About the Study
The H Street Land Use and Market Study will focus on land use, public space, and economic development on H Street NE between 3rd and 15th Street NE and consider policies and strategies to support this unique corridor and its community.
The main objectives of the study are:
- Support diverse and resilient retail with existing and new businesses
- Bolster the corridor identity as a destination for arts and culture
- Create a land use strategy that guides mixed-use development
- Design people-centered public spaces in strategic locations on the corridor
Context
H Street NE is a significant east-west corridor for the District, serving as a local commercial hub with retail, dining, nightlife, arts, and culture.
The DC Office of Planning completed a planning study for the corridor in 2004. Twenty years later, the corridor has seen growth in mixed use development and a shifting land use and economic environment. It has also faced challenges including recent spikes in retail vacancy and turnover, and public space that remains underutilized.
As the corridor continues to evolve, the H Street Land Use and Market Study presents an opportunity for renewed community dialogue to inform updated land use and economic development policies and guide future public and private investments.
Community Engagement
Upcoming Event: October 28, 2026, Open House
details about the open house
Past Engagements
Community Open House #2 & H Street Study Feedback Survey: On June 24, 2026, the DC Office of Planning hosted a second in-person open house, at 1207 H Street NE (former AutoZone). In this open house, community members learned about the project, speak with the project team, and shared feedback on the preliminary findings and recommendations. A virtual survey option was also hosted from June 15th to July 26th, which garnered over 4,000 responses from 380 participants! Thank you to all the community members that attended!
Community Open House #1: On March 7, 2026, the DC Office of Planning hosted an in-person open house for residents, businesses, organizations and other stakeholders in the project study area, at Sherwood Recreation Center, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In this open house, community members learned about the project, spoke with the project team, and shared their feedback about their priorities and visions for H Street NE.
Virtual Open House #1: In March-April, OP collected community input through an online survey to invite feedback from those who couldn't attend the in-person open house.
Focus Groups: In March-April, OP facilitated three targeted focus groups addressing public space, business, arts and culture, and development.
Pop-Ups: In April-May, the team did two pop-ups, including tabling at the entrance to Aldi on 8th Street and at the Northeast Neighborhood Library to reach additional community members where they are.
Project Introductions to ANCs: From January - March, the project team attended a series of neighborhood ANC meetings to introduce the project to community stakeholders, including ANCs 5D, 6A, 6A Transportation and Public Space Committee, 6C, and 7D.
Corridor Canvassing: Since January, the project team has gone door-to-door multiple times with flyers to reach businesses and apartments to spread the word about engagement opportunities.
Mailing List: Since January, sharing and building up the mailing list has expanded outreach to the community and will be used to spread the word about future engagements and updates.
Social Media: OP is continuing to post about the study on social media to reach folks online - follow @OP_inDC on Instagram to take a look.
Documents and Resources
H Street Land Use and Market Study: Findings and Preliminary Recommendations
June 10, 2026: The findings and preliminary recommendations in this report were developed through conducting an analysis of land use and market conditions on the corridor; evaluating the public realm including pedestrian assets and needs; and engaging with community members and stakeholders.
Project Timeline
The planning process will occur between January and September 2026. Phase I, Research and Analysis, will be from January to April and will include opportunities for stakeholder outreach. In June, a preliminary report with initial recommendations was shared with the public. Phase II, Plan Development, will occur from June to September, and will also include a stakeholder feedback period. The final report is anticipated to be released in September.
Contact Us
Please contact the project team with any questions or comments!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-442-7600
Address: 899 N Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002