Monumental Achievements

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Come celebrate Downtown’s exciting revitalization as we honor outstanding individual and organizational achievement at our Annual Momentum Awards ceremony. This year’s awardees are:

Downtown Citizen – Hervé Houdré
Hervé Houdré is a true visionary, Downtown champion and one of the most respected hoteliers in the U.S. and abroad.  As the general manager of the Willard InterContinental Hotel, he has worked tirelessly to educate employees, guests and the community around him on the importance of economic and environmental responsibility. His commitment to restoring the Willard hotel to its original grandeur shows his dedication to building a strong legacy for the historic hotel in years to come.  Houdré is a community activist and supporter of the arts, serving on the Board of Directors for the Downtown BID and the Christmas Pageant of Peace.  His passion for helping others, his focus on excellence and his holistic approach to preserving the Downtown landscape serve as a model for others to follow.

Public Sector  – District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Traffic Services Administration (TSA)
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Traffic Services Administration (TSA) collaborated with the Downtown and Golden Triangle BIDs to make Downtown surface transportation more reliable for transit, commercial vehicles and motorists. Focusing on the busy K Street corridor, new curbside regulations and signage reduced the need for double parking.  Multi-space parking meters helped remove clutter caused by individual meters and commercial loading zones were incorporated into the new metering system to encourage turnover in these spaces. The K Street initiative demonstrates the true value of team effort between DDOT and business improvement districts.
 
Private Sector  – Akridge and Douglas Development
The 900 block of F Street has reemerged with the help of two key developers leading the way. Carroll Square, the $65-million boutique building developed by Akridge at 975 F Street, adds 158,000 square feet of trophy-class office space, 15,000 square feet of retail, 5,000 square feet of arts space and 103 underground parking spaces to Downtown’s thriving marketplace. The Atlantic Building at 950 F Street is a 281,000-square foot, $120-million project by Douglas Development with 25,000 square feet of available retail space.  These two projects are helping infuse the 900 block of F Street with new life. 

Landmark Project  – Thomson Elementary School
From the street, Thomson Elementary School’s exterior maintains its historic character. Yet, the architectural features of the new physical improvements are evidence of the school’s $20-million renovation and 35,000-square foot addition at 1200 L Street. The DC Public School System’s investment in the renovated classrooms and facilities provide a welcoming and attractive place in which to learn and play, while delivering new spaces for enhanced educational opportunities. 

Landmark Project – National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, known collectively as the Donald W. Reynolds Center, re-opened in July 2006 after a $283-million renovation. Both museums are located in the magnificently restored, 382,000-square-foot Patent Office Building (8th and F Streets). The building’s design highlights include a new courtyard and glass roof designed by Sir Norman Foster.  As the cultural centerpiece of Downtown, the new Reynolds Center reconnects the eastern and western blocks of F Street.
   
Program – Capital Fringe Festival
The inaugural Capital Fringe Festival made a lasting impression upon the Downtown arts scene in July 2006, with more than 400 performances featured throughout Downtown involving 1000 artists and ensembles in 18 venues. Created to provide an outlet for DC area fringe artists, the Festival also introduced 40 world-premiere productions with more than 100 sold-out performances.  This annual event is primed to bring many more new artists and arts patrons to Downtown in the future.

Downtown Detail – Perseus Realty
As part of the redevelopment of 1101 Vermont Avenue, the beautiful sound grove and light stream installation is an inviting, interactive public art space that engages and awes pedestrians, creating a sense of place within the new Midtown area. 

Downtown Detail – Bobby Van’s Grill
Bobby Van’s second DC location includes a raised staircase entrance, adding architectural flair and a graceful beauty to the well-trafficked corner at 12th Street and New York Avenue.

This year’s Awards Luncheon will take place at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill (400 New Jersey Avenue NW) on Thursday, June 21, at Noon. Guest speakers Nicholas Goldsborough, managing director, Harman Center for the Arts; and Peter Prichard, president of the Newseum will be on hand to provide a preview of Downtown’s newest cultural attractions. RSVP today at www.downtowndc.org/rsvp. Registration closes Friday, June 15