DC Gentrification

Since 1801, this small but momentous area of Washington DC has been home to Marine Corps barracks, which were first built by Thomas Jefferson. The long-time business district flourished during the first half of the 20^th century, particularly during war time, but then began its decent in the latter half of the 1900s. Finally, in the 1990s there began a shifting of focus back towards restoring this historic area.Most of the restoration in this area has been geared towards creating a commercial, business district. The Barracks Row Business Alliance is aimed toward attracting business owners and improving the local business climate through projects ranging from enhancing window signs to attracting national business resources. Throughout the restoring of this area, the focus has been to create sustainable and low-impact development and growth.If you’re a native of the area, or visiting Washington D.C. for the first time, you should consider spending an afternoon on the Barracks Row Heritage Trail. Visitors can take the self-guided tour at their own pace and explore the rich past and lively activity of Barracks Row today. You can obtain a free trail booklet at various businesses and stores in the area or download it online before you go. A total of 16 signs along the tour provide stories pictures and historical information about the area. Past, notable inhabitants of this street include John Philip Sousa and Emily Edson Briggs, the first female White House correspondent. You will also pass by the Episcopal Church that Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams attended.Projects to maintain and restore this district are ongoing and members of the public interested in these projects can offer their input online at www.capitolhilltownsquare.org. Here you can view designs of potential projects for the area.