Washington, D.C

Opinion | D.C.’s downtown is comatose. Here’s how to revive it.

Published

2 years ago

November 26, 2022

Opinion | D.C.’s downtown is comatose. Here’s how to revive it.

Remark

The District continues to be caught in a pandemic funk. Most days, the town, particularly the core downtown blocks across the White Home, seems extra like a ghost city than a vibrant capital metropolis. Earlier than the coronavirus shutdown, guests to Washington have been usually in awe of what number of cranes punctuated the skyline. Now, it’s arduous to discover a constructing with no “for lease” signal. Espresso retailers and eating places are serving restricted hours, in the event that they’re open in any respect.

Hopes have been excessive for a revival this fall. Faculties reopened. Covid instances have been manner down. Companies have been calling their workers again. However the metropolis has remained at about 45 % of employees again within the workplace since Labor Day. That’s worse than New York, Chicago, Houston and the nationwide common for main cities, in accordance with knowledge from the safety agency Kastle Methods.

A key downside is federal workers are nonetheless largely at house. President Biden vowed in March that “the overwhelming majority of federal employees will as soon as once more work in particular person.” Months later, it’s not even near that. In accordance with the Workplace of Personnel Administration (OPM) Federal Worker Viewpoint Survey, almost 40 % stated they work totally remotely or at house three or extra days per week. One other 17 % say they’re at house one or two days per week. The DowntownDC Enterprise Enchancment District’s monitoring signifies fewer than 1 / 4 of federal employees are again within the workplace. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) has been imploring the White Home to vary this. Permitting every company to set its personal guidelines was a mistake. Mr. Biden must set a transparent coverage of at the very least three days per week on-site for all federal employees who aren’t already again greater than that.

Opinion | It’s time for federal employees to return to the workplace

They’re the linchpin for downtown. Once they aren’t round, attorneys, consultants, lobbyists and different employees additionally see little motive to return. Whereas many large marquee legislation and different companies which have lengthy dominated downtown D.C. have insurance policies stating their employees ought to be within the workplace three days per week, few are imposing it.

The fallout is obvious. Strolling alongside Ok Avenue Northwest from 14th Avenue to twentieth — prime actual property close to the White Home — reveals 21 retail areas for lease and 10 workplace areas for lease. At comfortable hour on a current Friday, many bars alongside this stretch had loads of obtainable seats. This desolate scene would have been unimaginable a number of years in the past.

It doesn’t assist that a number of distinguished companies are ditching downtown altogether to maneuver to the revamped Wharf space in Southwest D.C., the place they’ll get river views and brand-new buildings. Legislation agency Williams & Connolly left 700 eleventh Avenue — proper at Metro Middle — to relocate to the Wharf. The downtown constructing’s proprietor, Hines actual property, has principally given up on the property. The lender has put it up on the market.

Nobody needs to see the capital metropolis of the US deteriorate. Many keep in mind how dirty and determined it was within the Eighties and early Nineteen Nineties. There’s quite a bit that should occur to revive this downtown (and others throughout the nation), however, at coronary heart, it comes down to 2 key issues: get extra employees again and rework some workplace buildings into flats and leisure hubs.

It’s unrealistic to anticipate a return to 2019 ranges of attendance within the workplace, but when the federal authorities and most companies would totally decide to requiring employees to return again at the very least three days per week, it will make a considerable distinction.

What readers informed us about how the pandemic modified their work lives

On the identical time, leaders of America’s largest cities are greedy the truth that distant and hybrid work are right here to remain. A D.C. Coverage Middle report in Could summed up the town’s problem: “Our greatest estimate is that of the 401,481 employees who commuted to D.C. from elsewhere previous to the pandemic, 155,550 can do their jobs from house.” There merely received’t be as a lot want for workplace house going ahead. That’s a large downside for downtown D.C.‚ which the mayor’s workplace says consists of greater than 90 % business house and solely 8 % residential.

Former metropolis council member Jack Evans recollects standing in Franklin Sq. within the Nineteen Nineties with former mayor Marion Barry, who lamented, “I ought to have surrounded these squares with residential 20 years in the past.”

As miserable as it may be to stroll round elements of the town, particularly on Fridays, this second marks a significant alternative. D.C. can turn into a frontrunner in workplace conversions to flats, museums, college hubs, indoor golf and extra. The truth is, it’s already starting. D.C. noticed probably the most office-to-apartment conversions within the nation in 2020 and 2021, in accordance with actual property knowledge agency Yardi Matrix.

Whereas downtown struggles, together with retail hubs in Friendship Heights, different elements of the town are thriving. The Wharf in Southwest, the world of Southeast by the baseball stadium and the Union Market space close to the practice station are all examples of how the town has used its funds to accomplice with builders and neighborhood members to remodel neighborhoods. These elements of city now have extra of a 24/7 vibe. They’re busy throughout the day with employees, but additionally at night time and on the weekends due to residents and leisure venues that draw folks into the town. Union Market has roughly 50 % business house and 50 % residential, a much more sustainable combine on this new regular.

There are causes for cautious optimism. The town continues to draw new museums (the Museum of Illusions opens in December) and increase college campuses. Marquee venues such because the Kennedy Middle and Capital One Area are working almost full occasion schedules once more. Metro service is beginning to enhance, particularly with simpler entry to Dulles Worldwide Airport. And violent crime, whereas nonetheless too excessive, is starting to return down. Conversations with quite a few builders point out lots of them are in wait-and-see mode. They’re watching what federal employees — and metropolis officers — do.

Remodeling downtown would require funding by the town. It’s not low cost to show workplaces into flats that want loos and air-con in each unit. The massive leap in mortgage charges this 12 months additionally makes builders extra hesitant to behave with out additional incentives. However the various is a lifeless downtown that received’t generate a lot income for the town. An inflow of federal pandemic support and infrastructure {dollars} afford the town a bit more cash to work with than regular, at the very least for some time.

To the mayor, council members, funding leaders, builders, companies and residents, we have now one message: Be daring.

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Editorials characterize the views of The Washington Put up as an establishment, as decided by debate amongst members of the Editorial Board, based mostly within the Opinions part and separate from the newsroom.

Members of the Editorial Board and areas of focus: Editorial Web page Editor David Shipley, Deputy Editorial Web page Editor Karen Tumulty; Affiliate Opinion Editor Stephen Stromberg (elections, the White Home, Congress, authorized affairs, vitality, the surroundings, well being care); Jonathan Capehart (nationwide politics); Lee Hockstader (immigration; points affecting Virginia and Maryland); David E. Hoffman (world public well being); Charles Lane (overseas affairs, nationwide safety, worldwide economics); Heather Lengthy (economics); Affiliate Editor Ruth Marcus; and Molly Roberts (expertise and society).

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Washington, D.C

Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration

Published

3 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration

As D.C. prepares for Inauguration Day, tens of thousands of activists are preparing to make their voices heard.

Days before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol again, several grassroots groups will descend on the District Saturday for the People’s March, which has the same organizers behind the 2017 Women’s March.

“Talking about immigration, talking about peace, talking about abortion access, talking about racial justice and reproductive justice,” said Tamika Middleon, the managing director for Women’s March.

Like previous marches, organizers say Saturday’s event is part of a long term resistance strategy to proposed policies of the incoming Trump Administration

“And so we are trying to create opportunities for people to be together, and that’s really our message, is for people to find ways for them to engage with each other,” Middleon said.

Several Metro stations and several streets will be closed Monday for the inauguration, but the 18th will also be a busy day on D.C. roads

People’s March organizers say there will be three meet up locations Saturday before they march to the Lincoln Memorial: Farragut Square, where groups will focus on democracy, immigration, climate and military; Franklin Park, a starting point for gender justice activists, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ groups; and McPherson Square, ground zero for many local grassroots organizations.

“We’re going to be specifically focusing on D.C. issues,” said Megan Salmon with Spaces in Action.

Salmon said they’ve been busy coordinating with local volunteers ahead of Saturday, and even though a lot has changed since Trump took office in 2017, their commitment to the cause hasn’t — and they’re ready for what’s next.

“Organizers have been preparing for a moment like this for way longer than it was talked about, so it wasn’t just since the election, it wasn’t just since the campaign trail,” Salmon said. “I do think that the resistance is strategic, but I do think that’s not just a reflection of the moment we’re in. I think it’s a longer term fight.”

All of those groups are set to meet up at the Lincoln Memorial, and that big rally is scheduled to go from about 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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Washington, D.C

SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

WASHINGTON D.C. – Safety is a priority at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump next week.

San Antonio police is sending 61 officers to Washington, D.C., to assist the Metropolitan Police Department while Trump is sworn into office.

SAPD deployed 45 officers when Trump took office for the first time in 2017.

The increase in officers being sent this time reflects heightened security concerns and a greater emphasis on ensuring the safety of all attendees.

In addition to SAPD’s presence, law enforcement agencies nationwide are also mobilizing to provide support.

As preparations continue, authorities urge attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The 60th presidential inauguration ceremony will begin at noon EST on Jan. 20.

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Washington, D.C

List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, Jan. 13-19

Published

19 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, Jan. 13-19

We share the best things to do every weekend in The Weekend Scene newsletter – it’s completely free to subscribe!

Call it D.C.’s biggest hits: Pandas, the Commanders, MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade are all on tap this week – and that’s before we even get to Inauguration Day!

Of course, if you want to see a panda this week, you must be a National Zoo member. But anyone can grab their free pass to visit the National Zoo once the pandas make their public debut on Jan. 24. The only thing you’ll need to see the pandas is your zoo pass… plus, patience and warm clothes. Expect a line to get into the panda habitat!

But everyone can watch the Commanders face the Lions at 8 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, sixth-seeded Washington upset the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Can they clinch against the division leader? Every sports bar will be screening this highly anticipated showdown.

Here’s what else to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Hands-on Landscape Painting with Paloma Vianey: Weds., 6-8 p.m., Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Ave, SE, free but registration required

NMWA Nights: Weds., 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $25

DC Improv Date Night: Weds., 7:30 p.m., DC Improv, $99 for food and drink package or $15 for general admission

Rock the Rink at The Wharf: Thurs., 6-10 p.m., The Wharf Ice Rink, anyone in Capitals gear gets $5 off admission

National Symphony Orchestra on the Millennium Stage: Fri., 6 p.m., The Kennedy Center, free but arrive early to get tickets

MLK Shabbat: Visions of Freedom and Justice: Fri., 7 p.m., Sixth & I, free

Concert: Mo Lowda & The Humble and Illiterate Light: Fri., 8 p.m., 9:30 Club, $25

20th Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade: Sat., 11 a.m., Entertainment & Sports Arena, free

MLK Day of Service: Pope Branch Park cleanup with Anacostia Riverkeeper: Sat., 2900 M Place Southeast, free

Nerd Nite irreverent lecture series: Sat., doors 6 p.m., DC9, $10 (in advance) or $15 (day of)

Black A** Comedy: Sat., 7 p.m., Busboys and Poets 14th Street, $25

Charli x Sabrina x Chappell Dance Party: Sat., Black Cat, $10

Defying Gravity: A Wicked Party: Sat., Union Stage, $15+

Ye Olde Feast of Saint Vincent of Zaragossa!: Sun., 2 p.m., St. Vincent Wine at 3212 Georgia Ave NW, $72

Let Freedom Ring Celebration featuring Christopher Jackson and esperanza spalding, hosted by Taye Diggs: Sun., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center, free (note: ticket giveaway begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hall of Nations, limited to two tickets per person)

Union Stage Presents: Rare Essence , EU feat. Sugar Bear, DCVybe: Sun., 8:30 p.m., Howard Theatre, $55

Last chance – “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment”: Through Sun., the National Gallery of Art, free

What to do in Maryland

Theater: “What the Constitution Means to Me”: Jan. 15 to Feb. 16, Round House Theatre, $50+

SA-ROC (+ DJ OSO Fresh After Party): Fri., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, $35

Yoga at Brookside Gardens: Sat., 9:30 a.m., Wheaton, $14

Say It Loud: A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Sat., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown

Be’la Dona Brunch: Sun., 2 p.m., Bethesda Theater, $41.45 (including fees)

“Paper Dreams” at Imagination Stage: Through Feb. 16, Bethesda, $19.50

What to do in Virginia

Sean Gavin and Josh Dukes in Concert: Thurs., 7-9 p.m., Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, $25 ($10 under 18)

Comedy – Justin Martindale: Fri. and Sat., Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, $20

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop: Sat., 9 a.m. to noon, Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, $45-$55, plus $10 supply fee (must register by Weds.)

NOVA Wine Expo: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dulles Expo Center, $40+

Presidential Transitions Lecture & Historic Document Viewing: Sat., noon to 3 p.m., George Washington Presidential Library, $10

La Vang Lunar New Year Festival: Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, $10 ($5 with student ID or for kids 2 to 11)

Comedy Night in Leesburg Presented By The DC Improv: Sat., Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, $20-$32

Ice & Lights-The Winter Village at Cameron Run: Through Feb. 23, Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, $8.55+

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

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