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1000 Block of 7th Street, West Side - 1950: From the Wymer Photograph Collection, The Historical Society of Washington, DC/City Museum

DID YOU KNOW?
In the 1820’s, the southern portion of Shaw Main Streets' service area was referred to as the Northern Liberties. It was so named because the laws allowed pigs and other livestock to roam free north of Massachusetts Avenue, but not to the south. A handful of farm houses were the only buildings in the area at the time. A dirt road along 7th Street was used by Maryland farmers to bring their produce to market. Other unofficial names for this part of the neighborhood have included Bricktown, Mid City, and Mount Vernon Square.

Shaw Main Streets' Committees

Shaw Main Streets is comprised of neighborhood residents, business and property owners, and representatives of non-profit and faith-based organizations, all working together for the economic revitalization of 7th and 9th Street corridors between K Street at the south, and Florida Avenue/U Street at the north.

Shaw Main Street’ success is dependent on the energy and work of volunteers, focused upon the Main Street Four Point Approach through the work of four committees. Volunteers work on a variety of tasks in these committees, based on their interests and expertise. The committees include design, organization, promotion, and economic revitalization.

Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning.
Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process and facilitating a comprehensive, sustainable approach to community development.
Promotion: Marketing neighborhood assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors.
Economic Revitalization: Strengthening the existing economic base through the retention of existing businesses that add vitality and cultural heritage to the community while finding ways to expand the economic base through recruitment of new businesses to meet new opportunities.

Click on the name of the SMS Committee at the left that interests you and discover the exciting work they are involved in to assist commercial revitalization in the Shaw corridors.

The work of these committees is guided by eight basic principles that have been helpful in assisting communities to bring back their commercial corridors and establish a true village environment for the neighborhoods of their community. These principles include:

Comprehensive: A single project cannot revitalize a downtown or commercial neighborhood. An ongoing series of initiatives is vital to build community support and create lasting progress.
Incremental: Small projects make a big difference. They demonstrate that "things are happening" on Main Street and hone the skills and confidence the program will need to tackle more complex problems.
Self-Help: Although the National Main Street Center can provide valuable direction and hands-on technical assistance, only local leadership can initiate long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort.
Public/private partnership: Every local Main Street program needs the support and expertise of both the public and private sectors. For an effective partnership, each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the other.
Identifying and capitalizing on existing assets: One of the National Main Street Center's key goals is to help communities recognize and make the best use of their unique offerings. Local assets provide the solid foundation for a successful Main Street initiative.
Quality: From storefront design to promotional campaigns to special events, quality must be the main goal.
Change: Changing community attitudes and habits is essential to bring about a commercial district renaissance. A carefully planned Main Street program will help shift public perceptions and practices to support and sustain the revitalization process.
Action-oriented: Frequent, visible changes in the look and activities of the commercial district will reinforce the perception of positive change. Small, but dramatic improvements early in the process will remind the community that the revitalization effort is under way.

Stakeholders interested in participating in Shaw Main Streets' work but who are unable to commit to serving on committees can still have a voice in decision-making by attending public meetings, responding to surveys, and volunteering in other ways. Ask to be added to the Shaw Main Streets mailing list in order to ensure you are advised of the organization's ongoing activities and progress.

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NEW: Check out photos from recent Shaw Main Streets events in our Photo Album.

Check out the SMS Winter 2005-2006 Newsletter .... download it.

New Businesses on 7^th and 9th Streets, NW…Read More Here.

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1426 9^th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001-3330 ---- Phone: (202) 265-SHAW ---- Fax: (202) 265-7529 ---- info@shawmainstreets.com

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