Physically Distant Commercial Activity in Washington, D.C.

Downtown Washington, D.C., has many diverse commercial uses that solidify the neighborhood's place identity as a bustling center of activity for residents and tourists alike. These commercial uses are also beneficial in their ability to encourage the formation of community bonds, promote the democratization of ideas and space, and enhance overall quality of life.

Public space and commercial uses in all urban contexts are inextricably linked. According to Lewis Mumford, public open space is a direct response to the fundamental human need to gather. This means that intentionally designed public space has the power to augment gatherings, in turn stimulating growth for the restaurant and retail sectors.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, businesses have been forced to address the unprecedented challenge of maintaining spatial distance between consumers while continuing to maintain a unique, place-driven experience. Associated consequences of the pandemic, including the shift from physical real estate to virtual alternatives and businesses facing extreme revenue losses, make this challenge a particularly difficult one, especially for local and small business owners.

City78's Location Intelligence team is committed to understanding how public open space in the urban environment can continue to be leveraged to support commercial uses and maintain existing place identity, especially in light of the unique challenges posed by COVID-19. The following analysis of Downtown Washington, D.C., and the Georgetown Business Improvement District is just one example of how public space can be creatively reimagined to fully support and accelerate economic recovery.

Ensuring that public open space is leveraged creatively to support economic recovery is critical at a global scale. The District's strict reopening plan and high level of public health preparedness set the city up well for continued success. But it is imperative that the city continues to pursue plans and policies to maintain the balance between physical distance and place identity in order to ensure continued success, especially when considering comparative potential at both the domestic and international levels.

Washington, D.C., has an overall score of 64 and is ranked 25th in the world according to  City78's COVID Impact Index. 

• Adopt policies that create parklets or allow retailers to encroach in the public right-of-way to facilitate socially distant product sales. 
• Amend zoning ordinances to permit more mixed-use development. 
• Prioritize transit-oriented and mixed-use development patterns in order to strengthen place identity and provide physical storefronts with more traffic. 
• Hire local artists to paint murals on building facades, paint pedestrian crosswalks, or paint social distancing guidelines on sidewalks. This builds place identity while also providing recognition and financial support to local artists.

City78's Location Intelligence team has developed additional recommendations for other elements of the built and lived environment.

We are fully committed to building partnerships with cities and placemakers who can effectively work toward maintaining the balance between adhering to physical distancing mandates and preserving place identity.  Contact our team today  to learn more.

Credits.

ESRI Businesses Analyst

DC Government Open Data Portal