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In July, we celebrate Independence Day and Disability Pride Month. Be sure to check out our Commemorative Works Corner below which features the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial to honor the brave veterans with disabilities who fought for the freedoms that we enjoy.
Also in this newsletter, we share information about achievements in Historic Preservation, a public life study in Ivy City, and how to vote to select a commemorative work for your community.
Sincerely,
Anita Cozart
Director, DC Office of Planning
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On July 27th, the Office of Planning (OP) represented the District at the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation Ceremony. The award recognizes developers, organizations, and agencies for their success in advancing the goals of historic preservation, while at the same time providing affordable housing and/or expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
DC’s project, which restored the historic former Hebrew Home for the Aged into The Appleton at Spring Flats, was selected for this prestigious award. The Appleton has 185 housing units, including 149 affordable, 88 units dedicated for seniors, and portions of the site also include housing for mixed-income families and the unhoused.
This project shows that historic preservation and affordable housing can complement one another, considering our past and our future in the same project. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, the DC Housing Finance Agency, and OP worked alongside community members to make this unique building that is a cornerstone of the neighborhood serve a new and important purpose once again.
Learn about the history of the Hebrew Home for the Aged and see more pictures here.
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Hebrew Home for the Aged, mid-1950s (Historical Society of Washington, DC Collection)
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The Appleton at Spring Flats, 2022 (Wiencek + Associates)
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As we plan how DC can grow and change in ways that serve all residents, we want to hear from DC kids and teens about their favorite places in their neighborhoods and what they would like to have in their neighborhoods.
Take our DC Planning Survey for Kids and Teens.
OP is committed to supporting the next generation of designers and planners that reflect the rich culture and diversity of the District. We visit DC schools to allow students to step into the shoes of a planner or designer. If you are interested in having OP present to a class or youth program, or know of students who would like to connect with OP staff to discuss careers in planning, design and preservation, please contact us at planning@dc.gov or call us at 202-442-7600.
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Washington, DC is the nation’s capital and a city of neighborhoods and residents with a local history of people, places and events deserving of honor and remembrance. DC is home to many Commemorative Works honoring individuals and events of both national and local significance. This month, we are featuring the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial (Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial Foundation, Craig Collins)
Through juxtaposition of granite and glass, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial conveys a combination of strength and vulnerability, of loss and renewal. Dedicated on October 5, 2014, the Memorial shines a light on the important lessons of courage, sacrifice, tenacity, loyalty and honor by bearing witness to the experiences of war heroes who were disabled as a result of military service. It is the first national memorial dedicated solely to disabled veterans, paying tribute to the hidden and visible disabilities from all conflicts and all branches of service. The centerpiece of the Memorial's design is the star-shaped fountain and triangular reflecting pool with a ceremonial flame rising out of the water.
The Memorial is located just west of the United States Capitol Building and the United States Botanic Gardens at Washington Avenue & Second Street SW.
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Commemorate DC
Cast your vote today! Help select a person, place, idea, or event to be honored in the District. OP is providing design assistance to residents seeking to bring commemorative works to their communities in Wards 4, 5, 7, or 8. Voting is open through August 25.
Learn more and vote by visiting publicinput.com/cwtap.
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Ivy City Public Life Study
OP is conducting a public life study as part of the Ivy City Small Area Plan. The Ivy City Public Life Study looks at how the community uses public space over the course of the day. For two days in June and July, community volunteers and OP staff collected pedestrian movement and stationary activity data on Okie Street NE and at Lewis Crowe Park on West Virginia Avenue NE.
Learn more about planning efforts in Ivy City and how to get involved.
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OP staff gathering input from Ivy City residents, June 13, 2023
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Community volunteers collecting data for the Ivy City Public Life Study, June 13, 2023
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Downtown Public Realm Plan
OP continues to make progress on the Downtown Public Realm Plan with critical input from residents and stakeholders. This engagement has included:
- Establishing a working group of relevant agencies and organizations.
- Conducting stakeholder interviews with Downtown organizations, tenants, and community members.
- Hosting a workshop with key representatives of the District’s business community.
- Hosting a series of walking tours in conjunction with BIDs and consultant teams to explore several routes through the Downtown public realm.
Our Downtown Public Realm Plan survey is open to gather input from everyone who uses Downtown streets, sidewalks, parks, and plazas—now available in seven languages. Submit your ideas today!
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Walk shop participants stroll through Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle neighborhoods discussing the use of public space, July 6, 2023.
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OP staff lead a discussion with students about how to create a public realm that is inclusive and inviting for all, July 21, 2023
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Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue Corridor Small Area Plan
The Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue Corridor Small Area Plan will guide development of neighborhood-serving mixed uses including retail, housing, and enhanced public spaces along the corridor.
Your input is important to us! Complete our Nannie Helen Burroughs Corridor survey and learn about how to get involved at engage.dc.gov/nhbsap.
Learn more and get involved in our community planning projects:
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Join us at the following events where OP staff will be available to answer questions and share information about OP’s work:
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OP is looking to hire an Operations Manager to join our team. Learn more about the positions and apply today!
Operations Manager (Closing Date: 08/03/2023)
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