Tues. June 20, 2006
(Washington, DC) The Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) recently recognized nine individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to revitalizing the city’s traditional urban center. The Downtown BID Momentum Awards are presented annually to those having contributed significantly to revitalizing Downtown and helping to make it vibrant, inviting and beautiful.
“The Downtown Momentum Awards recognize the visionary people, projects and programs that enliven the Downtown,” said Howard Riker, chairman of the Downtown DC BID Board of Directors and vice president at Hines. “They help to create a vibrant and exciting environment for residents, workers and visitors.”
This year’s winners are:
Downtown Citizen – Councilmember Jack Evans
Councilman Evans was an early supporter of Downtown housing in the comprehensive plan, a leader in passing the original BID legislation and a key player in every Downtown initiative over the past 15 years, including the MCI Center, Gallery Place and financing the DC Circulator.
Public Sector – Mayor Anthony Williams
Electedin 1998, Mayor Anthony Williams sparked a renaissance across the city by producing a balanced budget and generating economic stability. He has been a driving force in the city’s and the Downtown’s revitalization.
Private Sector – Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Woolly Mammoth Theatre established a permanent home for its new 265-seat venue in the heart of the Penn Quarter neighborhood in 2005. Woolly’s edgy productions bring an exciting point of view and attract a new segment of the arts community to Downtown.
Landmark Project – Clyde’s of Gallery Place
With 12 locations in the Washington metropolitan area, this local restaurant group brought their vision to Downtown in 2005. In less than a year’s time, Clyde’s of Gallery Place has become one the chain’s top performers.
Special Recognition Partnership – DC Circulator
The DC Circulator is a unique transportation collaboration between the local and federal
governments, the private sector and the regional transit authority. In less than a year of operation, the Circulator has become a Downtown icon.
Program – DC Shorts Film Festival
The DC Shorts Film Festival, an annual showcase of short films from around the world, turns the spotlight on truly independent short films, created by new and established filmmakers in an era of digital and home video. The 2005 Festival drew 52 filmmakers as well as film viewers from all over the world to Downtown DC.
Detail – Apartment Zero
For organizing the “Windows on Design,” an engaging display ofconcepts and prototypes by local designers.
Detail – Inter-American Development Bank
For adopting a creative approach to security barriers with attractive planters and benches that enliven the streetscape along New York Avenue.
Detail – reSTORE DC
For restoring 12 Chinatown building facades to help revitalize the 600 block of H Street.
For more information, please contact Jay Greco at 202.626.1144 or jayg@downtowndc.org, or visit our website at www.downtowndc.org.