Prioritizing Public Space

As far back as 2005 I remember H Street NE in DC being under construction as part of an intensive urban reclamation project. New infrastructure, a streetcar, was planned to give the increased access to a two mile stretch of city that lacked a metro stop and underserved by the city’s bus system. Many structures along this corridor stood vacant and dilapidated and had become home to what the city deemed less-desirable activities. The idea behind the project was that an investment in public access and space would create a desire for business and residency in this area.

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Fast forward 10 years. The streetcar is only just beginning to operate and has been plagued by delays and organizational ineptitude. Its route begins in the middle of a bridge, adjacent to a parking garage, which is largely inaccessible by pedestrians and serves as a nuisance to motorists.

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Despite this failure, the neighborhood has thrived. Many restaurants seized on the dream of the streetcar and bought property along this corridor. While their wait was tough, they brought a much needed amenity to the neighborhood and in doing so increased traffic along H Street. The businesses were proponents of improvements to the sidewalks, traffic signals, and landscaping along the street that has arguably been more important in attracting users than any form of transportation could be. Businesses continued to come to the area and provide opportunities for public and social engagement, including such events as a tremendous neighborhood festival that fills 10+ blocks of the street packed with people and vendors.

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What has happened to expand this area of DC is incredible. There have been over 1000 new residences built since 2007 and many of the previously vacant properties have since been occupied or demolished. The neighborhood is vibrant. Crime can still be a concern as conflicting social groups feel each other out, but this is one of the most diverse neighborhoods that has grown in the city. And it was all inspired by a dream that has no doubt been a colossal failure, the streetcar. Instead of relying on transportation to fix a city, the people and investors in this neighborhood have worked together to create a public corridor full of activity that continues to attract visitors and new residents to the neighborhood.