Fritz Brogan, owner of the Mason Inn appeared at the December 13, 2012 ANC 3B to discuss his plans for a roof deck. On January 10, ANC3B will consider whether to support or oppose Mason Inn’s application for extending alcohol service onto an outside space on its roof. The application seeks permission from the ABC Board for a space that accommodates 48 patrons, an outdoor bar, and some chairs and tables. The Mason Inn is seeking “full hours” for the roof deck: until 2 a.m. most Sundays –Thursdays and until 3 a.m. most Fridays and Saturdays. If granted these full hours, Mason Inn would be eligible to be open later: new regulations allow ABC-licensed establishments to stay open until 4 a.m. before Federal and District holidays and 24-hours during some weekends. Mr. Brogan indicated that he plans to install TVs on the deck, but did not expect to have live music. He described Mason Inn as a neighborhood sports bar.
A model of the proposed deck, shown below, shows it is flanked on two sides by the taller buildings next to Mason Inn and includes a new back wall and ceiling over the bar area in the rear of the deck. Canvas panels shade some other parts of the deck, which is fully open, but set back, on the side facing Wisconsin Avenue. Behind the Mason Inn are several residential homes and condos on 37th street. The Mason Inn is currently contesting a noise violation levied by the ABC Board for music that could be heard inside a 37th street residence at 2 a.m. with the windows closed, as certified by an ABRA investigator.
ANC 3B seeks community input on this roof deck in advance of, and at the January 10, 2012 meeting. Please submit your comments to info@anc3b.org; all comments must include name and address.
Click here to see a larger version of the proposed plan.
