Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street (PAEMS)

DC Main Streets is a comprehensive program that promotes the revitalization of business corridors in the District of Columbia. We assist businesses and coordinate sustainable community-driven revitalization efforts along the Pennsylvania Avenue, SE corridor from the John P. Sousa Bridge to Southern Avenue, SE.

SURVEY: What Are Your Business Needs?

Planet Fitness-Penn Branch Shopping Center -B

Thai Orchard Kitchen and Family Dental -Penn Avenue SE-B

ABOUT Penn ave east main street

Established in 2020, Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street (PAEMS) is a Main Street America affiliate. It is a member of DC Main Streets, which revitalizes communities by retaining and recruiting businesses, improving commercial properties and streetscapes, and attracting consumers.

READ OUR FY23 ANNUAL REPORT

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PROGRAM HISTORY AND APPROACH

HISTORY

DC Main Streets is a comprehensive program that promotes the revitalization of business corridors in the District of Columbia. Created in 2002 through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Streets serves as the citywide coordinating program that provides services and funding for the Main Streets found in the District of Columbia. Main Streets' mission is to support the traditional retail corridors in the District. DC Main Streets is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program.

APPROACH

DC Main Streets builds on the Main Street Approach® that was developed by the National Main Street Center in 1980 to assist commercial revitalization efforts nationwide. The Approach consists of four points which work together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort in the following areas:

organization

Organize commercial revitalization efforts including, developing and sustaining financial and volunteer resources.

DESIGN, AREA IMPROVEMENT

Improve the physical environment of the commercial district (e.g., clean teams and streetscape improvements) and the appearance of business storefronts and interiors

PROMOTION

Promote the neighborhood commercial districts along Penn Ave SE through branding campaigns and special events.

ECONOMITY VITALITY

Improve business retention, recruitment and expansion along Penn Ave SE in Ward 7

paems news and updates

FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR:

The Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street (PAEMS) is a program within the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO) whose mission is to revitalize retail, retain and attract a diverse customer base, empower surrounding communities, and develop businesses along the Pennsylvania Avenue, SE corridor. PAEMS aims to be a robust commercial corridor that contributes to the economic vitality of the Ward 7 community in Washington, D.C. by offering an array of goods and services for neighbors, commuters, and visitors.

The commercial corridor encompasses 52 businesses within a ten (10) block radius. Funding provided by the District of Columbia has presented an opportunity to invest in a D.C. business corridor that has struggled through hardship and attempted to reinvent itself many times over the years. As you are aware, COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on minority-owned businesses, and the investment by the District Government brings much needed resources to this vital corridor. These continued investments will aid the Ward 7 community in developing a vision for this gateway corridor in a manner which will ensure economic vibrancy that will meet the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods and residents.

As we approach and prepare for the District’s FY 2022 Performance and FY 2024 Budget Hearings, it is important that we continue to fight for the investments necessary for future growth along the corridor. It is my hope that future improvements will provide the catalyst for equitable development, and that together we can partner to amplify the corridor’s visibility and promote opportunities to retain and attract investments that will assist in improving the economic outcomes of the surrounding communities and corridor. Stay tuned for upcoming advocacy discussions around PAEMS priorities in the upcoming weeks. We need your voice and hope that you will heed this call to action.

Latisha R. Atkins, J.D

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO READ OUR FY2022 ANNUAL REPORT

PAEMS FY2022 ANNUAL REPORT- WEB VERSION_Page_01

PAEMS Director testifies before the Committee on Business & Economic Development- February 8, 2023

ABouT THe PENN AVE EAST CORRIDOR

The corridor borders several neighborhoods, including Fairlawn, Dupont Park, Penn Branch, and Fairfax Village. These neighborhoods are predominantly composed of detached single-family homes and small apartment complexes, limiting the size of the surrounding population. There is a limited supply of nearby office space or major institutional uses, which limits the surrounding daytime population that can patronize area businesses during the day on weekdays. This limited residential density, paired with a relatively small daytime population, increases the need for retail businesses along Pennsylvania Avenue SE to capture spending from commuters and other customers who live outside the immediate area.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Median Houshold Income

$54,272

Median Age

44

Daytime Population

39,612

POPULATION GROWTH

Since 2010

0%

PAEMS

New Study: Economic Viability of Penn Ave East Corridor (2021)

Pennsylvania Avenue East Retail Market Analysis (June 2021)_Page_01

MHCDO announces the release of the Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street Retail Market Analysis, examining the retail environment of the corridor. The report sheds light on the retail sustainability of current businesses along Pennsylvania Avenue East.

Download Report

SUPPORT THE 'I LOVE MY PAEMS' CAMPAIGN

Today, we ask that you consider supporting our work in the Ward 7 community. Would you be willing to help bring our dream to fruition? No contribution is too big or too small, every dollar will help. BUT, for your generous support of $25.00 or more, we would like to offer you a special gift from Heart of The City Candles!