(Washington, DC) – On September 10, ARCH Development held a “Big Reveal” event to announce Eat.Shop.Live Anacostia, a new initiative to generate positive interest, create economic opportunities and renew pride in Anacostia. 

“We are excited about the positive changes underway East of the River, and we are pleased to have an active role in revitalizing historic Anacostia,” said DHCD Director Leila Finucane Edmonds.

Since relocating to downtown Anacostia in January 2009, DHCD has been taking steps to acquire blighted, vacant properties located along historic Anacostia’s main thoroughfare. 

The corner of Good Hope Road, SE, and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE is the first thing people see when entering historic Anacostia from the 11th Street Bridge, and it has long been an eyesore. However, in a few weeks the city’s first mural constructed of sustainable and recycled materials will take its place to greet residents and visitors to the neighborhood. With the help of Ward 8 residents, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, local artist Billy Colbert and members of the District's Summer Youth Employment Program, the site will transform the façade of that site from blight to bright. Other neglected properties DHCD is pursuing includes 2228, 2234, 2238 and 2252 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, which includes the site of Big K Liquor. 

Additionally, DHCD is working with community based organizations to bring additional change to Anacostia.  

 “Our work to support small businesses and neighborhood revitalization include support of ARCH Development, AEDC’s EB-5 program, as well as AEDC’s past work on façade improvements in this corridor,” Director Edmonds said. “The Department’s objectives for these activities are to create economic and housing opportunities for residents at all income levels and to revitalize these communities.”