 |
|
|
2010's Eco-District Summit sowed the seeds for the largest Downtown greening initiative to date and one of the first BID-based EcoDistricts in the country.
|
|
“The DowntownDC ecoDistrict makes perfect business and ‘green’ sense,” said DowntownDC BID executive director Richard H. Bradley. “It will align with DC’s new citywide Climate Action Plan goals, which we will provide leadership to help meet. And it will ensure that Downtown’s unique assets are leveraged to create a propitious investment environment. ” He added: “The bottom line is that we want to engage more stakeholders, provide better measurements of success and boost marketing efforts to help Downtown, the city and the nation achieve and accelerate their sustainability goals. It’s a win-win situation for all involved. ”
More details about the DowntownDC ecoDistrict are available in a new leadership paper,
DowntownDC ecoDistrict: A 21st Century Sustainability Framework.
Case Study
The Downtown Homeless Services Team, managed and funded by the DowntownDC BID, was able to take six chronically homeless persons off Downtown streets and place them into housing during the first six months of the BID’s fiscal year. In March, the most recent month for which data has been analyzed, three persons received housing and three who were a danger either to themselves or others were committed to the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, a hospital-based service open around the clock.
 The Downtown Homeless Services Team, a group of on-the-street professionals headquartered at Pathways to Housing DC, do amazing work. Just last month, they worked with a group of concerned citizens to return a homeless man to his home in California. The BID will periodically provide a synopsis of homeless success stories, which are possible because of partnerships with the DC government and non-profit homeless service providers, who work to bring outreach services, housing and dignity to homeless people while improving comfort and security for workers, residents and visitors in Downtown. What follows is a brief story that involved a long process:
A homeless person well known to most Downtowners was a man we’ll call Mr. C. He camped out every day on various Downtown streets, most recently at 13th and G Streets, outside the Metro Center Metrorail station. The Homeless Services Team first started working with Mr. C, 53, nearly two years ago after he showed up with his two dogs on the corner of 6th and E Streets. They arrived by bicycle from California to, as he put it, “spread awareness about the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes.”
Mr. C developed throat cancer from smoking cigarettes and had surgery, which left him with a hole in his throat and using a voice box to speak. The Homeless Services Team helped him purchase an artificial voice box after the first one was damaged. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Virginia. He later returned to Downtown and relocated to 13th and G Streets, where he kept his belongings and dogs.
Mr. C returned to Downtown with a new cause—housing. While the Homeless Services Team searched for ways to move him into housing, about six or seven women who became attached to his dogs took an interest in Mr. C. The Homeless Services Team identified Mr. C as chronically homeless (suffering from long-term homelessness, mental illness and various health problems, as well as being assaulted on the streets) and administered the Vulnerability Index that measures mortality risk for the chronically homeless. The Homeless Services Team petitioned the District’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to place Mr. C into housing expeditiously because of his high score on the Vulnerability Index.
It took months, but Mr. C finally was housed last fall. It was determined that his dogs provided emotional stabilization and therefore qualified as service dogs. Mr. C insisted that he wouldn’t move into housing without them. By now, he also had moved from riding his bike to riding a moped. Once housed, however, someone stole his moped. That’s when he moved back Downtown—this time to panhandle on 14th and I Streets and 13th and G Streets.
Eventually, the female dog lovers, working with the psychiatrist at Pathways, were able to get Mr. C, with one of his dogs seated on his lap, on a nonstop Southwest Airlines flight to California. He has rejoined family members in California. It took two years for the Homeless Services Team to build rapport and trust and get the job done, but, in the end, the connection paid off. Says Richard H. Bradley, the DowntownDC BID’s executive director: “We’re not about maintaining homelessness or enabling the homeless. We’re about finding solutions to people living on the streets.”
Welcome Aboard
The DowntownDC BID office wants to introduce and welcome three new staff members: Megan Kanagy, Matthew Watkins and Kenneth Gregory.
Megan is the new capital projects manager responsible for parks, streetscape elements and bicycle facilities. Prior to joining the BID, she worked with the Bicycle and Pedestrian program in the Policy, Planning and Sustainability Administration at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) where she helped launch the Capital Bikeshare program and plan the 15th Street cycle track. Megan has been trained as a civil engineer and an urban planner, skills that will be useful in the BID’s efforts to refurbish and energize our parks and public places. She earned an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Rice University and received dual Masters of Transportation Engineering and City Planning degrees from the University of California, Berkeley in 2009.
Matthew, the economic development manager, will develop a systematic approach for retaining and growing jobs in the DowntownDC BID area and cultivate relationships with principal industry groups in Downtown and potential “move-to-DC” organizations outside of the city. He and Jeannette Chapman, the BID’s research assistant, will work to build the BID’s first building-by-building database of tenants, and Matthew will assist with various research projects. Most recently, he was a private design consultant for Michael Craig: A Men’s Grooming Lounge, and an analyst for Brailsford & Dunlavey, a facility planning and program management firm. Matthew has an undergraduate degree in art history from Williams College and a Masters of Architecture & Real Estate Development from the University of Michigan.
Kenneth works as the project coordinator for the Administration Department, where he is responsible for several administrative, technical and recruitment activities. He received a bachelor’s degree in business management from Howard University while working his way through school in retail management with numerous companies, such as Ann Taylor Loft, ESPN Zone and Nordic Track. Kenneth has taken Project Management Professional (PMP) certification courses through Boston University and, in 2005, he founded a marketing and consulting firm which helped start ups and small businesses stay afloat. He is working on a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification to be a well-rounded project manager capable of managing and optimizing network systems.
 Ushering in the Future
Congratulations to the Downtown SAM Class of 2011! Thirty-one Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees, known as SAMs, graduated on April 8. The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (1200 New York Avenue) hosted the ceremony, which featured inspirational speeches, a special guest appearance by retired DC detective Joseph B. Haggerty, a comedy skit performed by the new hires and nods to SAMs both new and old, including recipients of this year’s SAM of the Year awards.
“Each SAM that joins us adds energy,” noted Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the DowntownDC BID, who encouraged the SAMs to “keep the idea of [being] ‘the best’ in your head because we think you’re the best and we want everyone else to know that as well.”
The new SAMs joined about 80 BID staff who currently present a visible, professional and welcoming face in Downtown by patrolling and maintaining the 138-block area between Union Station and the White House seven days a week. They offer directions, notify police when trouble arises; provide after hours escort service to garages or public transportation; engage the homeless; and remove litter, trash and graffiti.
Kudos to the 17 Safety/Hospitality SAMs, who completed a rigorous multi-week training program to graduate: Sijad Abdalrazzak, Samuel Davis, Barron Bey, Milton Jones, Joseph Shepherd, Oyoo Okumu, Russell Robinson, Jamaca Johnson, Sandra Tapscott, Amanda Chavers, Stephanie Haygan, Patricia Young, Nadia Calix, Marquez Clifford, Ezra Bryant, Shelton R. Roseboro, and Robert Joyner.
In addition, 14 Maintenance SAMs came through with flying colors: Bernard Bond, Dennis Flack, Marcus Hayes, Ernest Johns, Sam McCullough, C’na Robinson, Charles Stroud Jr., VoydeVascoe Rouge, Ellen Washington, James Wells, Odell Williams, Shanette Williams, Michael Winder, and Tamika Young.
Veteran SAMs were recognized at the ceremony for enduring and mastering five years of service. They are: Carlos Acevedo, Kearney Jones-Bey (supervisor), Cheryl Brown, Linda Jeter, Ron Jones (maintenance services manager), Denise Macklin, Julio Martinez, Julio Mendez, and Marques Stuart. Special acknowledgement also was given to Ebony Walton, the BID’s production specialist, who often provides motivational words and recites poetry to the SAMs.
 |
|
|
Executive Director Richard H. Bradley and Distinguished Service Award winner Afreda Mintah
|
|
Afreda Mintah received the Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding performance as the SAM dispatcher.
The 2011 SAM of the Year awards went to Timothy B. Hillie and Roy E. Johnson. The award is given to two SAMs who best represent what the BID’s SAM Program is all about. Workers are judged based on their morale, attendance, letters of recommendations, appearance, and other factors. Here’s a little information about this year’s winners:
| |
 |
|
|
De'Marco Head accepting Maintenance SAM of the Year Award on behalf of Timothy Hillie, Everett D. E. Scruggs
|
Timothy B. Hillie is the Maintenance SAM of the Year. He joined the SAM team in April 2008 and has won the SAM of the Month designation in April and August 2010. Known for his remarkable work ethic, Hillie is a former US Boxing Association light heavyweight champion. He impresses all with his tenacity and willingness to assist with all tasks. The father of four is a champion inside the gym and out.
 |
|
|
Everett D.E. Scruggs, Richard H. Bradley, Safety and Hospitality SAM of the Year Roy Johnson
|
|
Roy E. Johnson, the Safety/Hospitality SAM of the Year, became a SAM in April 2009, shortly after moving to DC from West Palm Beach, Florida. Described as inquisitive and enthusiastic, the former furniture showroom and warehouse worker, wasted no time learning the ins and outs of Downtown DC. The father of four adult children enjoys fashion, chess and meeting people.
Well done! Congratulations, once again, to all!
A New Standout
The DowntownDC BID often receives words of praise from visitors, workers and residents touched in some way by the help and reassuring presence that our Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees (SAMs) provide on Downtown streets. Milton Jones, a recent Downtown SAM Class of 2011 graduate, obviously has hit the street running and learned more than a thing or two in his training classes. One of 31 new Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance (SAM) employees, he recently obtained accolades from two out-of-town guests, who had visited Downtown and liked the special reception that they received. Here’s what they had to say about the recruit:
| “Your employee, Milton Jones, provided accurate information in a friendly, personable and efficient manner. It is a pleasant surprise to visit a city with employees of this caliber. Service with a smile always enhances the tourist experience. Thank you!
- LaSonya Dover
Fort Oglethorpe, GA
|
Thank you, Milton Jones, for taking the time to allow us a picture. Mr. Jones is an asset to your company and appears to be very knowledgeable of the city.”
- Katrina Fugate
Honorable Postmaster
Graysville, TX
|
|
| DEVELOPMENT DOINGS |
top |
 |
|
| DowntownDC BID Executive Director Richard H. Bradley was among the DC luminaries present at the CityCenterDC groundbreaking ceremony. |
|
Making a Difference
Last month’s official groundbreaking ceremony for the $700 million, 10-acre CityCenterDC development unveiled more positive news about the project’s impact on the city and Downtown. Starting with the preliminaries, the project’s planning and approval process spanned six years and entailed 113 meetings with community groups to inform the public and to get everyone on the same page. In the future, the built out project will generate $30 million annually in real estate and sales taxes, create 92 affordable housing units, contribute $9.2 million to the city’s Housing Trust Fund, create more than 3,000 jobs and generate more than $170 million for more than 100 DC-based firms (Hines/Archstone, the lead development team, committed to use DC-based firms for at least 35% of all contracts in the project’s design, construction and operating phases).
In addition to the financial and social impact, the entire development has sustainability written all over it. CityCenterDC has been accepted into the US Green Building Council’s pilot program for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Neighborhood Development, or LEED-ND, and is expected to receive Gold certification. The office buildings have achieved LEED pre-certification at the Gold level, and the residential buildings are targeting a LEED Silver rating.
“This is one of the most important projects in the history of the District of Columbia,” Mayor Vincent Gray said during the ceremony. “This is the last big piece of the puzzle for Downtown.” He noted that CityCenterDC will change Downtown into a thriving, 24-hour place to live. The project’s overall objective is to create a unique, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use urban neighborhood that includes retail, entertainment, residential and office uses, as well as programmable public space.
 Open Door Policy
Construction begins this month on the District Architecture Center, the new headquarters of the 124-year-old Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA/DC) and the Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF), which AIA/DC founded in 1988 to raise public awareness of the built environment. The center, a venue for design professionals, consumers, patrons, students and others interested in building design, will be located at 421 7th Street. It will occupy 11,000 square feet (SF) on the first floor and in the basement and house an exhibit gallery visible from the street, classrooms, meeting rooms and office and support spaces. Hickok Cole Architects, the winner of the organizations’ design competition, created a design that will pull plenty of natural light into the building. AIA/DC and WAF expect to move from Dupont Circle into Downtown this fall.
Best of the Best
Cheers to CoStar Group (1331 L Street), winner of the Urban Office Sale category in the Washington Business Journal’s Best Real Estate Deals of 2010 awards. The honors recognize the region’s most prominent real estate projects. CoStar purchased its current headquarters from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) for $41.25 million in February 2010, relieving MBA of an overwhelming mortgage. Earlier this year, CoStar flipped the building for a whopping $60 million profit.
The Downtown finalists included:
| • |
Urban Office Lease – National Association of Manufacturers, at 733 10th Street. Skanska USA Commercial Development presented the space to the association, which signed a deal to take over two floors in the 10-story building that will house a church facility, retail and Class A office space. |
| • |
Urban Office Sale – Evening Star building, at 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue. One of DC’s most iconic and historic buildings sold last June to a New York pension fund manager in one of the highest per-square-footage deals of 2010, at about $820 per SF. |
All were saluted at a special ceremony last month and profiled in a special section of the Journal.
|
| DOWNTOWN DISH |
top |
 Lobster Bliss
If you thought the lines circled the block when the Red Hook Lobster Pound mobile food truck moseyed into Downtown, imagine what could happen when Luke’s Lobster sets up a brick and mortar shop at 624 E Street this summer. One thing is certain: you can expect fresh Maine crustaceans served on a toasted New England-style, split-top bun with a swipe of mayo or butter and spices (all optional). The casual lobster shack, with three locations in New York City, also will serve crab and shrimp rolls, clam chowder, lobster bisque and Maine Root organic soda. How’s that for year-round ecstasy? For more information, visit www.lukeslobster.com.
Mediterranean Diet
Another fast-casual restaurant is making its way into the DowntownDC BID area. Roti Mediterranean Grill will open at 1311 F Street this fall. Specializing in fresh cuisine that uses pitas, cous cous, fire-roasted meats, hummus and baba ghannoush, the restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch and offer catering. It will replace Mixt Greens, the eco-gourmet restaurant concept, which recently closed its doors at the F Street location. More information is available at www.roti.com.
Rolling in the Dough
Chinatown’s 6th Street is becoming quite the hot spot for new restaurateurs. Graffiato, celebrity chef Mike Isabella’s restaurant, opens soon, and Daikaya, the ramen restaurant concept, is coming. Recently announced: Corner Bakery Café (777 6th Street), which offers hearth-baked breads, sandwiches, salads, soups and home-style sweets. In 2009, the café was named “one of the 10 best fast-casual restaurants in America” by Parents Magazine. You be the judge. The chain also has Downtown cafes in the National Press Building (529 14th Street) and at 1425 K Street. For more information, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com.
My Hero
Subway, the submarine sandwich shop with more than half a dozen Downtown locations, will open two others, at Columbia Square (555 13th Street) and the Georgetown University Law Center (600 New Jersey Avenue). Columbia Square will house a Subway Cafe, which offers more amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and a broader menu. The franchise has a total of 34,508 restaurants in 98 countries. In its quest for more shops, it even solicits suggested sites from the public at www.subway.com.
 Culinary Favorites
The finalists for the 2011 RAMMY Awards, showcasing the area’s best chefs and restaurants, include 10 Downtown establishments recognized for proffering savory, delectable delights and expert connoisseurs. Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) judges selected the DowntownDC BID area standouts in the following categories:
| • |
Fine Dining Restaurant -- Rasika (633 D Street); The Source (575 Pennsylvania Avenue) |
| • |
Upscale Casual Restaurant – Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca (1100 New York Avenue); Proof (775 G Street) |
| • |
Chef of the Year – Haidar Karoum, Proof; Vikram Sunderam, Rasika |
| • |
Pastry Chef – Fabrice Bendano, Adour (923 16th Street) |
| • |
Mixology/Beverage Program -- Proof |
| • |
Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene – PS 7’s (777 I Street) |
| • |
Power Spot – Carmine’s (425 7th Street); The Source |
| • |
Restaurant Employee of the Year – Julie Albert, Brasserie Beck; Ryme Lansari, Café Atlantico/minibar; Adam Sackett, PS 7’s |
| • |
Restaurant Manager of the Year – Ryan McCarthy, DC Coast (1401 K Street); Atul Narain, Rasika |
Public voting ends on Wednesday, May 11, and will determine the winners in four categories: Voter’s Favorite Restaurant, Neighborhood Gathering Place, Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene and Power Spot of the Year. Votes can be cast online at www.ramw.org. Finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Sunday, June 26. The BID is a proud RAMMY sponsor.
Dining for Charity
The US-Japan Council, AOL, GlobalGiving (1023 15th Street) and the Japanese American Citizens League have pulled together to organize Dine Out for Japan. The initiative encourages metropolitan Washington area restaurants to support Japan’s relief and rebuilding efforts following the March earthquake and tsunami. Through May 8, participating restaurants either will donate 5% or 10% of their weekly sales to the cause. Restaurants wishing to participate can contact Laura Goldstein at lgoldstein@usjapancouncil.org or 202.223.6843.
|
| NIGHTLIFE NATTER |
top |
 |
|
| John Xereas, owner of the Riot Act Comedy Theater |
|
Comedy Central
Your mama, papa and sibling jokes might find an audience soon at the Riot Act, a new comedy theatre opening at 801 E Street next month. It’s no laughing matter that the owner of Rocket Bar (714 7th Street) and Iron Horse Taproom (507 7th Street) plans to bring major headliners to the new, 13,000 SF space, which will feature an open microphone, theme nights, comedy classes, happy hours, a gift shop, and room and club rentals. Can we expect to see Chris Rock, Russell Peter and Lisa Lampanelli there? Only time will tell. The Riot Act is moving from space inside HR-57, a nonprofit music organization on 14th Street. For more information, visit www.riotactcomedy.com.
Come to the Cabaret
Performances bordering on burlesque will dominate the evening at Sax (734 11th Street), “an exclusive restaurant and lounge with provocative live entertainment,” opening this month in space formerly occupied by Posh Restaurant & Supper Club. But also expect to see artists ranging from illusionists to mimes. Spread across 5,000 SF on two levels, the lounge will seat 150 for dinner, accept guests seven days a week—but by reservation only—and offer modern French-influenced food on small plates. A special treat: Jonathan Seningen, Sax’s executive chef, oversaw the tantalizing menu at Oya (777 9th Street), the contemporary Asia-French fusion restaurant. For more information, visit www.saxwdc.com.
Keep the Lights On
A 24-hour restaurant/club in downtown? Perhaps, if Clyde’s Restaurant Group has its way. Last summer, the company announced plans to open a restaurant (20,000 SF) and downstairs nightclub (15,000 SF) in the space vacated by Borders at 600 14th Street in the Hamilton Square building, also the home of the old Garfinckel’s department store until 1990. Clyde’s is seeking a CX, or multipurpose license, which also would include a 96-seat outdoor patio. Tentatively called Hamilton Square Grill, the new establishment could be Downtown’s first round-the-clock entertainment venue when it opens later this year. More information is available at www.thehamiltondc.com. |
| AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD |
top |
 Open-Air Freshness
Expect to see more farmers, vendors and foot traffic in Downtown. Capital Harvest on the Plaza, a project of the US General Services Administration (GSA), returns Friday, May 6, on Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue). The outdoor market first started in October 2009 and will be open every Friday through November 16, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Weekly chef demonstrations, raffles and live entertainment will continue, and regulars such as MeatCrafters, Eula’s Savory Bean Soups, The Breadery, Original Kettle Korn of Maryland will once again showcase their wares. New to the scene this year: Everona Dairy, which makes aged sheep’s milk cheeses, and Neopol Savory Smokery, offering smoked seafood and meat. To find out more, visit www.capitalharvestdc.com.
Let’s Make a Deal
The underused but elegant Carnegie Library building (801 K Street) could soon be a bustling visitor center. According to the Washington Post, the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA), which oversees DC’s convention and tourism business, is negotiating with the city and the Historical Society of Washington, DC, to open a visitor center directly across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place), which attracts a million visitors annually. The move would most certainly lure more tourists off the National Mall and into Downtown and other DC neighborhoods and also create a second visitor center in Downtown (the DC Chamber of Commerce operates a small Tourist Information Center at its 506 9th Street headquarters). The Historical Society now resides in the Carnegie Library building, where it operates a library and gallery. In 1999, it received a 99-year lease from the city at the rate of $1 per year. If a deal is reached with WCSA, the Historical Society will remain in the building and the visitor center would likely occupy the entire first floor.
 Encore
Downtown theatre companies fared very well at the 27th Annual Helen Hayes Awards, held at the Warner Theatre (513 13th Street) on April 25. The theaters racked up 11 awards in 11 separate categories. The Shakespeare Theatre Company (the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th Street, and Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street) walked away with eight awards, followed by the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (641 D Street) with two, and Ford’s Theatre (511 10th Street) with one. The Awards promote metropolitan Washington area professional theaters and salute outstanding directors, actresses, actors, set designers, musical choreographers and others. For the complete list of 2011 winners, including the production categories and individual honorees, visit www.helenhayes.org.
|
| GREEN GAINS |
top |
 Recycling Momentum
Installing and expanding the number of public recycling bins throughout the DowntownDC BID area continues. Since the DowntownDC BID, PepsiCo and the Department of Public Works (DPW) partnered in March to place 363 PepsiCo Dream Machine recycling bins in Downtown, 225 are now in place; the remainder will be installed by the end of this month. With a 1:2 ratio of new recycling bins to trash bins, the public can now contribute to the city’s environmentally conscious efforts and goals and recycle with ease. The public recycling program further advances the BID’s Greening Downtown DC initiative and is part of the organization’s newly launched DowntownDC ecoDistrict initiative. The program seeks to divert glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans and clean paper products from collected waste to help conserve natural resources by making it easy for workers, residents and visitors to do the right thing. In addition to PepsiCo and DPW, Keep America Beautiful, Waste Management, and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities also are BID public recycling partners. To find existing cans and the locations of those coming soon, click here.
 All About Change
On May 2, the DowntownDC BID joined the Carbon War Room to host a one-day seminar dedicated to energy efficiency finance and technology solutions at Cooley LLP (777 6th Street). The seminar, entitled “High Performance Buildings: Finance & Technology,” focused on innovative technologies for managing building operations and creative financing solutions to fund energy efficiency retro-fits. Seven companies presented turn-key financing and technology solutions to DowntownDC BID area building owners, government representatives and financiers. The financing presenters were Ygrene Energy, Transcend Equity, Green City Finance and the Clean Fund. Lockheed Martin, Scientific Conservation and Hara led the technology  presentations. The seminar was held in conjunction with the Creating Climate Wealth 2011 Global Summit, taking place in DC on May 3 and May 4, and allowed participants to discuss ways the newly launched DowntownDC ecoDistrict can work to stimulate innovation and growth by unlocking the capital needed for investment in the retrofit market. The Carbon War Room, a non-governmental organization (NGO), brings together successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and others to use market-driven solutions to climate change. It presented the two-day summit. More information about the organization can be found at www.carbonwarroom.com.
Greening from Within
The Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Avenue) is big on green. Its building reflects Canada’s commitment to protecting the environment—whether improving energy efficiency, reducing water use, curbing emissions or raising environmental awareness. Among the do-good actions implemented thus far: the Embassy receives 100% of its electricity from wind-generated sources; has a comprehensive energy retrofit project to improve the building’s energy efficiency, saving $320,000 a year in the process; is a US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program partner; offers employees bicycles to use as an environmentally-friendly alternate means of transportation; replaces aging vehicles in its fleet with fuel-efficient alternatives; composts cafeteria waste; has a Greening Committee that continually looks for ways to decrease its building’s harmful environmental impact; and participates in the DC Forum for Greening Embassies, started by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last year. Who knew?
Sustainability Exemplar
Kudos to the American Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA (636 I Street), a recent 2011 Mayor’s Environmental Excellence Awards winner and the only DowntownDC BID area organization recognized this year. The competition recognizes outstanding organizations and businesses for their environmental stewardship, innovative best practices, pollution prevention and resource conservation. ASLA was a co-winner in the Partners’ category along with the Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment. Other categories included Construction/Development, Educational Facility, Hotel, Innovation in Green Products or Services and Restaurant/Food Service. A case study of the winners is available on the District Department of the Environment’s (DDOE) website at www.ddoe.dc.gov. |
| TRANSPORTATION TALK |
top |
 To Be or Not to Be?
The National Park Service (NPS) and the US Secret Service (USSS) held an open house on the joint-agency President’s Park South Project in March to provide an overview of the planning process for the area located immediately south of the White House that includes E Street between 15th and 17th Streets. So, what’s in store? The USSS will decide whether to permanently close those streets, first closed temporarily to unauthorized vehicular traffic after 9/11. The DowntownDC BID submitted comments in support of reopening the streets during the scoping phase of the project’s environmental assessment (EA) last month. Ellen Jones, the BID’s director of Infrastructure and Sustainability, noted the east-west travel corridor’s importance to traffic circulation in the Center City has been thoroughly documented in the White House Area Transportation Study, which addresses traffic problems in the immediate vicinity of the White House.
Short of re-opening the streets, the BID encouraged the USSS to allow safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access, similar to the conditions in place on Pennsylvania Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets. In addition, the BID urged the NPS to include in the scope of its decision-making a comprehensive visitor information program, which would include visitor orientation to the existing, nearby local transportation network and local destinations within walking distance of the area.
In related news, NPS has begun work to reconstruct and improve Constitution Avenue beginning on 23rd Street and working down to 15th Street. The $10.26 million project began last month and will continue on a block by block basic through early 2012, affecting traffic in and around the DowntownDC BID area. Work might occur during the day, at night, on weekends, or at times, 24 hours per day, and even during rush hour. Four lanes could be closed in one block section—with no more than two lanes closed in each direction at any given time. The roadway rehabilitation will also affect roadways intersecting Constitution Avenue and side streets might be closed from 7:00 pm to 5:30 am on weekdays. Detour traffic patterns might be in place.
During the work, roadways will be rehabilitated; the storm drainage system, lights, granite curbs and fire hydrants replaced; and some large elm trees removed. New sidewalks also will be constructed on both sides of Constitution Avenue. DC residents and commuters can sign up to receive Alert DC emergency text and email notifications at textalert.ema.dc.gov. For updates to suggested alternate routes, click here.
 Biking Blitz
Two major biking events this month will get your adrenaline flowing, your muscles toned and your mind focused on a clean, sustainable environment. The DowntownDC BID is an official sponsor of Bike to Work Day (May 20) and supports Bike DC  (May 22), both of which provide a fun way to change behavior and build a bike culture which appeals to workers and families. For Bike to Work Day, workers can pedal to 49 regional pit stops, including Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets), where they can meet up and take advantage of free food, drinks, entertainment and Bike to Work Day t-shirts. The BID will staff a booth there to encourage sustainable commuting practices for Downtown workers. Bike DC, the Washington and Arlington community bike ride, will offer a 20-mile, care-free ride on streets, highways and parkways that bypass some of the area’s most gorgeous and treasured sites. The fun begins on the National Mall, includes portions of Pennsylvania Avenue and meanders into Virginia—with shortcuts built into the route for those preferring a shorter ride. More information about both events is available at www.waba.org and www.bikedc.net, respectively.
Bikes Galore
Swing on by the new Capital Bikeshare location now available near the historic John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue), home to the DC Mayor and City Council. The new docking station opened last month and soon will be joined by three former SmartBikeDC sites located near Metrorail stations at 12th and G Streets, 7th and F Streets and 4th and D Streets, all of which are being converted to Capital Bikeshare sites. In addition, a new docking station will open at 7th and Indiana Avenue by this fall. SmartBikeDC started as a pilot program in mid-August 2008 but ended officially in February 2011. It helped to spawn Capital Bikeshare, DC and Arlington County’s new regional bike sharing program that continues to grow as demand soars.
Defraying Costs
Retailers are making their way to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail stations, including two in Downtown. Old Town Trolley Tours arrived last month, setting up new digs—that is, representatives selling tickets, with information booths to come—at both Smithsonian Metrorail stations on the National Mall. Soon to follow: Movie Solution, which will place DVD rental machines in 10 Metrorail stations, including the Metro Center and Gallery Place Metrorail stations, this summer. Leasing space is WMATA’s way to nab much needed cash, an estimated $880,000 over eight years, while offering regular commuters and tourists convenient services and products. We’re curious about what’s coming next. |
| NEWS YOU CAN USE |
top |
 Golden Opportunity
If you've been waiting for the perfect chance to launch or expand your business now is the time. The Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is taking applications for its third annual Business Plan Competition. The winner will walk away with $100,000 in investment capital and more than $48,000 worth of in-kind services to fund an original business concept. The deadline to register is Friday, May 20. The award promotes entrepreneurship and helps to develop companies in DC. To download an application, click here.
A Hop, Skip and Jump Away
Wished you lived closer to work? Well, maybe now you can. The DC Office of Planning (OP) wants to partner with DC-based employers to provide down payment and closing cost assistance grants to workers through the agency’s Live Near Your Work Pilot Program. To attract and retain DC residents, OP will match employer contributions up to $6,000 per participating employee. Companies will be selected through a competitive application process based on their ability to administer the program, offer homebuyer education, and provide matching grants for their employees. OP will host a pre-application Q&A for interested employers at 2:00 pm on May 24 at 1100 4th Street, SW. For more information, check out Featured News at www.planning.dc.gov.
 Sweet on Italy
Destination DC (901 7th Street) invites everyone to celebrate all things Italian, from arts and architecture to culture and cuisine, through July 31. The occasion? La Dolce DC, a citywide festival showcasing DC's Italian connections. You can indulge in the city’s international side through various genres, including dance, design, fashion, music, theatre and film, featuring an Italian motif. This celebration is timed to honor the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification and coincides with exclusive Italian art engagements at the National Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection. For more information, click here.
Freebies for Newbies
With summer right around the corner, DC will be inundated with interns. More than 20,000 young adults and students infiltrate government agencies, non-profit organizations and local businesses, providing their time, energy and new ideas. Well, to welcome them, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) is urging local restaurants, retailers and cultural and entertainment venues to once again cut the interns some slack by offering them discounts on their goods and services from Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 19. InternsRock!, as the program is called, attracted 1,500 student participants from more than 1,000 internship sites last year. All told, 67% of the interns visited one to three participating businesses and 25% visited three to five businesses. Interested vendors must complete a participation form. For more information, e-mail Carmenchu Mendiola at Menchu.Mendiola@twc.edu or call 202.238.7979. Interns can pick up free bracelets from the TWC to receive the discounts. For more information, visit www.twc.edu.
|
| MEETINGS AND MORE |
top |
Thursday, May 5 - May 26 (times and durations listed on website)
District Department of the Environment/US Environmental Protection Agency
EnergyStar Training
Online at: www.energystar.gov/businesstraining
The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are offering live webinars, prerecorded training and in-person sessions as part of a new training series that began earlier this month with the in-person class, EnergyStar Portfolio Manager for Multi-family Buildings that was co-hosted by Pepco and the US Green Building Council National Capital Region (USGBC) and was held at Pepco’s Downtown headquarters. The series is designed to help building owners and managers prepare to meet the city’s July 1 benchmarking deadline.
Register online at www.energystar.gov/businesstraining or contact info.benchmark@dc.gov for details. |
Thursday, May 12, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Washington, DC Economic Partnership
Doing Business 2.0: Starting a Non-Profit Organization
Venable, LLP
575 7th Street
The Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) invites the public to attend a panel discussion about strategic planning and development, available grants and additional resources offered in DC for those looking to set up and sustain a non-profit organization. Speakers include Patricia Henry, deputy director of the District Office of Partnerships and Grant Services; John Graham, president and chief executive officer, Center for Association Leadership; George E. Constantine, partner, Venable, LLP; and Jennifer Chandler, vice president and director, Network Support & Knowledge Transfer, National Council of Non-Profits. The cost to attend is $10. Registration opens at 8:30 am. For additional information and to register, visit www.wdcep.com |
Thursday, May 12, 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday, May 13, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mid-Atlantic Venture Association
Capital Connection ‘11
JW Marriott Hotel
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue
The Mid-Atlantic Venture Association (MAVA) invites senior players—investors, advisors and entrepreneurs—to attend one of the nation’s premier venture and private equity conferences. It is expected that more than 800 participants, with a shared goal of building and investing in the Mid-Atlantic region's most promising high-growth companies, will be drawn to the two-day national conference.
Featured speakers include Paul DePodesta, vice president of Player Development, New York Mets; and Tucker Carlson, co-founder and editor-in-chief, The Daily Caller. The event includes roundtables, industry sessions, an evening reception, and an after-party at the W Hotel (515 15th Street). The cost to attend ranges from $495 to $1,995, depending on membership and registration status. For more information, visit www.capitalconnection.org. |
Monday, May 16, 10:00 am – Noon
District Department of the Environment/US Environmental Protection Agency
Portfolio Manager Training for Commercial Buildings
American Association for the Advancement of Sciences
1200 New York Avenue
Join the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the second in a series of Portfolio Manager training classes designed to help building owners and managers prepare to meet the city’s July 1 benchmarking deadline. To register, visit www.usgbcncr.org/_events. In-person training as well as live EPA webinars (register at www.energystar.gov/businesstraining for the May 12 session on commercial buildings) will be available through June. Bring your laptop to the in-person class to practice benchmarking on a sample, or your own, project. DDOE staff will be available to answer questions about benchmarking requirements and guidelines. Pepco and the US Green Building Council (USGBC), National Capital Region, also are hosting this event. |
|
Tuesday, May 17 – 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
National Building Museum
25 Years of the Honor Award: Celebrating Our Past Building Our Future
National Building Museum
401 F Street
The National Building Museum will host a special 25th anniversary celebration of its Honor Award, which recognizes leaders who advance our building arts and sciences and, thus, shape our heritage, define our culture, develop our communities and craft our built environment. The keynote speak is David Rockwell, founder and chief executive officer of Rockwell Group. The President’s Reception begins at 5:30 pm, followed by a VIP Reception at 6:00 pm. The General Reception beings at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit www.nbm.org.
|
Thursday, May 26, 7:30 am – 10:30 am
District of Columbia Building Industry Association
Annual State of the Housing Market: New Economies, New Markets, New Challenges
National Press Club
529 14th Street
The District of Columbia Building Industry Association’s Annual State of the Housing Market will focus on new economies, new markets and new challenges. The subjects to be discussed will include affordable housing; debt financing; the housing legislative and regulatory environment; a condominium, townhouse and single family review; market-rate rental housing; and the DC Housing Authority’s role in housing and neighborhood revitalization. Members pay $60; nonmembers pay $75. For more information, including the list of speakers, visit www.dcbia.org. |
|
