Convention Center Improvements?

I’ve learned from Theresa Dubois, External Affairs Manager at the Washington Convention Center, that they are in the process of making use of the vacant display windows along the underpass on M Street NW. Contractors completed installation of drywall and flooring this past Friday. The Convention Center is now working with the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities to install art in the M Street windows as well in the windows of our vacant retail spaces. They have asked the Commission specifically for art created by DC Public School students – another of the Economic Development Subcommittee recommendations. They are hopeful that an exhibit can be mounted quickly.  I'm glad to see this moving forward, though I might have preferred a display highlighting the neighborhood's history, such as the “Shaw Legends” art originally prepared by Shaw Main Streets several years ago for use in banners along the Seventh and Ninth Street commercial strips.  Apparently, that design was not a good fit for the window spaces but perhaps the Convention Center (or MVSNA/CCCA) could work with the DC Historic Society to develop interesting and educational displays in the future.

 

In response to my suggesting that the Convention Center provide outdoor signage similar to that you which you see at outdoor shopping malls that would direct conventioneers to the many restaurant, coffee shop, and retail options in our neighborhood (rather than have them head straight downtown), Ms. Dubois informs me that WCCA has contracted with a consultant to evaluate the signage program at the Center and their scope of work includes consideration for interior and exterior "You Are Here" style kiosks. The signage project consists of five phases and the contractor is currently working on the final phase of programming and design which is expected to be complete this summer. Once approved by WCCA, the RFP process will begin for the fabrication, demolition and installation of the new interior and exterior signs. This portion of the work is anticipated to be awarded in October 2009. Fabrication and installation of the signage is expected to be complete in July 2010.  That is good news, though I am always amazed at the snails pace of anything associated with with the Convention Center.  Another year plus to put up a few signs?  Don't hold your breath on the hotel.

 

Finally, I had suggested that the WCCA consider how to brighten up the empty window space around the ground floor, particularly that leading into staircases or other dead areas in order to make the street more vibrant and welcoming. For example, something along the lines of the Studio Theater. Ms. Dubois informs me that this idea has been forwarded to the appropriate WCCA decision makers for their consideration, but there is no news at this time.  In other words, not happening.

 

Does anyone else have ideas for better integrating the Convention Center into our neighborhood? Please let me know, contact Theresa Dubois, or attend an Convention Center Advisory Committee meeting. The next meeting is July 16 at 5pm.