Tues. November 9, 2010
Honorees Deliver Innovation, Inspiration to Downtown Experience
WASHINGTON, DC – The Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) recently held its 10th Annual Momentum Awards ceremony at 700 Sixth Street, NW, where seven awardees were recognized for their stellar contributions to creating remarkable urban experiences in Downtown DC.
“This year’s honorees continue to carry the torch by bringing something unique to Downtown,” said Bradley Edwards, chairman of the Downtown BID Board of Directors and general manager of the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel. “From sustainable, new office buildings to civic-minded arts and community service programs, our seven shining stars have delivered innovation and inspiration to the Downtown experience.”
The Momentum Awards provide an opportunity every year to showcase the best of the best in Downtown DC by saluting the people, programs, and projects that have helped Downtown reach new heights. Since 2001, the Downtown BID has presented awards to 73 deserving contributors.
The 2010 Momentum Awards winners represent a cross section of individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors. They are:
Downtown Citizen – Douglas Jemal, President of Douglas Development
Invested in Downtown real estate and retail when no one believed the city could support it, thus making Downtown more vibrant and welcoming.
Downtown Experience – Washington Kastles
Brought a star-studded roster of tennis pros to Downtown for three seasons and attracted thousands of fans by offering a unique, more interactive type of tennis experience that put tennis and Downtown on the map.
Downtown Detail – New York Avenue Sculpture Project
Presented bold, colorful, and larger-than-life sculptures along the New York Avenue median from 12th to 13th Streets that promote cultural tourism, provide free access to the arts, and revitalize the streetscape.
Downtown Partnership/Program – DC Superior Court’s DC Misdemeanor and Traffic Community Court
Committed to addressing low-level, quality-of-life offenses, and using problem-solving approaches, collaborations, and partnerships—including with the Downtown BID—to help criminal offenders fulfill community service hours in lieu of going to trial.
Public Sector – District Department of Transportation
Brought innovation to Downtown and experimented with and corrected new ways for people to bike and walk more safely without interrupting traffic flow.
Private Sector – Co-Star Group, Inc.
Moved from Bethesda to Downtown after paying $41.25 million for the Mortgage Bankers Association of America headquarters building, thus strengthening and diversifying the city’s revenue base and increasing residential employment.
Landmark Development Project – 901 K Street
Linked the new 280,000-square-foot trophy office building to the facilities housing the historic, neoclassical Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church with a soaring, five-story glass atrium.
“We commend all of our winners for showcasing the vibrancy and energy that is the Downtown experience,” said Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the Downtown BID. “We couldn’t do it alone. It takes dedicated partners to help Downtown DC reach new heights. We admire, and thank them for, their drive, influence and foresight.”
For more information about the Momentum Awards, this year’s honorees and past recipients, visit www.downtowndc.org/momentum.