BUILDING TACTICAL REVITALIZATION PLAN DOWNTOWN

U Street Plan
District of Columbia Office of Planning
Washington’s U Street has a rich history as Washington’s “Black Broadway” and a hub of
African American culture, education and businesses for more than a century. Following the
1968 riots, much of the commercial area declined. The
opening of Metro’s Green Line with two transit stations
along the corridor as well as long-term revitalization
efforts associated with the District’s construction of the
Reeves Municipal Center on 14th Street, N.W. have
spurred renewed investment and development along U
Street. Anita Morrison and Abigail Ferretti led a team
of development, architecture, entertainment and retail
specialists to explore development opportunities for four
key development sites while working for another
consulting firm. The team recommended a series of
actions, strategies and improvements to generate 18-
hour activity themed to celebrate the culture, history and
future of African Americans linked to U Street, link
attractions and activities along the corridor, revive the
Howard Theatre, preserve historic sites and resources,
and achieve a mix of commercial, cultural,
entertainment, restaurant, retail and related service
uses. Anita later reviewed developer proposals for
Howard Theatre reuse.
Progression Place, the centerpiece development at the Shaw/ Howard University Metro
station, is currently under construction as a headquarters for the United Negro College
Fund. The mixed-use project, developed by Four Points and Ellis Enterprises Development,
also includes 47,000 square feet of LEED-Silver office space, 205 apartments and 20,000
square feet of retail space.
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3.18
Dover, Kohl & Partners et al
January 11, 2013