Downtown Ward 7 and surrounding neighborhoods have four metro stations within about two square miles, creating a great opportunity for revitalization and smart growth. In 2004, the Washington Regional Network (now merged with the Coalition) began focusing on the Metro stations in Ward 7. We teamed with Marshall Heights Community Development Organization and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects to lead community workshops to create a vision for downtown Ward 7.
DC transportation officials (DDOT) then launched the innovative Minnesota Avenue Great Streets initiative and DC's Office of Planning (DCOP) followed with the Deanwood Strategic Development Plan and Benning Road Corridor Plan. These efforts have created a framework for private development and public investment. If Ward 7 maintains the momentum of this positive partnership between community, government and business, a safer, more walkable and economically vital neighborhood can be realized.
