DowntownDC leaders gathered last night for a festive celebration of the BID’s 2013 Momentum Awards. The red carpet unfurled up the steps of the graceful Carnegie Library, where awardees and guests glowed with excitement to honor the people, places and projects that helped create that remarkable urban experience this year.
Hundreds of business owners, developers, city officials, partner organizations and residents came together to salute the Momentum Award visionaries.
The 2013 Momentum Award honorees:
Downtown Person-of-the-Year – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) serves as a constant champion for Downtown revitalization, working tirelessly to bridge the interests of public and private institutions to improve her hometown. After receiving the award, Congresswoman Norton spoke with gratitude to the dedicated partners including the BID, who continue to “pull the oars of change” in the District to make DowntownDC worthy of its status as a world-class destination in the nation’s capital.
Vision Award – Cesar Vergara
In a special Momentum Award category this year, DowntownDC recognized Vergara for his exceptional work designing the newly emerging look for DC transit, transforming the commuting environment and helping to create a sense of place. He created the design for the new red DC taxis, as well as the Circulator buses. His work inspired the design for the Capital Bikeshare system as well.
In 2005 DC Surface Transit, an organization comprised of all the BIDs in DC as well as DDOT, NCPC and EventsDC engaged the best and brightest thinkers to nurture a new vision for DC transit. Cesar has a notable career as an industrial designer, winning numerous national and international awards for his work on primarily rail transit design, from interiors to locomotives.
His design for the exterior of the Circulator buses and bus stops captured the imagination of the city and began to create a sense of place through the city’s newly emerging transportation systems. His elements inspired the design of Capital Bikeshare and are now incorporated into the new taxi cab design and DC Streetcar. DC transportation systems are easily recognizable to residents and visitors alike for their bright and friendly Pantone red and gold and grey swooshes. Not only is the design ascetically pleasing, each element is functional, ensuring sight lines are clear and replacement parts are easily incorporated.
Plans are already underway to show off the newest and updated Circulator design, coming to the fleet next year.
Public Sector – U.S. General Services Administration
General Services Administration (GSA) continues the massive modernization project for the Herbert C. Hoover Building, a national historic landmark and home to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Private Sector – Hotel Monaco
Designated a showcase project in the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, the historic hotel building underwent $1.8 million in energy efficiency upgrades.
Program/Partnership – George Washington University’s Cheney Cardiovascular Institute
By donating seven automated external defibrillators (AED) to the DowntownDC BID, George Washington University’s Cheney Cardiovascular Institute helped promote the safety of Downtown workers, visitors and residents who might experience sudden cardiac arrest, the nation’s leading cause of death. ??
District Department of the Environment (DDOE) – Smarter Business Challenge
The District’s Department of the Environment (DDOE) piloted the successful DC Smarter Business Challenge, in collaboration with the DowntownDC BID’s ecoDistrict.
Landmark Development Project – Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
At the light-filled new space housing Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies, students connect working and learning in the heart of Downtown.
Downtown Detail – Zaytinya’s sidewalk café refresh
Zaytinya’s new canopies arch gracefully over the outdoor seating area, connecting the sidewalk experience to the building’s glass-walled façade.
Downtown Experience – Martin Luther King, Jr. Library – Digital Commons
The fab tech lab opened its doors to the public this year on the ground floor of the light-filled Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
