a home in Alexandria inspired by the owner’s daughter pending nuptials. Mrs. Gandy gave Victoria six weeks to transform the first floor of her home in time for the big day.
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Q&A JE—Victoria, please tell me a little about this project and your first meeting with the client? What was your task in feel and design? VS—When Jana and I met we hit the ground running! She set out her goals and deadlines, we agreed on a budget for her priorities and she let me lead the way. Jana’s furnishings were from a previous home and her look had changed. She wanted a more tailored, polished look to her home. JE—The color palette is warm and inviting, what was the inspiration for the colors chosen for this space? VS—Jana already had a wonderful rug in the living area that we wanted to work with. The tones in the rug were a perfect starting point for our design. I wanted to update her look by pulling away from some of the golds and work in more of the wonderful, fresh greens. JE—For the first floor, what items did you keep, what items are new and how do you combine the old with the new to create the new space’s style and feel? VS—We kept the dining room table, chairs and the rug underneath was from the living area. New chandelier, corner cabinet, trumeau from her mothers home. We kept the floor lamps from John Roselli, the chest in front of the windows and remade her drapery panels into romans. New rug from Asmara, fabulous, sexy sofa from Edward Ferrell, pair of new lounge chairs, pillows. Jana has great taste and wonderful accessories. We edited and found the pieces to finish her new spaces.
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JE—When you work under a tight timeline for projects, what are some of the things you always stress to your clients in picking furniture, fabrics, etc., to help them help you meet the deadline? VS—The critical consideration in a tight timeline project like this one is “In Stock”!! For new upholstery needs I turn to my sources that can offer something off the floor with out compromising on quality! All fabrics and wall coverings are confirmed to be in stock before we even show them to a client. I will call my workrooms and give them a heads- up that we have an important project with a small turn around time to get on their schedule immediately; before we have even made our selections. I work very closely with my clients to keep them focused and help them make quick decisions to keep on track without making them feel overwhelmed by the process or the pace. JE—How did your client feel and react to the finished changes to the first floor? Did you meet your deadline? VS—Jana and her husband were thrilled with the results! The updated chic feeling was exactly what they were looking for. We not only met the deadline in the living and dining area, we were able to redo a powder room, breakfast room and freshen up the kitchen too! JE—Thank you, Victoria for sharing you excellent design work with us on this project.
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Before
JE JOHN ERIC PROPERTIES
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John Eric
Washington Fine Properties 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW | Washington, DC 20016 P: 202.274.4668 | E: john@johneric.com | www.johneric.com
JE JOHN ERIC
™
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