Revamp Farragut Square and McPherson Square, and connect these and other nearby parks and public spaces via a network of comfortable and pedestrian-friendly corridors to draw visitors off the National Mall and into Downtown D.C.

The area immediately north of the White House is likely the best opportunity to draw tourists into Downtown D.C. The vision of establishing a “history triangle” between Farragut Square, McPherson Square, and Lafayette Square reflects a unique strategy to transform this area into a true destination—one in which the quality of the public realm is commensurate with the extent of its civic importance. This strategy is highly synergistic with the visions for the Lush Greenway and Capital Promenade in the Public Realm Plan.

Create a new entertainment, hospitality, and cultural district to attract people from surrounding neighborhoods, by leaning into the National Geographic redevelopment and attracting a new entertainment venue in the Golden Triangle.

Downtown West offers several of the ingredients needed for a successful day and after-hours destination, with a robust supply of nightlife and hotel options. Recognizing this untapped potential, the following strategy aims to redefine the built environment and identity of Downtown West, not only by introducing cultural and entertainment elements, but also by strategically spreading these offerings to new areas of the node. In doing so, Downtown West can insert new life into areas that currently see little activity outside of business hours, such as 19th Street, M Street, and other areas south of Dupont Circle.

Grow Penn West as a hub for social sciences, technology, and policy innovation, with a robust network of startups and technology companies, top tier research universities, and workforce development programs.

With unmatched proximity to the White House, federal agencies, and global organizations, Penn West is ideally positioned to bring together public, private, and academic stakeholders to drive economic development in Downtown D.C. To catalyze this growth, Penn West must find innovative ways to backfill or reposition existing vacant office space, such as providing space for universities to co-locate, and launch accelerator and incentive programs that enable firms of all sizes to succeed.

Improve the pedestrian appeal of 8th Street NW, and create new destinations for arts and culture, anchored by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum and nearby theaters and performance venues with existing regional pull.

Penn Quarter / Chinatown is an existing cultural and entertainment district, so it provides an attractive location for new venues. While the December 2023 plans to relocate the Wizards and Capitals to Northern Virginia cast doubt over the future of Capital One Arena, Penn Quarter / Chinatown is an opportune location for place activations and cultural and arts district branding efforts to commence in full force once near-term challenges are addressed.

Support local universities and existing redevelopment sites and projects in order to integrate this area with the remainder of Downtown D.C., including using public property transfers and infrastructural improvements to create a more seamless urban fabric.

The existing landscape of Downtown East—often perceived as a latent “dead zone” in the urban fabric of Downtown D.C.—teems with potential for revitalization. As the canvas for mixed use development continues to expand, local universities can play key roles in establishing an interesting and more accretive mix of commercial, residential, and academic uses.