Mon. January 23, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC – The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) held its 11th Annual Momentum Awards ceremony at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center last night, where seven honorees were recognized for helping create remarkable urban experiences in Downtown DC, and a longtime community leader was given the special DowntownDC BID VISion Award.
“Each of these innovators recognizes the importance of continuing to raise standards in Downtown,” said Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the DowntownDC BID. “Whether it’s using alternative transportation options, finding interesting places to dine, or somewhere to place recyclables when outdoors and on the go, they have contributed in some way to the excitement and vibrancy that is the Downtown experience.”
Each year, the Momentum Awards provide an opportunity to showcase the best of the best in Downtown DC by saluting the people, programs, and projects that have helped the area to break new ground. Since 2001, the Downtown BID has presented awards to 80 deserving contributors.
The 2011 Momentum Awards winners represent a cross section of individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors. They are:
Downtown Person of the Year – Tommy Wells, DC Council Member, Ward 6
Advocates for a livable and walkable city, supports the City Center Action Agenda, and champions the next generation of public transit, which connects the city’s neighborhoods to Downtown and builds on alternative transit options.
Downtown Experience – America Eats Tavern
A unique, pop-up dining destination that began as a six-month benefit experience celebrating the nation’s cooking history and complementing the National Archives’ What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government’s Effect on the American Diet exhibit.
Downtown Detail – Woodward & Lothrop (Woodies) Building
Brilliant strokes of color applied to parts of this prominent city landmark’s façade on G Street, between 10th and 11th streets, now home to Forever 21, add a dynamic, chic and whimsical flair to the streetscape and Downtown retail corridor.
Downtown Partnership/Program – District Department of Transportation, Arlington County and Alta Bicycle Share
Worked closely to develop CapitalBikeshare, the popular bike-sharing system that is an inexpensive, eco-friendly and reliable transportation option for residents, visitors and workers and which offers 116 stations, 1,100 bikes and has more than 18,000 members.
Public Sector – PepsiCo and the District Department of Public Works
Joined with the DowntownDC BID to place 363 recycling bins in Downtown, offering a convenient and rewarding recycling option for people on the go and further advancing the BID’s Greening Downtown DC initiative, part of the DowntownDC ecoDistrict framework.
Private Sector – LivingSocial
Added 600 jobs in less than two years, contributing to the economic, cultural and social well-being of Downtown. With nearly 1,000 employees, the company leases space at six Downtown locations, primarily near bustling Gallery Place and the Verizon Center.
Landmark Development Project – 733 10th Street
The only Downtown office project to break ground over the two years ending in March 2011, this $85 million, mixed-use project is a Class A LEED-certified building that includes a church and office and retail space; its presence adds life and vitality to the corner of 10th and G streets.
The DowntownDC BID VISion Award, only issued occasionally, recognizes an individual in Downtown who contributes significantly to community building, social interaction and creating a more vibrant Downtown environment for residents, workers and visitors.
Jo-Ann Neuhaus, a tireless advocate for the Penn Quarter community for more than 20 years, received the DowntownDC BID VISion Award at the Momentum Awards ceremony. She is the first and only executive director of the Penn Quarter Neighborhood Association, and has worked collaboratively with many businesses and organizations, including the DowntownDC BID, to develop a balance between the wishes of Downtown residents, business owners, workers, tourists and cultural and entertainment organizations.
For more information about the Momentum Awards, this year’s honorees and past recipients, visit www.downtowndc.org/momentum.