Conversations on Great Streets honors one corridor in Washington, DC every year that exemplifies historic, cultural, and economic vitality. For 2013, the Humanities Council of DC is honoring H Street, NE as its “Great Street of the Year.” Join us for catered hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and storytelling performances from four H Street honorees – businesses, organizations, and individuals that help make H Street, NE a Great Street.

Special Host for the Evening:
DC Councilmember Tommy Wells

And the Honorees Are:

• Jane Lang and the Atlas Performing Arts Center (Ann Belkov Accepting)

• Anwar Saleem and H Street Main Street

• Betty Hart and With These Hands Salon

• Leon Robbins and Stan’s Discount Clothing

The programming for the evening is presented in collaboration with Speakeasy DC.

Date and Time:
Thursday, May 30th, 2013 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Location:
Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar
1104 H Street NE
Washington DC 20002

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate everything that makes H Street the hottest destination in DC!

Purchase your tickets online here: http://conversationsongreatstreet.eventbrite.com

Tickets are $50, and proceeds will benefit the Humanities Council and our work to transform lives through the power of the humanities.

Logo and Graphic Design by Kate Ahern Loveric

All three vehicles that make up the initial fleet will be in place by Thursday for the testing phase. The Anacostia Testing and Commissioning Site is also where staff will train before service begins.

Full Story at WTOP

Development (DSLBD) will host a special event to celebrate H Street NE receiving a 2013 Great American Main Street Award® (GAMSA). The grand celebration will take place on April 29 from 7 to 9pm at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, located at 1333 H Street, NE. Event details are just below, followed by background information on GAMSA.

WHAT: H Street Main Street GAMSA Award Celebration
WHEN: Monday, April 29, 2013 from 7-9pm
WHERE: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

About the Award

On Sunday, April 14th, H Street Main Street was presented with a 2013 Great American Main Street Award® (GAMSA), recognizing H Street as an outstanding example of urban commercial revitalization. Each year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center recognizes exceptional Main Street communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive commercial district revitalization. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a national jury based on successful and innovative uses of the Main Street Four-Point Approach®. H Street Main Street, which is funded by the Department of Small and Local Business Development’s DC Main Streets Program, is the second program in Washington DC to win this award.

Established in 2002 and managed through Department of Small and Local Business Development’s DC Main Streets Program, HSMS was designated as an organization to work with private and local partners to encourage and support small business growth and revitalization along the H Street, NE Corridor. Known as the last of the “riot corridors”, H Street built its legacy off of the civil rights era. Today, H Street stands as a symbol of urban and cultural transformation and is recognized as a neighborhood that has gone through a rebirth, adding a unique and diverse mix of retail and service businesses, drawing thousands people to the neighborhood each year.

“In the last ten years, H Street Main Street has supported the creation of more than 140 new businesses while adding an additional 1500 new jobs to the District,” said DSLBD Interim Director, Robert Summers. “There have been many personal journeys that have been built around H Street, and DSLBD is ecstatic to learn that the small businesses and residents who have contributed to the success of the H Street corridor are being honored for their outstanding efforts.”

“In our field, this is like receiving an Oscar or a Grammy,” said Anwar Saleem, Executive Director of H Street Main Street . “Our eyes have been on this award since the time we knew it existed.”

“I am proud of the work we have done to turn H Street back into a thriving business corridor, supporting local residents and visitors alike. It demonstrates what is possible in urban America today,” said Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, “and I’m looking forward to coming together on April 29 to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”

The April 29 celebration is free and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and beer and wine will be provided and guests will be entertained by music by the William Knowles Trio. Attendees are asked to RSVP at www.hstreet.org or by emailing julia.christian@hstreet.org.

H Street Main Street is grateful for generous donations to the event provided by Smith Commons, Washington Wholesale, Flying Dog Brewing Company, Inspire BBQ, CreateDC and to the Atlas Performing Arts Center for hosting this special event.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Anwar Saleem, the Executive Director, of the H Street Main Street (HSMS) organization was excited with the news of the award. “In our field, this award is like receiving an Oscar or Grammy Award,” Saleem said. – Examiner

H Street Main Street is a Great American Main Street Award winner for its work in adapting the Main Street Four Point Approach® to work in an urban and predominately African-American neighborhood. In winning this award, H Street proved that, with a few changes, the Approach can be quite successful. H Street uses a less formal committee structure and relies more on constantly-changing work groups. Most volunteers identify more with projects than with the organizational structure.

Other adaptations include a strong central leader and extensive public support. Anwar Saleem was a founder of H Street Main Street and became the executive director in 2006. H Street is proud that he has been able to help other Main Street programs through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. H Street has relied strongly on support from the municipal government to launch this revitalization effort. Because so much of the demolition of historic H Street NE was publicly funded, H Street needed more help to overcome that legacy. The leadership and funding from the District of Columbia was instrumental in H Street’s success.

H Street NE is nationally recognized as a valuable historic place – one of the last intact “riot corridors.” Our program has managed a complex revitalization effort to save H Street NE as an authentic place and garnered much national media coverage for our work. The effort has succeeded and been faster than anyone expected. This revitalization effort is an important case study in how to use historic preservation to save African-American neighborhoods.

The GAMSA is awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. According to its website “Each year, the National Trust Main Street Center recognizes exceptional Main Street communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive commercial district revitalization. These award-winning communities have demonstrated proven success in using the Main Street Four Point Approach® to create economic vitality, a unique sense of place, and a strong commitment to the community by all stakeholders.” Applicants for the awards are put through a rigorous review process and are compared with amazing neighborhoods from across the country.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, businesses, elected officials and public servants,” said Saleem. “Everyone in the community, our sponsors, donors and the city deserve a round of applause for helping make the H Street renaissance a reality.”

From the DC Streetcar Newsletter, December 21, 2012.

Thank you for your interest in streetcar construction related matters. You will receive periodic updates as soon as they become available, including two-week look-aheads.

Click here to receive a comprehensive overview of 2012-2013 construction for the H/Benning Streetcar Line in a special edition of our newsletter.

Stay Informed

If you know anyone else who would like to receive DC Streetcar construction related updates, please direct them to contact us at construction@dcstreetcar.com and indicate which project (Anacostia or H Street/Benning Road or both) they would like to receive notifications about.

To invite DC Streetcar to your next community meeting, you may write us at info@dcstreetcar.com.

For more information about the DC Streetcar, please visit www.dcstreetcar.com.

Have a safe and pleasant end of year!

www.TommyWells.org

Councilmember Tommy Wells to Host 6th Annual Livable, Walkable Awards

(Washington, DC) – On Friday, December 7th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Councilmember Tommy Wells will honor city and neighborhood leaders with the 6th Annual Livable, Walkable Awards. The event will be held in the Grand Lobby of the newly renovated Evening Star building – now the home of the Commission on Arts & Humanities and the Child & Family Services Agency – located at 200 I Street, SE and overlooking the recently opened Canal Park.

“To create a truly livable, walkable community, it takes leadership and vision — not just from those elected to office, but also from our neighbors, city employees, civic organizations, and local businesses,” said Mr. Wells. Over 200 nominations were made by the community and an award will be given in each of these categories, in addition to a special award for civic pride.

The event begins at 6:30 pm with food, beverage and live entertainment and a short program will begin at approximately 7:15 pm to announce the awards. The event is free and open to the public.
The recipients of the awards will be:

Neighbor Award – Anwar Saleem

Each year, this award goes to an individual that is making a significant difference to improve our community and help build a more livable, walkable city. This year’s award goes to Anwar Saleem, Executive Director of H Street Main Street. In recent years, H Street NE has begun to return to its former glory as a major commercial and retail corridor for District residents. Through his leadership with long-time H Street businesses, as well as embracing new entrepreneurs and business ideas, Anwar has helped lead the corridor’s resurgence that is creating vibrant sidewalks and busy storefronts – the type of small business success that is critical to making a neighborhood livable and walkable.

Community Organization Award – City Blossoms

Parks, green spaces and community gardens help to create livable, walkable neighborhoods. What began nine years ago as a volunteer project for City Blossoms, has since evolved into a year-round program that works with over 3,000 children and youth in various gardening projects. In Ward 6’s Shaw neighborhood, City Blossoms’ latest project has turned two empty lots into the Marion Intergenerational Garden. The garden pairs fresh food with educational opportunities for neighboring children, youth, adults and families. Tucked away on Marion Street, NW, it’s an example of a transformative space for a community and its residents.

Business Award – BicycleSPACE

When BicycleSPACE opened its doors in 2010, owner Erik Kugler didn’t just create a shop for bicycles and accessories, he created a destination that celebrates a way of life. The store is now a gathering place – for first-time riders and dyed-in-the-wool cyclists – where the biking community of the District is welcome and thrives in a cycling and supportive culture. In addition to gear shifters and helmets, BicyleSPACE is the home of “The Assembly” a bicycle advocacy coalition committed to promoting cycling and making the District the #1 cycling city in America. Every day, Erik and BicycleSPACE is making the District a little bit more livable, walkable and bikable.

Public Service Award – John Thomas

Take a picture of a typical block in Washington, DC and among the elements that make the photo instantly recognizable as “DC” is the presence of canopy of street trees. Trees, and the cover they provide, make our neighborhoods a great place to walk, bike and live. John Thomas is the Associate Director of DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration and is the District’s chief “tree steward.” Within an agency best known for laying pavement and concrete, John manages a team of arborists to tend to and grow the city’s trees and canopy. The fruits of his labor can be seen in just about any tree box along DC’s streets.

Civic Pride Award – The Yards Park

The civic pride award is a distinct category that recognizes special places that epitomize outstanding civic space and neighborhood pride. The Yards Park, located on the banks of the Anacostia River, is a grand example and one of the city’s top urban destinations. In design and program, the park has no rival and this year’s civic pride award honors the special partnership that has made the park so successful. In collaboration with the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Forest City Washington, the Capitol Riverfront BID manages and operates the state-of-the-art park. Whether the waterwall and splash fountains, the River Street Gardens, the Great Lawn or the boardwalk, Yards Park is teeming with activity as the premiere park in Washington, DC.

Saturday, 12/1  |  NOON – 4 PM
HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues
1007 H Street NE
(Near Corner of 10th and H Street NE)
MARKET ONLY— $5 at door/ $3 in advance
TEST KITCHEN +  MARKET- $20
REGISTER HERE

STARTUP MARKET

StartUp Market is a temporary one-day market that provides a venue for food and craft entrepreneurs to sell their products, network with other vendors and build a customer following. Just like the Kitchen model, consumers will be asked to provide feedback on products. Existing retail and food entrepreneurs will provide feedback day-of by judging the StartUpStar competition.

STARTUP TEST KITCHEN POP-UP- CHAYA
Test out StartUpKitchen finalist, CHAYA’s tacos with a sustainable spin.  Chaya is rustic cooking with a focus on eating more plants and less meat. The food is infused with Latin flavors and cooked with well-sourced, seasonal ingredients. There is great culinary and creative potential is these ingredients and this style of cooking Includes two craft beers from Chocolate City.

Chaya was a 2012 StartUp Kitchen finalist

For more information contact:

Jessica O’Neal at membership@thinklocalfirstdc.com

The rejuvenating H Street N.E. Corridor offers rich opportunities for new retail businesses in home furnishings, office products, health and beauty, fashion, food, and family services, analysts told more than 60 real estate and development executives at the 2012 Retail Summit sponsored by H Street Main Street on Friday, October 19.

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells described H Street as being uniquely positioned to take advantage of the “experience economy” trend, the concept that today’s customers seek out, not just products, but pleasantly memorable shopping experiences.

“H Street’s cultural history, tradition and sound building infrastructure allow it to build its economy on creating an experience,” he told the standing-room-only crowd. “’The ‘sum is greater than its parts’ is no more true than on H Street.”

H Street Main Street (HSMS), a nonprofit dedicated to business development on the corridor, organized the event to reveal recent market research findings, and update investors on key projects that are already in motion. The Summit was held at HR-57, a restaurant and jazz club at 1007 H Street, named for the U.S. House of Representatives resolution that designated jazz as a national treasure in 1987.

HSMS Executive Director Anwar Saleem said the group’s goal is to continue attracting local businesses that add culture, flavor, and character to the corridor.

HSMS consultant Lauren Adkins of Adkins & Adkins Consulting reported the results of a comprehensive research project aimed at identifying the types of retail businesses likely to succeed on H Street. The project involved an online survey which elicited responses from 772 residents of the broader H Street community during June and July 2012, followed by qualitative discussions with a focus group of 25 residents who met three times in August 2012.

Analysis of the findings, Ms. Adkins reported, showed that respondents favor H Street retail expansion in six niches:

• 41 percent said restaurants are still the most important business type to bring to the Corridor, but they want more menu diversity, a greater range of prices from low to high, and more options to purchase take-home meals.
• Furniture and hardware options, with nearly half of the focus group having purchased a piece of furniture or household item within the preceding month, and 39.5 percent of survey respondents reporting buying furniture elsewhere in the District.
• Office products and services, with 7.1 percent of respondents working exclusively from home, and 7.9 percent working within four blocks of H Street.
• Interest in a day spa on H Street was strong among focus group participants, suggesting expansion opportunities for the corridor’s existing hair care and beauty salons.
• The prospect of additional clothing stores also generated excitement in the group, and survey respondents ranked clothing options for women and men as the seventh and eighth recruitment priorities, respectively.
• Businesses to support families were also strongly advocated, a marker of growing demand for toys, children’s clothing and recreation businesses in the area.

Ms. Adkins noted that several H Street establishments have adapted their businesses to response to the consumer demands reflected in the survey. For instance, the Star & Shamrock Tavern, 1341 H Street, includes a deli counter that sells take-home food, and Dynamic Wellness, a shop offering health-promoting preparations at 402 H Street, recently expanded to include the Khepra Raw Food Juice Bar, which sells eat-in and take-home foods.

Among survey respondents, the No. 1 request (62.7 percent) in the food category was a grocery store – a need that will be satisfied in just five more months. Guy Steuart of Steuart Investment Company told the group that the 42,000-square-foot Giant Foods store currently under construction at 360 H Street will open in March 2013. The supermarket occupies the ground floor of the six-story 360° H development, which includes 215 residential apartments.

Developers Jair Lynch of Jair Lynch Development Partners and Trent Smith of the Insight Property Group discussed their companies’ plans for the 600 block of H Street. The Lynch firm plans to redevelop the south side of the block for residential, office, and retail use. Insight has acquired major segments of the north side of the block – currently occupied by a Murry’s Food Store and the H Street Self-Storage facility – and plans wholesale redevelopment, potentially including a 40,000-square-foot, window-lined health club.

Lending DC Government support, Keith Sellars, President and CEO of the Washington DC Economic Partnership, reported that since 2005, residents within a one-mile radius of the Corridor spent $19.6 million on retail purchases. The Partnership is the marketing arm of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.

Robert Summers, deputy director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development, touted H Street as a model for development and said that since 2005, 180 businesses opened on H Street, creating more than 2,000 jobs. Stressing the importance of working collaboratively, he said, “Continuing to come together like this and forge partnerships will help make H Street a destination place.”

MATERIALS PROVIDED AT THE 2012 H STREET NE RETAIL SUMMIT:

Profile from Washington Economic Partnership 2012

H Street Vacant Properties List, Oct 2012

H Street Vacant Properties List Oct 2012 Update

H STreet Main Street Survey 2012

H Street Main Street Market Research 2012

H St Retail Action Strategy Market Study 2009

Business inventory analysis

Vibrant-Streets- Retail Toolkit-F

Tom Williams/Roll Call/Getty Images courtesy of Forbes.com

The H Street NE Corridor was recently featured as #6 in Forbes’ list of America’s Top Hipster Neighborhoods. While we may not necessarily agree with the Hipster moniker, it’s still great press for the area. The article features a great photo of the folks at Dangerously Delicious Pies and gives a shout out to bingo at Sticky Rice.