New in D.C.: Neighborly Deanwood house near Metro

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By Michele Lerner, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

As more neighborhoods in Logan Circle, Shaw and the new stadium district in Southeast attract attention from new buyers, some of the city's older neighborhoods have never lost their appeal.

Deanwood, a Northeast neighborhood bordered by Eastern, Kenilworth and Nannie Helen Burroughs avenues, retains a small-town character despite its location in the District. . The African-American Heritage Trail (www.cultural tourismdc.org) describes Deanwood as originally farmland, often maintained by slaves. After the Civil War, blacks began to move into the middle- and working-class community.

Small frame and brick homes surrounded by trees characterize this neighborhood, where many of the homes date from the early 20th century through World War II. Several well-known black architects, including Howard D. Woodson designed and built the homes in this neighborhood, working with local craftsmen.

Deanwood's two major claims to fame include its location as the site of Suburban Gardens, a black-owned amusement park that operated from 1921 to 1940 at 50th and Hayes streets Northeast during the time of segregation. Deanwood is also known as the home of Nannie Helen Burroughs, a civil rights leader and educator who in 1909 founded the National Training School for Women and Girls, a boarding school for young blacks on 50th Street.

Today, GDS-Lenair Williams architects and Strother Construction Co. have added two new homes to the housing mix in Deanwood, one of which has already sold. The home at 4216 Eads St. NE, a contemporary-style single-family home, is on the market for $475,000.

Local amenities include quick access to Metro buses and two Metro stations: Benning Road at East Capitol Street and Minnesota Avenue. Nearby are Giant and Capitol Hill are three Metro stops away.

The brick and stucco home is set back from the street with a landscaped and fenced front yard; the fenced rear yard could be used for off-street parking. A full-size deck has been added to the home for relaxing and entertaining outdoors. The covered front door has an arched entrance with a column that adds elegance to the exterior.

Guests enter a two-story foyer with a curving staircase to the upper level. The main level has hardwood flooring, a formal living room and a separate formal dining room. The combined open kitchen and family room has hardwood flooring, a fireplace, granite countertops and a breakfast bar. This level also has a half-bath.

The master suite on the first floor has a luxurious bath with travertine tile flooring, a walk-through separate shower, and a soaking tub. This level also has a second bedroom and a second bathroom.

The upper level includes a loft overlooking the family room, a third bedroom and a bath. The finished lower level has a private outside entrance along with the interior entrance.

Additional features included with this home are ceiling fans, recessed lighting and a security system. The builders are open to adding optional features to the home and to creative financing.

This home will be open for visitors and potential buyers from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call Power Interiors, 202/302-0077.