| www.downtowndc.org/update |
October 2009 |
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| BID BIZ |
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On Board
The Downtown BID has new Board of Directors officers
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| Bradley Edwards |
and members for fiscal year 2010. Bradley Edwards, general manager of the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel (999 9th Street), will serve as chairman. He has been a Board member since the BID was founded in 1997 and has served as a first vice chair, secretary and treasurer. Edwards succeeds Matt Klein, president of Akridge (601 13th Street), who served two terms as chairman.
In addition to Edwards, the following Board members will assume a one-year term as officers effective
October 1:
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First Vice-Chair, Peter Johnston, senior vice president and regional manager of Boston Properties (505 9th Street) |
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Second Vice-Chair, Robert Braunohler, vice president of operations and development for Louis Dreyfus Property Group |
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Secretary, Jane Taylor, chief marketing officer for Washington Sports & Entertainment (601 F Street), serving her second term |
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Treasurer, Michael McCarthy, vice president and director of acquisitions for Quadrangle Development Corporation (1001 G Street) |
The Downtown BID also welcomed new Board of Directors member Chase Rynd, president and executive director of the National Building Museum (401 7th Street). He begins a three-year term that ends in September 2012.
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In fiscal year 2009, the Board appointed Bart Bush, regional commissioner, Public Buildings Service, for the General Services Administration, NCR and Gregory A. O’Dell, chief executive officer and general manager at the Washington Convention Center Authority (801 Mount Vernon Place) to replace executives who left their organizations. Both were confirmed by the membership to complete terms that expire in September 2010.
In addition, Merrick T. Malone, a trustee and former chair of The Historical Society of Washington, DC (801 K Street), was confirmed to complete a term that expires in September 2011. The Board first appointed him during fiscal year 2009.
For a complete list of Downtown BID Board members, visit: www.downtowndc.org/about_downtown_dc_bid/board_of_directors.
Save the Date
Mark your calendar! The Downtown BID will host the 2009 Momentum Awards on Thursday, December 3, 6:00 pm - 8:00ipm at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (1250 New York Avenue). This much anticipated event celebrates the best of Downtown by paying tribute to the people, projects and organizations that help make it a remarkable urban experience. The rewards reception is free. Register online at www.downtowndc.org/momentum.
Green Leader
The Downtown BID has received an award for its leadership in implementing the Green Business Certification Program pilot with the Sustainable Business Network of Washington (SB NOW). The BID is the first organization to undergo an SB NOW audit for eco-friendly practices in its daily operations. In 2008, the BID partnered with the non-profit membership organization to test the pilot program, which audits building tenants’ operations, identifies where improvements can be made and then offers certification at four levels. Although focused on internal operations, the certification also helps the public determine whether businesses are truly green and sustainable, and to what extent.
The BID uses soy-based inks and recycled paper, in addition to power-saving servers and computer monitors. It also has demonstrated leadership in six areas: water conservation and quality; energy efficiency and climate action; environmentally friendly procurement; waste reduction and recycling; pollution prevention; training and education; and benefits.
In addition to ”greening” internal operations, the BID is working with local and federal agencies to make Downtown an international model and proving ground for sustainability. It continues to undertake several initiatives, including promoting enhanced transportation options by supporting multi-modal transportation alternatives such as the DC Circulator, express buses, streetcars and bike sharing; educating stakeholders about legislative changes through workshops and training; and developing baselines and establishing benchmarks for Downtown building owners, property managers and tenants.
In addition to the Business Improvement District, two other Downtown organizations were recognized—AARP (601 E Street) and Washington Gas Holdings (101 Constitution Avenue)—along with another local company.
 Helping the Homeless
Despite tough economic times, homeless numbers on Downtown streets continue to decline. On September 12, Downtown SAMs, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, a law intern with Lutheran Social Services and Master of Social Work interns from Catholic and Howard Universities counted 72 homeless people, compared with 127 recorded in September 2008—a 44% drop.
The improvements represent an intense and coordinated effort to move the chronically homeless into permanent supportive housing. The Downtown BID’s Homeless Services Team has been working for years to reduce the number of people living on Downtown streets by using a pragmatic, street-to-independence outreach program called Housing First. Partnerships with Pathways to Housing DC, MPD, the DC Department of Mental Health (DMH), the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) and Travelers Aid have helped move more than 400 people in Downtown into permanent, supportive housing since 2005. Another 118 homeless individuals have been moved into other safe and appropriate housing provided by Veterans programs, nursing homes, family members or support systems in their home state.
 Ready for the Holiday?
And we don’t mean Columbus Day, Veterans Day or Thanksgiving. It’s time to start thinking about the 2009 Downtown BID Holiday Market, which will kick off on December 4 and run for 20 shopaholic days through December 23. The outdoor bazaar drew more than 150,000 visitors to Downtown last year. It continues to grow this year—one extra day of shopping has been added to the five-year-old festival, which will take place on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and the National Portrait Gallery.
Expect more than 150 local artisans and exhibitors to sell an array of high-quality gift items, including pottery, fine art, crafts, clothing and prepared food. The festive atmosphere and live musical entertainment are sure to warm hearts, and the eco-friendly environment will delight many. Generators will run on bio-diesel fuel to power the market, recycling cans will be plentiful and all publicity materials will be printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper.
The Downtown BID produces the Holiday Market annually in partnership with Diverse Market Management. For more information, visit www.downtownholidaymarket.com, or call 202.638.3232.
Raking in the Honors
Pensare Design Group (1313 F Street), the award-winning Downtown powerhouse, continues to win awards for the superb work it does on behalf of the Downtown BID. This time the firm has received a 2009 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA, a leading industry publication, for the BID’s 2008 Annual Report. You go, Pensare!
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Signs of Appreciation
The Downtown 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, or SAMs, provide on Downtown streets. Here’s a sampling of two such communications.
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Dear Downtown BID,
On July 17, my family and I took a trip to Washington. We parked our rented minivan in a parking garage but failed to remember the name; the parking ticket was left in the glove compartment. We searched for the parking garage for three hours, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. We were so exhausted. My husband and I had our two children, ages 5 and 6-1/2, and my elderly parents with us. Mohammed Mansaray approached us and asked if he could be of assistance. He was very kind and really showed concern for my entire family. He inquired of his co-worker, Barbara Alston, as to which garage our car could possibly be in. The only details we provided was that we parked on a basement level floor, exited an elevator that took us to a main, decorative floor, there was a sign outside that listed the hours of operation, we entered and exited from the same bay and we were 15 minutes away from the Post Office square where we picked up our tour bus. Barbara knew instantly the exact garage location, and Mohammed took us there. We wanted to offer them money for helping us, but Mohammed said, ‘No, this is what we are here to do.’
We want to say thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. They were our two angels who helped us in our time of need.
- Maria and Bennett and family
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Dear Downtown BID,
On July 27, my wallet was stolen from [a hotel] on H Street. Later that day, I was sent an email from my employer telling me that my wallet was found by one of the Downtown workers. The employee’s name is Jessie Riles. The credit cards and cash were gone, but I was so thankful to have the wallet back with my ID, insurance cards, etc. I greatly appreciate that Mr. Riles took the time to turn my wallet in. He saved me many, many hours of stress and worry. My husband attempted to leave a reward at the Downtown DC office but was told that was not permitted. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Riles, and we hope that his efforts can be rewarded.
Thank you so much, Mr. Riles.
- Rebecca and Martin Kuhn
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| DEVELOPMENT DOINGS |
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 Creating a Destination
The DC Office of Planning (OP), in partnership with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), is overseeing the ambitious Mount Vernon Square District Project. The plan will create solutions for specific transportation, public realm and real estate challenges and opportunities in the blocks, streets and parks surrounding Mount Vernon Square. The project, initiated in May 2009, involves a 28-week long planning process that includes several stakeholders, including the Downtown BID. The OP is picking up the pace, as it moves to have a final report available by January 2010.
Project goals include:
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Creating a distinctive and sustainable place |
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Solving traffic and circulation issues to create a multi-modal hub and appealing pedestrian environment |
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Maintaining a deep sense of history and local meaning |
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Creating clear links in all directions to other key destinations |
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Maximizing the draw of this area as a local destination |
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Improving and activating open spaces |
The 2008 Center City Action Agenda recommended the plan as a way to coordinate public and private investment in Mount Vernon Square to create a great destination capable of attracting visitors from Downtown, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place), the National Mall and other neighborhoods. Public meetings will be held to discuss the project and field questions. For more information, visit http://planning.dc.gov.
Taking it to the Streets
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will use federal stimulus funds to implement a comprehensive Downtown streetscape project beginning October 5. The project, developed in conjunction with the Downtown BID, will take about a year to complete. It will include new streetlights—Washington Globe, teardrop and Chinatown lights—concrete pavers and brick sidewalks, curbs, trees and tree boxes, gutter and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps, bike racks, trashcans and recycling bins.
Most of the work will take place from K Street and Massachusetts Avenue on the north to Pennsylvania and Indiana Avenues on the south and from 5th Street on the east to 9th Street on the west. The project also will include 14th Street from Thomas Circle to K Street, where the initial work will begin and continue through December 5, weather permitting.
As noted in the spring, DDOT has three of 15 recovery Act projects that will have a direct impact on Downtown: 1) streetlight and streetscape projects would receive between $6 million to $9 million; 2) a citywide pavement restoration project would receive $5 million, with a small percentage going to the BID; and 3) a SmartBike expansion project to include 40 additional locations (Downtown currently has four of the city’s existing 10 SmartBike sites) would receive $3 million, with the BID getting, perhaps, $300,000 of the total.
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| DOWNTOWN DISH |
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Ample Supply
The Reserve (a two-level, upscale tapas restaurant with an extensive wine bar, lounge and outdoor seating) has opened in the Midtown space once occupied by Ollie’s Trolley (1426 L Street). The décor showcases finished brick walls, Santos mahogany hardwood floors, marble tabletops and custom oak wood finish. The restaurant offers an international tapas menu and more than 100 international wines, all handpicked by The Reserve’s in-house sommelier. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner and offers happy hours and Friday Night Flights, special wine discounts on any three glasses of wines. For more information, visit www.reserveonL.com.
 Cool Operator
Yogen Fruz, the Canadian-based frozen yogurt chain, has opened its first DC location at 825 14th Street, where it is spreading “delicious and nutritious” fare to those looking for cool pick-me-uppers. In addition to non-fat yogurt with probiotics—those dietary supplements that contain beneficial or “good” bacteria similar to those found in the body—it also serves low fat yogurt with probiotics and non-fat yogurt without sugar. Don’t forget to try the smoothies, toppings and fresh fruit cups. Delicious. For more information, visit www.yogenfruz.com.
Making Way for BBQ
New restaurants continue to abound in Downtown. Hill Country, the Texas-style barbecue restaurant, plans to open in the summer of 2010, according to Papadopoulos Properties. It will occupy the space at 410 7th Street, where Lifestyles USA was located until its closing last month, and 406 7th Street, the former site of Apartment Zero. Bethesda native Marc Glosserman, described as “a serial entrepreneur,” owns the 13,000 SF, bi-level restaurant, which will seat 250 guests and feature live music.
 Premier Coffee
In our May Downtown Update e-newsletter, we wrote incorrectly that Wrecking Ball Coffee was coming to 475 H Street. It’s actually Chinatown Coffee Co. And so far, so good. Coffee connoisseurs are cozying up to this newest Downtown addition. Owners Max and Katharine Brown are the husband and wife team behind Wrecking Ball 475 LLC and the manager is coffee guru Nicolas Cho of Murky Coffee fame.
Chinatown Coffee offers Intelligentsia Coffee, pastries, cupcakes and Wi-Fi. Some of the baristas from Murky Coffee, formerly located in Arlington, Virginia, and on Capitol Hill, are now whipping up quality, flavorsome brews at Chinatown Coffee, which features Guatemala Finca La Soledad, Honduras La Tortuga and Nicaragua Los Delirios coffee, to name a few.
The store is open seven days a week, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday and from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sunday. Coming soon: cuppings, or coffee tastings, as well as musicians and a possible book reading. For more information, visit www.chinatowncoffee.com or call 202.559.7656.
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| AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD |
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 Downtown Gets Fresher
First Lady Michelle Obama spoke at a packed ceremony for the new FRESHFARM Market opening recently on Vermont Avenue between H and I Streets near the White House. President and Mrs. Obama support good nutrition and fresh food and were key to helping the market get off the ground.
The outdoor marketplace sells locally grown fruits, vegetables, produce and meat from about 19 farmers and producers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, infusing Downtown with an array of healthy foods and supplementing the victuals sold at the Penn Quarter FRESHFARM Farmers’ Market (8th Street between D and E) since 2003. The Penn Quarter Market has seen remarkable growth. It has become a mini town square favored by many local chefs, commuters and nearby residents. The number of farmers and producers at market has doubled—from 10 in 2003 to 20 in 2009. In five years, sales have increased steadily at an average rate of 42% annually. At the same time, the customer base has climbed from 4,800 in 2003 to 24,800 in 2008, and the market season has more than doubled—from 15 to 37 days.
Organizers hope the highly publicized Vermont Avenue market will be as successful as the FRESHFARM Market at Penn Quarter. Patrons will be able to purchase artisan cheeses, bread, baked goods, preserves, flowers and more. Food stamps, senior coupons and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) vouchers are accepted, and the value doubled under the market’s double dollars program.
FRESHFARM Markets, the nonprofit that runs nine farmers’ markets in DC and Maryland, operates the Vermont Street location, which is open every Thursday through October 29, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information about FRESHFARM Markets, visit www.freshfarmmarket.org.
 Artistic Longevity
Hats off to the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (641 D Street), which is celebrating its 30th season developing, producing and promoting some of the most brazen, funny, challenging and provocative plays in town.
Don’t expect a big party. Instead, Woolly Mammoth is bringing its favorite actors and playwrights together, continuing a tradition that takes a risk with new plays, asks huge questions about our nation and engages in a stimulating dialogue with the community via the company’s website, social gatherings, pre-show panels, post-show dialogues and special conferences on themes about theatre and democracy.
As a result, the 2009-2010 season will feature a world premiere by Danai Gurira (Eclipsed), new works from Mike Daisey (The Last Cargo Cult), Rajiv Joseph (Gruesome Playground Injuries), and Bruce Norris (Clybourne Park) and a large-scale work by Charles L. Mee (Full Circle). In addition, the theatre’s favorite out-of-town troupe, The Neo-Futurists, will return to perform their hit show, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, in December.
In talking about Season 30, Howard Shalwitz, Woolly Mammoth’s artistic director, has said, “Western theatre began in ancient Greece as an exercise in democratic expression. How could we forge a deeper connection between theatre today and the democracy whose capital is just a few blocks away? This is our question for the next 30 years.”
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.woollymammoth.net.
Temporary Showcase
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities has rolled out its 2009 Artspace Program, Windows into DC. These art displays have been installed in the windows and storefronts of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place) along 7th, M and N Streets. The temporary installations help reinvigorate the neighborhood and commercial corridor and support merchants by creating an attractive streetscape. Ultimately, the art program is designed to help the Convention Center lease vacant retail spaces and give participating artists additional exposure. Thirteen artists will have their work on display through March 2010. Check it out.
 Wild About the World
The Willard InterContinental Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue) has accumulated several awards for its commitment to sustainability over the past few years. Recently, it added another to the list: the Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 World Savers Award. The historic landmark is the overall winner in the City Hotel category for its 100% wind energy and dedication to the environment and communities in need. The Willard is one of 36 companies worldwide the magazine has designated as leaders in social responsibility. This was no small feat. More than 100 applicants were rated on how they exercised social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural or environmental preservation or both, education programs, wildlife conservation and health initiatives. For more information, visit www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/501373. More information about the Willard’s holistic sustainability program is available at www.willarddc.com/sd.
Picture Perfect Mode
Making Chinatown more inviting and lively has become a cause célèbre among city officials and a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Downtown BID. Now, as part of the Chinatown Community Cultural Center’s (CCCC) continuing campaign to boost the area’s image and attract more visitors, a public art project, the Chinatown Mural Project, is being proposed for the Gallery Place Metro stop on 7th and F Streets. CCCC is working with local artist Martha Jackson Jarvis, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) to have a large-scale mosaic installed inside the Metrorail station.
The proposed mosaic design, entitled Fishing for the Moon, is still pending approval. It will incorporate Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics, to create a visual narrative inspired by an old Chinese fable by the same name. CCCC, located at 616 H Street, has applied for a DCCAH grant to fund the project and will return this month to request a matching grant.
Outdoor Havens
New restaurant openings and sidewalk cafes are a clear measure of Downtown’s vibrancy. In particular, airy and colorful sidewalk cafés are popping up everywhere. A recent Downtown BID location survey shows 91 sidewalk cafes exist in our area. The 1000 block of Vermont Avenue has 10 outdoor cafes, and the 600 block of Indiana Avenue has six. We’re thrilled. The Downtown BID supports using public space creatively, and the sidewalk cafes, from the miniature to the sizeable, help animate streets.
About.com, the online neighborhood of helpful experts, has noticed. Writer Rachel Cooper notes that patio, courtyard and sidewalk cafes can offer scenic views of Washington and are prime people-watching venues. We agree. Cooper has listed some of the city’s top restaurants with outdoor seating, including Downtown’s very own 701 Pennsylvania Avenue Restaurant & Bar (701 Pennsylvania Avenue); Brasserie Beck (1101 K Street); Café Atlantico (405 8th Street); Proof (775 G Street); Rosa Mexicano (575 7th Street); Ten Penh (1001 Pennsylvania Avenue); and Zaytinya (701 9th Street).
 The More the Merrier
A hearty welcome to the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington (CAGW), which has moved to 923 F Street from its previous location at 1436 U Street. The move puts the organization closer to TICKETPLACE (407 7th Street), the half-price ticket outlet program that it operates on behalf of its members. The CAGW, which works to increase appreciation, support and resources for arts and culture, now resides in the rehabbed historic townhouses incorporated into Carroll Square, the 10-story, 170,000 SF development that includes office and retail space and a public art gallery. Last year, the Downtown Artist Coalition (DAC) began leasing subsidized art studios in the space, which they now call F St Arts.
 Farewell, Good Friend
Thrive DC, formerly the Dinner Program for Homeless Women, is moving from 309 E Street to St. Stephen’s of the Incarnate Episcopal Church in Columbia Heights. Alicia Horton, the new executive director, said the organization has been searching for a new home for the last year and a half. Unfortunately, property costs, the lack of suitable space and the nature of Thrive DC’s programming have made it impossible to find a permanent home in Downtown. The organization will move its operations later this month. Besides serving meals, Thrive DC also now offers educational enrichment activities, case management, employment readiness training, crisis services and transportation and rental assistance for homeless men and women.
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| GREEN GAINS |
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 Green Thumb, Green Jobs
More good news for DC on the federal stimulus front: the city will receive nearly $2.8 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create green jobs and increase its tree canopy—the percentage of the ground that has tree cover overhead. The news bodes well for the local economy and the environment. Healthy tree canopies reduce stormwater runoff, carbon emissions and energy consumption.
The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) will work with Washington Parks & People, the nonprofit devoted to restoring and enhancing public parks, to create the DC Green Corps. This new entity will provide 50 green jobs in urban and community forestry, forest-based ecosystems and watershed restoration. DDOT, along with the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), also was awarded stimulus funds for Mayor Fenty’s Green Summer Job Corps, a program that offers about 100 DC teens the opportunity to work on UFA tree teams collecting data and maintaining the city’s street tree population.
DC also has received stimulus funds for other green initiatives through DDOE. For more information on all DC stimulus-rated projects, visit www.recovery.dc.gov.
 Leading the Way
Kudos to John “Chip” Akridge, the founder and chairman of Akridge (601 13th Street). He will receive this year’s Green Business Giving Award from the Washington Business Journal (WBJ). The award “recognizes a company, individual, institution or non-profit that has made a significant monetary or in-kind contribution that has led to a demonstrable improvement to the environment.” Akridge has been a tireless champion of the National Mall, which has benefited from his largess and fundraising efforts through the Trust for the National Mall, which he founded.
He will be recognized, along with other “green” winners, at the second annual Green Business Summit and Awards on October 13. WBJ, Greater Washington Board of Trade and Washington Gas (101 Constitution Avenue) are the event sponsors. For more information, visit www.washingtonbusinessjournal.com/event/5803.
Earthly Rewards
Perks abound for environmentally conscious consumers. Take Earth Aid (14th & K Streets), a company that enables households to monitor their actual electric, gas and water utility usage, all together online. It rewards DC residents when they save energy at home. To earn rewards, residents must enroll in the free program, have Earth Aid access the energy consumption and utility charges on their monthly utility bills and realize energy savings in any given month. Earned points can then be used to take advantage of discounts and offers at dozens of local businesses, including restaurants and shops. For more information and energy-saving tips, visit www.earthaid.net.
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| TRANSPORTATION TALK |
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Switching Gears
The DC Circulator, an increasingly popular mode of Downtown travel, will add and drop some stops along a few routes effective Sunday, October 4.
Service on the Smithsonian-National Mall Loop, currently operating on weekends only, will be discontinued during the fall and winter months when the tourism season ebbs. October 4 will be the last service day on this route until service resumes in late March or early April. Extra stops are being added on the two new Circulator routes added in April: Union-Station-Navy Yard Metro and Woodley Park/Adams Morgan-McPherson Square Metro. Service also will be modified slightly near Union Station, with buses traveling to Navy Yard Metro taking a different route. The Convention-Center-SW Waterfront route is unchanged.
“We regret having to make any cuts in service,” said Gabe Klein, director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). “It was not a decision we took lightly and the reductions were targeted to affect the fewest riders and produce the greatest savings.” For more information about the Circulator routes, visit www.dccirculator.com or call 202.962.1423. Information is also available at www.ddot.dc.gov.
 Biker’s Wonderland
DC will follow in Seattle, Washington, and Santa Barbara and Long Beach, California’s footsteps this month when it opens the Bikestation at Union Station. The 1,600 SF facility, officially dubbed the Union Station Bicycle Transit Center, will provide people arriving at the station the option to bike throughout the city. Located on the west side of Union Station, it has storage for more than 100 bikes and offers bike rentals, parking, repairs and accessories.
Want a membership? Register at www.bikestation.com. Members will receive a card that will allow 24/7 access to the parking area. Introductory membership rates are $96 per year or $30 a month, plus a $20 annual administration fee. Local bike rental company, Bike and Roll (1100 Pennsylvania Avenue), will operate the center and staff it from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends—the only time non-members will have access. For more information, visit www.bikeandroll.com.
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| MEETINGS AND MORE |
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Thursday, October 1, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
DC Office of Planning
Mount Vernon Square District Project Open House
Carnegie Library
801 K Street
Join the DC Office of Planning (OP), which will host a Public Open House on the Mount Vernon Square District Project. OP, in partnership with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), is overseeing the ambitious project, which examines a number of issues, including parks and potential open space. The meeting is an opportunity for stakeholders to learn more about the project, ask questions, share ideas, complete surveys and provide written feedback. More project information is posted on the OP website at http://planning.dc.gov.
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Tuesday, October 6, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
First District Metropolitan Police Department
Community Open House
First District Station House
101 M Street,SW
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) First District Commander David Kamperin and First District Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) Chair Nancy Rosen invite all area residents and stakeholders to attend a free event to celebrate the District’s new station house and status as the “Best Performing Police District of the Year.” Enjoy refreshments, music, interactive crime prevention presentations, guided tours of the new facility, raffles, door prizes, and a Kids Corner. Meet with First District police officers, school resource teams, members of the CAC and local elected officials and business leaders. For more information, contact Nancy Rosen at NGRosen1DCAC@aol.com or CAC Vice Chair Will Hill at 202.544.3785.
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Thursday, October 8, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
District of Columbia Building Industry Association
DC Retail: It’s a Funny Mix of Stuff
National Press Club
529 14th Street
Join the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA) for an update on DC retail development. Speakers include Valerie Santos, deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Nick A. Egelanian, president of Siteworks Retail Real Estate Services; Jessica Bruner, retail leasing director for Edens & Avant; and Ramsey Meiser, senior vice president of development for Forest City Washington. Michael Stevens, executive director of the Capitol Riverfront BID, will moderate. Cocktails begin at 6:00 pm; the program starts at 7:00 pm. Members pay $60; non-members pay $75. To register, visit www.dcbia.org. For more information, contact events@dcbia.org or call 202.966.8665.
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Tuesday, October 13, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Monthly Meeting
District Chophouse
509 7th Street
The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) meeting will take place in a different venue this month. Both residents and workers are invited. DC Attorney General Peter Nickels and Councilmember At-Large Phil Mendelson will be the discussion leaders. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, e-mail miles@dcdna.org. For more information, visit www.dcdna.org.
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Thursday, October 15, 7:30 am – 10:30 am
District of Columbia Building Industry Association
State of the Leasing Market
National Press Club
529 14th Street
Join the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA) for this information-packed networking breakfast and panel discussion. Review market statistics for DC and suburban markets. Find out how the stimulus package is impacting the leasing market. Get the lowdown on LEED certification and whether tenants will pay a premium for space. Hear from commercial real estate professionals in the government and private sector. The cost is $70 for members. Non-members pay $95. To register, visit www.dcbiaorg.
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Thursday, October 22, 7:30 am – 10:30 am
District of Columbia Building Industry Association
State of the Sales Market
National Press Club
529 4th Street
The District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA) invites you to attend this networking breakfast and round table discussion with panelists who have returned once again to share their views and knowledge about current market conditions, disclose predictions for the next 12 months and look back on their predictions made last year. Hear expert panelists from Akridge, ING Clarion Partners, Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, CIM Group and Washington Real Estate Investment Trust. The cost is $70 for members and $95 for non-members. To register, visit www.dcbia.org.
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Thursday, October 22, 8:30 am – 11:00 am
DC Chamber of Commerce
Technology Series: Session 2, Does Google Know You?
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue
This DC Chamber of Commerce meeting will give you an in-depth look at the theory behind search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). Find out how Google, Yahoo! And MSN® can bring you new customers. Walk away learning how to develop your website’s marketing strategy, boost your rankings on search engines, budget your marketing dollars and maximize your return and more. Randy Windsor, manager of Search Marketing Education for Network Solutions, is the event speaker. The cost is $40 for members and $65 for non-members. For more information, contact Annette Coram at acoram@dcchamber.org or 202.624.0605.
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Tuesday, October 27, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
National Capital Planning Commission
Capital Space Public Meeting
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street
The National Capital Planning Commission’s CapitalSpace partners will present the plan’s recommendations at this public meeting. CapitalSpace is the first comprehensive analysis of DC’s parks and open space in almost 40 years. The plan will be released October 1 for a 60-day comment period. A draft is available online at www.ncpc.gov. For more information, contact Amy Tarce at army.tarce@ncpc.gov or 202.482.7241.
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