Pleasant Plains: An area coming into its own

Location takes precedence in a traffic-clogged metro area with few affordable housing options close in — and Pleasant Plains has location.

With a history that dates back to a colonial estate in the 1700s, the culturally diverse neighborhood provides easy access to the U Street Corridor, Columbia Heights and downtown. It’s located within walking distance of the largest retail development in the city, Banneker Park’s recreational facilities, and Howard University.

“I can be anywhere in five minutes,” said resident Will Collins who works as an information technology director. “I can walk to the stores at DC USA in Columbia Heights and to the restaurants of U Street.”

Linked to the origins of Mount Pleasant as one of D.C.’s first suburbs, the neighborhood dates back to the 1700s, when Lord Baltimore gave a land grant to vestryman James Holmead for a large tract running east of Rock Creek Park and south to Piney Branch Park. Holmead’s son Anthony inherited the manor and named the entire area “Pleasant Plains” in the early 1800s. As the land began to be sold off in parcels, the small portion of the Holmead estate that was not settled as either Columbia Heights or Park View became Pleasant Plains.

Flanked by Columbia Heights (west), Park View (north), Shaw (south) and McMillan reservoir (east), it remains an affordable spot in the center of the District for young urban professionals, Howard University faculty and students looking to rent. The hamlet’s distinctive vibe reflects the co-existence of hip intellectuals in an academic setting and working class professionals.

“It’s coming into its own,” Collins said. “I hate to use the term ‘gentrification’ because that implies lots of money — and it’s not that. It’s a suburb within a city.”

Collins lives on Fairmont Street, where the row homes between Georgia and Sherman avenues sit high above the street on terraced hillsides — some with more than 20 steps on a steep incline up to the front door. Residents have landscaped their lawns in any number of styles from Asian sanctuary to English garden. The Wardman-style homes have character — one enclosed porch carries the original leaded glass.

“My house has a beautiful view,” Collins said. “I can see all the way to the Washington monument.”

Active in the community, Collins has worked with Councilman Jim Graham to close liquor stores that sell singles and don’t give back to the community, and to help rid the neighborhood of drug traffic.

“Crime is getting better,” Collins said. “The bad economy has helped. Foreclosures have helped remove drug dealers.”

The neighborhood has remained affordable despite an increase in prices over the past five years, and it has a bright future — though not many people know its name or where it is located.

“I’ve always referred to it as part of Columbia Heights,” said Realtor Linda Funabashi, who lives in nearby Shaw. “You will find brick row homes dating from the early 1900s which have been much in demand. In the present market you can find fixer-uppers from up to $300K and renovated properties from $300-$450K.”

A stretch of Georgia Avenue similar to 18th Street in Adams Morgan features retail stores and restaurants with rich ethnic diversity such as Soul Food Vegetarian (the Ben’s Chili Bowl of Georgia Avenue) and House of Khamit with an exotic collection of jewelry, clothes, books, essential oils and incense.

There’s also an iced latte with a dash of cinnamon to be found at the Girard Sankofa Bookstore and Cafe, an oasis of food and free thought.

“Sankofa has a pleasant outdoor patio shaded by crape myrtle trees where one can enjoy gourmet sandwiches, juices and coffee, and a store with films, videos and books by and about people of African descent,” Funabashi said.

Proposed in 2002, the Howard Town Center may finally come to fruition with its plan for mixed retail and residential use — and a Fresh Grocer.

“This mixture of present and past in a fast-paced world makes the Pleasant Plains neighborhood truly unique,” Funabashi said.