As long as I’ve lived on Rock Creek Church Road, there’s been this great opportunity of a bungalow that was just crying out for someone to restore. If memory serves, it is at 335 Rock Creek Church.
Well, a neighbor a few blocks away sent me the following update on the property with some images of its current state of repairs.
Thought you might be interested in this renovation that is going on! Since moving into the 300 block of Rock Creek Church Road, we learned that this single family, detached bungalow has been empty for a while and has been the ugly one on the block. Rumor has it that it was to be a boarding house for troubled girls, but the organizer ran out of funds. It has since been picked up by “We Buy Ugly Houses.” I spoke with the manager of their DC properties and he said it would be a beauty! Originally, the owners talked about demo-ing and trying to build a monster house. They decided against it as it was already quite sizable and they were able to avoid major changes to the permits (apparently, when they bought the place it came with approved plans!) Once done, it will be a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath house with finished space over 3,500 square feet! It was painted last week and is looking quite nice with new windows, a new roof and a new porch. This will be one to keep an eye on for a pulse on prices in the neighborhood! I’m hoping to bump into the manager again so I can take a tour!
I agree that anything that makes the house habitable again is a step in the right direction and will bring the entire block up in value. If I’m reading the DC Real Property database appropriately (and if I have the right house), 335 RCCR last sold in December, 2009, for $130,000.
Still, the part of me that clings to historical accuracy is sad to see that the original door was removed, the brick has been painted, and the character of the front porch has been lost. I know its a difficult decision on how to approach a structure that’s been vacant for a while, and I know there was no way to save the windows and can only imagine the damage the developers have had to deal with.
Below is an idea of what this house looked like before restoration. Let’s hope we’ll be able to welcome new neighbors soon, I certainly looks like its going to be a nice house when they’re done.

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