Sun. December 6, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) recently held its 2009 Momentum Awards ceremony at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, where 10 awardees were honored for their stellar contributions to creating a vibrant, inviting and smart Downtown where people can share remarkable urban experiences.
“Each honoree brings something unique to Downtown that contributes to its natural beauty, relevance and heritage or adds to its ambiance, accessibility and advancement,” said Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the Downtown BID. “Their achievements further position the Downtown as a leader in national and international ingenuity and place us at the crossroads of commerce and culture.”
As exemplars of Downtown’s revitalization, the awardees represent a cross section of individuals and organizations in both the public and private sectors.
They are:
Downtown Person of the Year – Assistant Chief Diane Groomes, Metropolitan Police Department
Assigned a 10-officer patrol near Gallery Place and the Verizon Center to address quality of life crimes and ensure the area remains user friendly for workers, residents and visitors.
Downtown Experience – Washington Capitals
With its phenomenal, division-winning season, the team brought thousands of people from all over the region to Downtown, increasing foot traffic and restaurant and retail sales and bringing excitement to the community.
Downtown Detail – DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities/Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
Undertook a major renovation to restore the iconic Chinatown Gateway Arch, also called the Friendship Arch, in an effort to boost Chinatown’s image and attract more visitors to Downtown.
Downtown Partnership/Program – National Capital Planning Commission/US Commission of Fine Arts
Produced the Monumental Core Framework Plan, which aims to create vibrant and accessible destinations in the federal precincts surrounding the National Mall, including Federal Triangle in Downtown.
Public Sector – District Department of Transportation
Designed and installed new bus shelters, 70 of which are located in the Downtown BID, equipped with information panels that make it easier for people to travel in and around Downtown.
Private Sector – Douglas Development
Brought Guess, the trendy, upscale apparel, denim and accessory store, to a new office building on DC’s oldest retail corridor, thus continuing the development company’s vision and commitment to returning fashion retail to the F Street corridor.
Landmark Development Project – W Hotel
Delivered its modern luxury hotel concept to the Downtown market and instantly created a magnet for social influencers and trendsetters.
Landmark Development Project – District of Columbia Courts
Renovated the DC Courthouse and transformed it into an attractive and accessible fixture on the Downtown landscape, providing a new home for the DC Court of Appeals.
“It takes dedicated partners to achieve the phenomenal transition we’ve experienced in Downtown DC,” said Bradley Edwards, chairman of the Downtown BID Board of Directors and general manager of the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel. “We commend the Momentum honorees for having the drive, influence and foresight to seize opportunities that will have a positive impact on Downtown’s future as the center of commerce, culture and entertainment for the region.”
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