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Economic
Development
MHCDO
works to attract commercial development and other investments
that will support the underserved Ward 7 community. We
have a successful track record rehabilitating commercial
properties, partnering with private sector investors to build
retail and office space, and leveraging opportunities to stimulate
growth.
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Façade Improvement
Project
In partnership
with the DC Department of Housing and Community Development
and property owners, MHCDO completed the improvement
of 48 commercial façades along Minnesota Avenue
and Benning Road in 2004. Activities included repair
and replacement of storefront windows and doors, installation
of uniform signage, lighting, painting, and creation
of a cohesive appearance. The project site includes
12 storefronts at the Metro Stop & Shop Center and
26 storefronts at the East River Park Shippng Center. |
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East River Park Shopping
Center
At the heart
of downtown Ward 7 lies the East River Park Shopping
Center. Developed in 1983, 1987 and 1995 through a partnership
between MHCDO and The Jenco Group, the 155,000 square
foot shopping center is home to Safeway, CVS, Citibank,
Wachovia, Bank of America, and a host of small retailers
that provide goods and services to customers who live
in or commute through the area. In 2000, Urban
America became the majority owner and managing partner
of East River Park. |
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Fort
Davis Shopping Center
In
2000, MHCDO and The Jenco Group completed renovations
on the Fort Davis Shopping Center in the southern
part of Ward 7. The shopping center, which formerly
housed an unused bowling alley, now provides office
space for the District government and local businesses. |
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Northeast
Business Park
In 1994,
MHCDO turned an abandoned 4.5-acre industrial site on
Kenilworth Avenue into the Northeast Business Park. MHCDO
was one of 20 community groups to receive a special
$1 million tax credit from the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development. It sold the credit to NationsBank
(now Bank of America) in exchange for a $1 million loan,
then persuaded the bank to invest another $1 million
directly as part owner. For several years, the Northeast
Business Park included a small business incubator. It
currently provides office/warehouse space for VMS,
Inc. |
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