Emerging Ward 7
Ward 7, located east of the Anacostia River, is served by four Metro stations and major bus lines. Approximately 15,000 people live within a half mile radius of the Minnesota Avenue or Benning Road Metro stations. These stations serve the greater Deanwood neighborhood, which is known as one of Washington’s earliest predominantly African American communities. In the early part of the 20th century, Deanwood hosted Suburban Gardens, D.C.’s only amusement park. The park served the city’s African America community in an era when such facilities were segregated. The community is also the boyhood home of Motown superstar Marvin Gaye.
Over the last few decades, Ward 7 neighborhoods lagged behind other parts of the city in economic investment, housing development, employment opportunities, public safety and health. Poverty and unemployment rates are high throughout much of the Ward. Over a quarter of families in the area are living below the poverty line. Between 1990 and 2000, population declined significantly, falling by over 10 percent. Since 2000, however, the number of households has stabilized and increased. Incomes are rising, likely due to a sizable influx of new residents. Since 2000, several new developments were proposed and many vacant buildings were renovated.
A Downtown Ward 7 Vision Plan
Over the last several years, CSG has worked with community members to change the auto-dominated land uses and street environments. We have worked to leverage the potential unrealized at the Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road Metro stations for community revitalization.
New development now occurring in the community and new thinking about transit-oriented development offer an opportunity to convert automobile-oriented roads, transit stations, commercial centers, and even public housing, into walkable, mixed use neighborhoods. Creating a partnership with Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO) and collaborating with D.C. Office of Planning (DCOP), D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT), and urban design firm Gunsul Zimmer Frasca (ZGF), the Coalition for Smarter Growth conducted an extensive community visioning process to create a Downtown Ward 7 Vision Plan (pdf). The partnership came together to create healthier neighborhoods through pedestrian-friendly designs and uses, and leverage access to the Metro stations as a major community asset. This community-based plan is helping guide new development near the Minnesota Avenue Metro station.
Following earlier efforts by CSG, MHCDO and urban design firm ZGF, we continue to work with neighborhood residents and transit riders to create a safer and more walkable Ward 7. D.C. Office of Planning and D.C. Department of Transportation have since led community planning efforts to guide private development and public investment to catalyze improved businesses and more attractive places to walk. Serving on several local task forces, we are helping guide positive changes in private land use, public space, and transportation so that the area can foster a safer pedestrian environment, a more vital shopping district, and a stronger sense of community. We are committed to seeing through the implementation of the Minnesota Avenue Great Streets Plan, along with the Deanwood Strategic Development Plan and Benning Road Corridor Plan and the policy changes needed to ensure these planning efforts’ success.
Additional Information
To learn more about the history of Ward 7, please take Cultural Tourism DC's tour of the Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail.
Marshall Heights Community Development Organization was an integral partner in our community visioning process and remains an active and vital community organization in Ward 7.
Read our presentation (PDF) on the Capitol Gateway retail site.
