Uptown Main Street expands to include Petworth commercial corridors!

Uptown Community Initiative, which manages Uptown Main Street (UMS), is excited to announce it has been awarded the Petworth Main Street Grant, a competition managed by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). The grant will expand UMS’ service area to include Petworth — Georgia Avenue from Upshur Street NW to Missouri Avenue NW and Upshur Street from 8th Street NW to 13th Street NW.

“Our plan is to build upon our mission: to create connected, creative, and inclusive corridors, and expand our technical assistance programs and events to the Petworth business community,” said UMS Board Chair, Kristen Barden. “With the onset of the pandemic, many Petworth businesses lacked the support or resources to successfully adapt to changing circumstances,” added Gabriela Mossi, UMS Executive Director. “The grant will assist a commercial area striving to reach its full potential.”

UMS’ track record of success along upper 14th Street and Kennedy Street, NW and its existing relationships with partner organizations, such as District Bridges, Upper Georgia Avenue and The Parks Main Streets, will help in building trusted relationships with Petworth businesses to understand their challenges and tailor services to their needs.

As Councilmember Janeese Lewis George summed up, “Our brick-and-mortar stores are what bring character to our neighborhoods, provide local jobs, and give our residents the opportunities to fulfill lifelong entrepreneurial dreams as business owners. Sustaining and growing the local business footprint in the Petworth community is essential for the District’s recovery.” UMS would like to thank the Councilmember for her support.

DC Main Streets (DCMS) is a program established by the District of Columbia to stimulate the economic revitalization of commercial districts through application of the Main Street Approach.® The DCMS Grant Awards provide funds to organizations to develop programs and services to: (1) assist business districts with the retention, expansion, and attraction of neighborhood-serving retail stores; and (2) unify and strengthen the commercial corridor.

Established in 2017, UMS is a volunteer-based organization that leads initiatives to encourage community development and historic preservation by building upon existing assets to create a connected, creative, and inclusive business corridor. Uptown Main Street is an official DC Main Streets program and a certified member of the National Main Street Center.

Image from @aaronaguinaldo