on Mar 25, 2024

HR&A Advisors Selected As First Consultant Team To Begin Work On A New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan

 

 

This press release was originally issued by NCPC. 

 

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), on behalf of the Pennsylvania Avenue Partnership, announces the selection of HR&A Advisors as the first of two consultant teams to develop the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan. The Partnership comprises the U.S. General Services Administration, National Park Service, District Government, Events DC, DowntownDC Business Improvement District, and NCPC.

 

The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan will guide the redevelopment of this iconic public street, located between the White House and U.S. Capitol, as a dynamic public space and venue for major events and establish a new management entity for the long-term.

 

An industry leader in economic development and public policy, HR&A will lead an interdisciplinary team of experts to develop the implementation program of the New Plan. This will include developing a use and infrastructure program, conducting an economic analysis, assisting with the development of a new management entity, and preparing the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan.

 

“Today marks an important step towards implementing our partners’ shared vision to reimagine Pennsylvania Avenue as a venue, a dynamic public space destination, and an economic catalyst that brings millions of tourists from the National Mall closer to downtown to support local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment. We are excited to bring HR&A’s expertise to advance this work,” said NCPC Executive Director Marcel Acosta.

 

A revitalized Pennsylvania Avenue will contribute to the District’s comeback, economic health, and cultural vibrancy through enhanced programming and as a scaled up events venue. Mayor Bowser highlighted the Avenue in her citywide economic development strategy and the Downtown Action Plan.

 

The second consultant team will be selected later this year to develop design alternatives for the Avenue using public comments from NCPC’s 2022 outreach and HR&A’s findings. The consultant teams will work together, using these alternatives to initiate a rigorous public process through the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 processes.

 

Pennsylvania Avenue is currently guided by an outdated 1974 Plan. Over time, changing economic, physical, and land use conditions have significantly impacted the Avenue’s function and character, reducing its utility as a street. While the pandemic exacerbated these issues, we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the Avenue as a place for people first.

 

Information about the Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative is available on the project website.