Thurs. November 6, 2008
Visionaries Help Enliven Downtown, Create Vibrant Environment
WASHINGTON, DC – The Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) recently held its 2008 Momentum Awards ceremony at the JW Marriott Hotel where nine awardees were recognized for their contributions to creating a remarkable urban experience in Downtown.
“This year’s Momentum honorees are shining examples of the ingenuity, energy and vision that have helped catapult our Downtown to national and international prominence,” said Richard Bradley, executive director of the Downtown BID. “Their accomplishments have raised the bar for delivering transformative experiences that make Downtown vibrant, inviting and smart.”
As Downtown’s brightest stars, the awardees represent a cross section of individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors. They are:
Downtown Citizen – Charles Docter
Supported Downtown’s transformation while serving as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, BID Board member, an early resident and tireless community advocate, particularly in the area of housing.
Downtown Partnership – DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Initiated a pilot demonstration project to enhance vending in Downtown with a cluster of three distinctive food services that offer workers, residents and visitors a range of unique, convenient and eco-friendly lunchtime offerings.
Downtown Program – District Department of Transportation
Provided alternative transportation for workers, residents and visitors with the nation’s first high-tech bike-sharing program.
Downtown Experience – National Aquarium
Completed renovations that have re-established the venue as a first rate attraction among the many tourist treasures in Downtown.
Downtown Detail – Macy’s
Presented contemporary and compelling window displays, which have not only become a hallmark of Downtown’s transformation, but also a destination for pedestrians.
Public Sector – DC Department of Human Services
Provided supportive services to Downtown’s most vulnerable population and worked to move them into housing.
Private Sector – The Pew Charitable Trusts
Created a “Non-profit Village” at 901 E Street, where non-profit tenants will enjoy slightly below market rate rents and share office facilities for those that want to locate in Downtown.
Landmark Development Project – Newseum
Brought a monumental tour de force to “America’s Main Street” with enlightening, interactive content that will draw visitors from the National Mall into Downtown.
Landmark Development Project – Harman Center for the Arts
Added to the cultural experience Downtown by engaging diverse audiences with beautiful and inspiring dance, music and theater as well as other performance arts.
Samuel Muscarella, vice president and general manager of Macy’s Metro Center, had this to say about winning a Momentum Award: “We are proud to be a part of Downtown DC and a destination that shoppers and visitors can come to for affordable fashions and exciting events. As the only department store in the Downtown area, we want to give Washingtonians more reasons to rediscover the vibrancy and energy of this community.”
For more information about the Momentum Awards and this year’s honorees, visit www.downtowndc.org/momentum.