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Welcome from Ms. Wallacetine Taliaferro-Curtis, Chair,
Board of Directors
H Street Community Development Corporation
I enthusiastically welcome each of you to the H Street Community Development Corporations (HSCDC) website and personally invite you to visit our HSCDC headquarters located at 501 H Street NE. I have lived and worked in the Near Northeast community over 60 years. I am deeply proud of the sweeping changes from the Great Street Project to economic revitalizationand the economic and development opportunities and empowerment HSCDC has fostered in this and other neighborhoods across the city. Much has changed over the years, including HSCDC.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus and mission to engage in community and economic development projects that positively impact communities in the District of Columbia remain constant. Welcome all neighbors and friends old and new.
I look forward to seeing you.
Best regards,
Wallacetine Taliaferro-Curtis
MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH
Greetings from Kenneth J. Brewer, Sr., Executive Director,
H Street Community Development Corporation (HSCDC)
I extend warm greetings to you. It is an exciting time to be apart of the rebirth of the H Street Community. The growth that I have witnessed in the past year as the newly selected Executive Director of the H Street CDC is outstanding. Businesses and neighbors are bustling about all the possibilities. H Street CDC is establishing itself as a partner in the economic development and revitalization along the corridor. We are focused on enacting our mission of engaging in community and economic development projects that positively impact communities in the District of Columbia. Therefore, I welcome an opportunity to engage our stakeholders who share similar, as well as different, ideas, plans and goals to determine how we can work collaboratively on behalf of the corridor and H Street Community. My door is open as I welcome potential partnerships and friendships that will cohesively solidify the H Street Community.
Kenneth J. Brewer, Sr.
Executive Director
"HSCDC HISTORY"
H Street Community Development Corporation (HSCDC) is a private, nonprofit organization, established in 1984 by residents, business owners, financial institutions, and government, to restore the riot-torn H Street corridor and residential neighborhood by developing vacant land and attracting new business. As the development vehicle, the Community Development Corporation—a non-profit corporation blending the energies of community activists with the financial resources of government and private lenders was formed.
HSCDC created a unique model tailored to the needs of the community. While most Community Development Corporations concentrated on housing, HSCDC established a different approach. Through commercial development, HSCDC worked to create jobs, generate business prosperity, and achieve visible improvements at blighted properties in the community. HSCDC quickly set out to revitalize economically troubled neighborhoods by developing housing and commercial projects.
Early development successes included the John A Wilson Building, which created 1200 jobs and provided offices for government social-service agencies, and low-and moderate-rate rental and for-sale housing in Wards 2, 5, and 6. Over time, HSCDC has emerged to further serve the entire District of Columbia through a number of programs for small businesses, enrichment programs for high school youth, scholarship program, and continuing development of brick and mortar commercial, retail and housing projects.
HSCDC’s core capacity is the ability to revitalize, strengthen, and cultivate neighborhoods. After the riots, HSCDC emerged as a leader in the community by spearheading the revitalization of the H Street corridor through adjacent neighborhoods and concentrated on commercial and retail efforts that created jobs and initiated community cohesiveness through a collaborative process that involved HSCDC members, elected officials, corridor vendors and merchants, and neighbors of HSCDC.
Inherent in its core, HSCDC is an experienced community development corporation committed to neighborhood revitalization efforts that include the creation and retention of affordable housing and developing commercial retail opportunities.
HSCDC NE Study.pdf
Program Description
The Goal of the CGI program is to introduce urban teenagers to global experiences through studying languages and culture from other countries. The competitive program is delivered to a selected group of teenagers over 18-months.
The application package, complete with guidelines and application, is sent to every public and public charter school in the District of Columbia and many churches and recreational centers. HSCDC concentrates on finding a diverse group of District of Columbia teenagers who are interested in learning about various cultures through language training and culture awareness. Phase I of the program is an intensive and fast paced 8-week summer program that introduces students to the language and culture of the country being studied. Phase II is a 4- hour bi-monthly (on Saturday) commitment from October-May. Phase III consists of the international travel to the country being studied. In the past, students have traveled to China.
Future CGI Fellows will have the opportunity to travel to Europe, Africa, South America, and back to Asia. During the span of the program, students travel to other cities and states to visit culture sites, museums, and exhibits. CGI fellows are also privileged to hear local authors read from their novels; elected officials share their vision for the city; teachers and community leaders teaching valuable lessons.
NEW Immersion Program 2012 - 2013 fillable form.pdf
The Goal of the Community Global Initiative (CGI) program is to introduce urban teenagers
to global experiences through studying languages and culture from other countries.
* Launched in 2006
* Open to Washington, D.C. public and public charter schools who meet the minimum requirements
* Students are offered an 8-week paid summer internship and a year-long weekend global competency program that includes language development, cultural awareness and other developmental activities
* Former students (2007, 2009, & 2011) visited China for two-week educational tour
* More than 40 students have participated in the program in the last 5 years
* High school graduates from the program have received more than $250,000 in
scholarships and are accepted into top Colleges and Universities
The Honorable John A. Wilson (1943-1993)
The Honorable John A. Wilson devoted his career to serving the public and championing education and opportunities for youth. Raised in poverty on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Mr. Wilson became a courageous leader of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s civil rights movement, then moved to Washington and began a distinguished political career.
Mr. Wilson led the successful 1974 campaign for adoption of the District's Home Rule Charter, then served 18 years on the D.C. City Council. From 1991 until his death in 1993, he was the City Council Chairman. At his death, it was said of him: "Johnny was a soldier in the army of social justice.
Scholarship Fund Established as Lasting Memorial to D.C. Leader
The H Street Community Development Corporation (HSCDC) established The John A. Wilson Scholarship Fund as a lasting memorial to the late civil rights leader, 18-year member of the D.C. City Council, and Council Chairman from 1991 until his death in 1993.
Mr. Wilson was a founding member of the HSCDC. His leadership facilitated the 1984 birth of the organization, which has produced new affordable housing and commercial retail and office space throughout the area.
The first five scholarships of $10,000 each were awarded in June 2008. Since then, 16 additional scholarships have been awarded to deserving students.
Students who are D.C. residents graduating from D.C. public and public charter schools are eligible to apply.
* Making it possible for worthy students to achieve a college education and compete in the high-tech global economy.
* Improving quality of life in the community by fostering the development of well-educated young leaders.
* Inspiring community service and neighborhood involvement.
Scholarship Amount
* $10,000 (paid over a four-year period in equal installments of $2,500 with proof of acceptable academic performance and continuing enrollment necessary to qualify for 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year payments).
* Residents of the District of Columbia with a preference for residents of Wards 5, 6, and 7, the areas where HSCDC focuses its work.
* Graduating seniors of D.C. public schools and public charter schools.
* Cumulative minimum high-school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
* Demonstrated financial need and Pell Grant eligibility.
* Involvement in school and community activities.
* Accepted by and enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited four-year college or university for the Fall Semester of the 2011-2012 school year.
How to Apply
* Submit a completed with the following documents:
* A copy of your Pell Grant eligibility,
* Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a school-based person (teacher, guidance counselor, or other school employee),
* An official high school transcript,
* Proof of your acceptance by an accredited four-year college or university for the Fall Semester of the year of entry
* Essay of 750-1,000 words on the following topic: How can I help change the quality of life within my neighborhood by obtaining a college education and pursuing a career in Public * * * Service (government), Economic Development (business/housing), Community Empowerment (organizing/advocacy), or Neighborhood Revitalization (community and real estate development)?
John A. Wilson Scholarship Application 2012.pdf
2008 Awardees
Karisa Ashton - Virginia State University
Winsome EriennePaige Eustace - Grinnell College
Vinh H. Nguyen - American University
Kimberly Tam - Virginia Tech University
Raahiyl Briscoe - Georgetown University
2009 Awardees
AiJewel Ballard - Howard University
Jasmine Lashaw Gray - Trinity College
Kristopher P. Kornegay-Gober - North Carolina State University
Kahill Liddell - University of Pittsburgh
Jasmine McLaurin - New York University
2010 Awardees
Martha S. Blackford - The Pennsylvania State University
Dinh N. Duong - University of Maryland
Ashley Mayo - University of Pittsburgh
Nimatul-ain I. Muhammad - Morgan State University
Brian Rucker - Haverford College
Marissa Sims - St. Marys College of Maryland
2011 Awardees
Tyler J. Atchison - Columbia College Chicago
Jonnetta M. Bratcher - Howard University
Ayana Teresa Jennings - North Carolina A&T
Lauren F. Walker - SUNY at Purchase
Jeffrey A. Wood - George Mason University
For more information, contact: Mr. Eric Jones at HSCDC at 202.544.8353 or Wilson_Scholarship_hstreetcdc.org.
CGI HISTORY (ABOUT US)
H Street Community Development Corporation has employed teenagers for more than 20 years during the summer to empower them through honest work. From this engagement with local youth, various programs have emerged into what is now a global language and educational enrichment opportunity in a year-round program. Since 2006, up to 15 students annually have been enriched through H Streets China Challenge ProgramA Global Experience, now known as the Community Global Initiative (CGI). The CGI program was initiated to increase the ability of urban students to communicate and compete globally by learning languages and cultures of other countries.
The initial goal of the China Challenge program was to expose teens from D.C. public and public charter schools to an experience that provided them with basic Mandarin Chinese language oral and written skills and an increased overall knowledge of the Chinese culture through current events and historic research that allowed students to appreciate differences and increased their acceptance of diversity. CGI continues in the same vain of increasing students awareness and appreciation of other cultures, but expands the program to include global competency skills; basic financial literacy, particularly in areas of saving, banking, budgeting and investing; preparation for college through research of college requirements, average student qualifications, various payment methods, and visits to local colleges; provide study tours to Chinatowns in the United States and to mainland China.
The competitive program is delivered to a selected group of teenagers over an 18- month period. The program package containing the guidelines and application is sent to every public and public charter school in the District of Columbia and many churches and recreational centers. HSCDC directs its resources toward finding a diverse group of District of Columbia teenagers who are interested in learning Mandarin Chinese language and Chinese culture in an intensive and fast paced 8-week summer program, and four hours on Saturday during the school year. A native born Chinese teacher instructs the students, and adjusts the teaching methods to teach diverse, primarily moderate income, minority children Chinese over an 18 month period. HSCDC has used resources of the Chinese Cultural Center in Chinatown to help with Tai-Chi exercise and cultural activities and the Smithsonian Freer Gallery for its collection of Chinese art. The schedule is adjusted for speakers and field trips as needed.
During the year-long program students will:
* Study the Mandarin language acquiring the necessary skills to speak and write Mandarin
* Gain knowledge of Chinese political, business and cultural practices, beliefs and customs
* Develop an appreciation for cultural differences
* Examine and discuss global issues such as international conflicts, healthcare, education and environmental concerns
* Build lifelong friendships and collaborations
Located in the Southeast quadrant of the District of Columbia this 1.5 acre tract of vacant land is on the border with Prince Georges County, Maryland. The property is located within a half mile of the METRO system. H Street Community Development Corporation proposes a townhouse development for the use of this site.
H Street Community Development Corporation purchased 329 H Street, NE, a vacant 1300 square feet site, on February 8, 2006. H Street Community Development Corporation has been in discussion with one of the largest property owners on the south side of the 300 block of H Street, about the inclusion of our site in their development scenario. It is anticipated that the development company will finalize their plans for the site sometime in the summer.
This long abandoned structure at 501 H Street, NE, was reclaimed and renovated by H Street Community Development Corporation in 1995. Located at the lower end of the H Street corridor this corner of 5th and H Streets NE was important to the redevelopment of the street entrance and invited investment by small businesspersons to reclaim the buildings on the remaining 3 corners. This building houses the H Street Investment Corporation and the H Street Finance Corporation and has a state of the arts training center with computer stations and Internet access.
Following a competitive process, H Street Community Development Corporation was awarded in 2010 a $138,000.00 Pre-Development Grant from the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to study the feasibility of redeveloping 501 H Street, NE into a multi-story mixed use residential and retail development.
The Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF) funded this feasibility study grant. The NIF provides financing for economic development and neighborhood revitalization activities in 12 targeted areas, including the H Street, NE corridor.
Assembled at the request of the area residents, H Street Community Development Corporation acquired three structures which were known to the community as the Heroin Hotel. The Heroin Hotel gave the entrance to this economically recovering close in community a dejected appearance and high crime.
The structures were demolished thereby removing serious blight and reducing crime. This desirable property is approximately 40,000 square feet of land that H Street Community Development Corporation proposes to develop into a mixed use high rise structure with housing, in-ground parking and retail.
This prime property is within walking distance of the Rhode Island Avenue METRO Station and just minutes from the major downtown employment centers, as well as very close to a major medical hospital complex housing 4 highly regarded hospitals, and in close proximity to two esteemed universities.
H Street Community Development Corporation has agreed to invest in this project which will provide needed affordable housing in our community.
Bundy Development Corporation is developing a multi-family housing development in northeast Washington, DC of moderately priced and workforce housing. The Benning Road development will be developed on 10,000 SF of land. Bundy Development Corporation has determined that the location is well suited for work force and affordable housing. It has been determined that the site can be configured to include approximately 26,000 gross square feet, including approximately 25 condo units. The current zoning of the land allows for our desired density with no zoning changes required.
The condos will be a combination of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units (sized 500 to 1100 SF). These moderately priced condominiums will be priced very competitively between $150,000 and $300,000 each, depending on size.
H Street Investment Corporation has partnered with Conference Centers Associates I, LLC which is led by Hospitality Partners LLC and the Mariani Family, LLC to transform a currently underutilized property into a vibrant contributor to the urban fabric of the neighborhood surrounding the Michigan Avenue and Irving Street, NE area.
The initial phase of the project includes construction of a SpringHill Suites by Marriott, a restaurant, a conference center, and a structured parking facility which will also include retail space. A surface parking lot will continue to be used until development of the second phase of the project begins construction. Phase II includes two additional buildings for either additional hotel use, or residential units and below-grade parking.
The project is expected to create 160 full-time equivalent jobs and generate approximately $4 million dollars per year in revenue to the District of Columbia. It is anticipated that construction of the first phase of the project will begin in 2012.
H Street Community Development Corporation has a participation agreement with the New Jersey and H Street Limited Partnership LLC (NJ-H), the developer of the “prevocational site” since 1998. HSCDC has received financial support from the NJ/H Partnership over the years to support our efforts in the areas of developing affordable housing, promoting economic development, and community building in the District, including the neighborhoods of ANC 6C.
In 2010, NJ-H joined with the JBG Companies to develop the site. The developments calls for 90,000 square feet of retail and 250,000 square feet of rental apartments in phase 1 with the balance of the site for a Phase 2 commercial development. This site is one of the four sites identified as possible locations for a Wal-Mart.
In 2000 H Street Community Development removed a neighborhood eyesore and developed five new townhomes sold to first time homebuyers.
In 1990 H Street Community Development Corporation built 22 new townhomes at the corners of 8th and H Streets NE and 10th and G Streets NE. These townhomes were the first new construction of homes in the neighborhood for more than a half-century.
Many of these homes were made more affordable through creative developer take-back financing so that teachers, firemen and policemen could also occupy the properties.
13th and Wylie Streets N.E. The H Street CDC renovated four townhouses and sold them to first-time homebuyers in 1996, at a time of neighborhood blight when conventional developers were unwilling to invest in the neighborhood. The H Street CDC investment at that critical time became the catalyst for more intensive Wylie Street neighborhood revitalization, including the city’s Home Again program.
1200 North Capitol Street N.W. H Street CDC and its development partners acquired the dilapidated Tyler House Apartments and completed a $27 million renovation in 1997. Today, the 284-unit rental building provides safe and comfortable housing, services, and recreational facilities for low- and moderate-income tenants.
In 1996, as a catalyst for neighborhood development adjacent to the H Street corridor, H Street CDC acquired and undertook gut renovation of four townhomes at the entrance to the unit block Wylie Street, NE.
Wylie Street is just one block north of the H Street corridor and was known as the “Murder Capital of the World” were drugs were the rule after the riots of 1968.
In 2001, H Street Community Development Corporation built nine new units of affordable owner occupied housing, in the 800 block of 10th Street, N.E., adjacent to the H Street corridor.
H Street Investment Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of H Street Community Development Corporation, entered into a partnership with Anacostia Economic Development Corporation and DRI Partners(Anacostia Gateway, LLC), to support the completion of the Anacostia Gateway Development Project.
The Anacostia Gateway Development Project at 1800 Martin Luther King Avenue, S.E., is a three story, 63,000 square foot office building with 14,000 square feet of retail on the first floor and underground parking. The Anacostia Gateway now houses the District’s
Department of Housing and Community Development.
The Anacostia Gateway Development Project will serve as a catalyst to stimulate additional investments and development along the Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and the Good Hope Road S.E. corridors of Historic Anacostia.
An assemblage of several properties left desolate after the 1968 riots, this 8,000 square foot lot was ground leased in 1998 to Pep Boys. Pep Boys built the building and later sub-leased the building and lot to Auto Zone. Pep Boys was one of the businesses located on the H Street NE corridor that was destroyed during the 1968 riots. This venture was an important event on the H Street, NE corridor since it represented the return of a multi-million dollar business to the disenfranchised community.
H Street Community Development Corporation sold the site to Westmill Development Corporation on January 19, 2011 for $3.9 million. HSCDC has the option to a purchase 20% interest in the redevelopment of the site.
Vacant since the 1968 riots, the Atlas Theatre and adjacent commercial buildings were assembled and purchased by H Street Community Development Corporation in 1985. After undertaking an award winning renovation in 1989 the property was rented to a number of small businesses in a pseudo incubator for several years. With its community conscience at the forefront H Street Community Development Corporation maintained this vacant properties for a number of years turning down numerous users that did not deliver the much needed community benefit. So the property remained vacant from the mid-1990s until September 2002.
The property was sold to an affiliate of the Sprenger Lang Foundation for renovation as the Atlas Performing Arts Center, providing full theatre arts. The Atlas is now the centerpiece of the Entertainment Area Zone on the H Street corridor and has been the catalyst for attracting new night life to the corridor.
In 1989 the H Street Community Development Corporation completed this 230,000 square feet project located in the 600 block of H Street, NE. The original development costs were approximately $5 million. The John A. Wilson Plaza is home to several District of Columbia Government offices that provide services to citizens.
In November 21, 2005 this property was sold for $42 million to the F. Davis Camalier Group, Inc., a private developer, who has plans to reconfigure the property and build luxury condominiums on the flat surface parking lot between the twin towers and include underground parking in the redeveloped project.
From the beginning, H Street CDC has focused on revitalizing underdeveloped neighborhoods by developing affordable housing and commercial centers. We have accomplished more than $70 million in commercial and residential development projects, totaling more than 330,000 square feet of commercial space, 284 units of low-income rental housing, and 47 affordable single-family owner-occupant homes. The projects have created more than 1,200 jobs in underserved neighborhoods, and provided more than $100 million in contracts for goods and services from more than 200 minority contractors.
