The Passenger to Close and "Columbia Room" Moving to Blagden Alley

According to a Washington Post article today; Passenger (and Columbia Room) on 7th Street NW will close on January 1st 2015.

Derek Brown is moving the Columbia Room a few blocks north to Blagden Alley, where it will occupy the space above chef Jeremiah Langhorne's forthcoming restaurant, the Dabney. The Passenger, meanwhile, will go dark until Tom Brown, Derek's brother, is able to find the perfect place for it in Shaw. (Washington Post)

So its official. The Douglas Development on NY Ave 7th & L Street's NW will then be clear on the 7th Street side (no news on Bicycle Space and Bar7 yet). The work on the project has already started and New York Ave NW is already feeling the changes as lane and sidewalk closures are in effect.

Work has started on New York Ave NW Project (the Moroccan Restaurant has gone already)

But all is not bad news for Passenger fans, the article goes on to state; 

This weekend, the Passenger marks five years with $5 kimchi dogs, $5 whiskey shots and $5 pints of 3 Stars beer from opening on Friday to closing on Sunday. The two bars also have big plans for New Year's Eve: The Columbia Room will have some "very special cocktails" at its New Year's Eve seatings; reservations will be available starting Dec. 1. The Passenger, meanwhile, is holding its traditional DJ dance party in the Warehouse Theatre space, with a $10 cover charge and no advance tickets. (Washington Post)

On "The Gang of Three" project, on 9th Street NW & in Blagden Alley, it is my understanding that Douglas Development is asking DC Gov't for a variance to enable it to expand on the amount of space they will finally occupy.

Current status of "The Gang of Three" in Blagden Alley

The Blagden Alley side of the project will now have 2 restaurants, The Dabney and Columbia Room. Which will join other Blagden Alley restaurants/bars;
Rogue 24
La Colombe Coffee
Lost & Found
The American - coming