In the fall of 2021, the DowntownDC BID started a year-long study of the Gallery Place – Chinatown corridor, defined by 5th and 9th streets NW and Pennsylvania and Massachusetts avenues NW. The project researched the corridor’s economic development, its current public space issues, and the opportunities it offers. The BID partnered with landowners, tenants, and several District government agencies to imagine the next evolution of this economically vital part of DowntownDC.
This area is at the center of the greater Washington region, a place where residents, employees, and visitors from around the globe experience the nation’s capital as a city, not just as the seat of government. The corridor’s combination of regional attractions and robust connectivity gives it a magnified visibility among D.C. visitors, and perceptions of this corridor, whether positive or negative, reflect on the entire District.
Today, the Gallery Place – Chinatown corridor and DowntownDC face important challenges as each recovers from impact of several long-term trends as well as the pandemic’s economic stresses. This study documents a stakeholder-driven vision for future economic development investments, public space priorities, and capital improvements needed to strengthen the corridor.
After more than 30 stakeholder interviews, more than 500 online survey responses, four focus group sessions, three Advisory Committee meetings, and two public meetings, the study includes 11 action items.
View the full study in the flipbook below, or download it directly at the link below that.