It's the end of the first round of the Curbed Cup! The waiting is over to see if your neighborhood made it into the tournament. This is the last of the preliminary matchups and you have until 1:00 p.m. tomorrow to cast your votes.
Dupont Circle made waves in real estate news when the Patterson Mansion went on the market for $26 million, the highest price we saw in the city this year. Now that it's under contract, Dupont may be home to yet another essential hotel. Over and above that, a historic castle hit the market. However, it's also been recognized in nationwide studies as the most walkable neighborhood in D.C. and the best neighborhood in the city for ordering takeout. Also, when WMATA ripped out the flowers that the Phantom Planter had placed on the embankment of the Dupont Circle metro station, he found a way to come back and make Dupont commuters smile. Dupont has also won the most Real Estate Death Match competitions this year. In terms of new hot spots, Lou Lou opened just off the Circle this year and the Tom Sietsema-approved Iron Gate and the city's first Smashburger did as well.
Waterfront is posed for a revamp and it's already underway. This upcoming construction means the houseboats will have to move temporarily to different slips, but they'll still be around. Ground broke this year on a Hyatt Place close to the National Mall. Perhaps now, Southwest will also have a second essential hotel, although the already essential Mandarin Oriental now has a new restaurant. Sky House will add a luxury touch to the apartment landscape. Meanwhile, two much maligned existing buildings will be getting an overhaul without affecting their affordable pricing. Also, an abandoned church turned into a colorful art gallery called Blind Whino.
Is Dupont the more exciting neighborhood or does Waterfront's unique character give it the edge? Vote now!
· All Curbed Cup 2013 Coverage [CDC]