Thurs. February 28, 2019
Washington, D.C. – The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) on Feb. 28 honored the people, projects and programs who helped make DowntownDC So Much More in 2018 at the organization’s annual Momentum Awards celebration, where CityCenterDC took home a public vote award for their interactive “Loop” installation.
“From arts and culture to homeless services, office buildings and public art, the 2018 Momentum Award winners represent the diverse sectors that together help elevate DowntownDC as a world-class destination,” said BID President & CEO Neil Albert. “Congratulations to tonight’s winners and thank you for your continued support for the DowntownDC community.”
The DowntownDC Experience Award winner was decided by the public, who voted online for their favorite experience of 2018. The winner was CityCenterDC for their interactive “Loop” installation of life-size zoetropes, which was exhibited in the Park at CityCenterDC from Aug. 8- Sept. 16, 2018.
At the official awards presentation and celebration, held this year in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum, Albert updated attendees on several goals outlined in the BID’s Downtown 2027: Vision for the Future report, including the establishment of a BID foundation to support the organization’s philanthropic efforts and the opening of the Downtown Day Services Center to provide homeless services in downtown.
Momentum Award attendees Tuesday night helped color their “Vision 2027” by participating in a coloring wall activation and were also treated to a look into the future of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with an on-site virtual reality activation from DC Public Library.
The 2018 DowntownDC Momentum Award Winners are as follows:
DowntownDC Detail
Eaton Hotel, for their street-level design, architecture, landscaping and seating, which created an inviting and vibrant streetscape for K Street
DowntownDC Experience (Public Vote)
CityCenterDC, for their interactive “Loop” installation by Olivier Girouard and Jonathan Villeneuve featuring six life-size zoetropes hosted for six weeks in the Park at CityCenterDC
DowntownDC Person of the Year
The Washington Capitals, for their remarkable accomplishment in winning the 2018 Stanley Cup, which turned the streets of DowntownDC into a community celebration for several weeks, boosted local businesses and ultimately and substantially raised the reputation of DowntownDC as a premier sports destination
Landmark Development Project
Midtown Center, where Carr Properties delivered one of the largest projects in DowntownDC in several years to building Fannie Mae’s headquarters, complete with signature architectural elements, vibrant retail and support for the local office market
Partnership/Program
Comcast Business, for expanding free, public programming in DowntownDC through two World Cup Viewing parties on Freedom Plaza and Co-Working with Comcast Thursdays in Franklin Park
Private Sector Person, Project or Program
JP Morgan Chase & Co., for their philanthropic support to help fully capitalize the Landlord Partnership Fund, which seeks to increase housing available in the District to individuals experiencing homelessness
Public Sector Person, Project or Program
DC Department of Human Services, for their support for the new Downtown Day Service Center, which offers services to individuals experiencing homelessness
Visionary Award
Howard Shalwitz, for his 40 years of service as artistic director of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, which included “Pay-What-You-Will” nights and the growth of this small, alternative theatre into one of the most influential creators of provocative new theatre in America
Visionary Award
Michael Kahn, for his early and continued 30 years of leadership as artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre, which included a 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award, additional accolades and the success of driving local residents to the theatre under their “Free for All” and “District Shakespeare” programs