Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

op

Office of Planning
 

DC Agency Top Menu

-A +A
Bookmark and Share

Adams Morgan Vision Framework


Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Reference: 
SAP1

Adams Morgan Vision Framework

 

Project Description

In fall 2016, the Office of Planning (OP) completed the Adams Morgan Vision Framework “Vision Framework”, a data-driven community-based strategic planning document.  OP initiated the planning process in fall 2014 with Adams Morgan for developing a vision framework.  This planning initiative provided opportunities for residents, local businesses, institutions, and property owners to work to articulate a vision for the future of Adams Morgan. The Vision Framework was built on previous planning studies to define a vision, goals, and implementable action items into a single easily-understood framework for stakeholders and the community to use in the coming years.  The initiative was also informed by significant work that was completed by the community through “Envision Adams Morgan”, a study that came about in response to the rapid changes associated with proposed commercial and residential development projects in the neighborhood.

Study Area

The Adams Morgan Vision Framework Study Area is bounded by 16th Street at Florida Avenue, NW north to Harvard Street; Columbia Road, NW, and west to Connecticut Avenue, NW; Rock Creek Park.  The neighborhood is defined by four distinct retail clusters: 18th Street, Columbia Road – East, Columbia Road – West, and Florida Avenue, NW.  The Columbia Road – West cluster is distinguished by a notable collection of restaurants, and the East cluster has long been a hub of Latino culture and commerce.  The 18th Street cluster consists of an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and businesses.  The Florida Avenue cluster presents another gathering point for the neighborhood with a mix of restaurants. 

Project Goals and Planning Process

The Vision Framework is a holistic and unified vision for the neighborhood to achieve in the coming years. The plan identifies opportunities to preserve physical characteristics, enhance retail and amenities, support sustainability and improve the quality of life for the community. To develop the Vision Framework, the project team conducted an existing conditions analysis of the neighborhood, producing an Adams Morgan Profile. The “Profile” established a baseline for the community’s existing demographics, public realm, retail market position and public facilities and parks. Robust community engagement was conducted at every stage in the Vision Framework process including: 1) a neighborhood walking tour; 2) a half- day public workshop held in February 2015; 3) a project website; 4) three community “office hours” events; 5) an online engagement forum; and 6) Latino business outreach through direct canvassing.  An Advisory Committee comprised of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, business owners, commercial property owners, civic organization members and representatives from the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District provided detailed feedback and guidance on a regular basis throughout the entire process both as a group and individually. Prior to issuance of the final Vision Framework, a draft of the plan was reviewed by the project’s stakeholders at a community open house in fall 2015, and followed by a public comment period which concluded in winter 2016.

Moving Forward

The Vision Framework will be realized through a range of implementers across sectors including: the District of Columbia, the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District, property owners, businesses developers, civic associations, and community stakeholders. Each have important role to play and must work with the others, taking a holistic approach to partnership. As a priority, the District of Columbia will use the recommendations of the Vision Framework to align its resources to support the vision and community in a number of ways, such as identifying programs and resources to achieve both short and long term goals. As with all planning initiatives, OP will continue to oversee and track implementation and work to ensure that District investments and programs align with the neighborhood’s goals and the values laid out in the Vision Framework.

For a high resolution version of the Adams Morgan Vision Framework click here:

Adams Morgan Vision Framework