About

​Van Ness is a unique neighborhood, combining the convenience of Metro access and urban amenities, with the beauty and serenity of Soapstone Valley and Rock Creek Park. Apartment dwellers and single family home residents alike are drawn to an easy commute, numerous retail options, a safe and family-friendly atmosphere with caring and engaged citizens, plus stunning hiking trails. This community values and aims to preserve its natural resources but enthusiastically embraces smart, transit-oriented development.
 
​The corridor includes two neighborhood retail centers and a regional institutional cluster. Van Ness is home to the University of the District of Columbia, including its gorgeous Theater of the Arts, UDC School of Law, Howard University School of Law, Howard School of Divinity, American University’s WAMU Radio (ranked number one in Washington), The International Chancery Center with 22 Embassies, and the Levine School of Music.
 
​Fifty years ago the Van Ness Commercial District transitioned from a federal campus to an office district when the Bureau of Standards vacated their Van Ness facility. This change was driven by a growing suburban population and planning for the Metro Rail System.
 
​Today, Van Ness is at another inflection point where increased demand for transit-oriented housing and a preference for downtown office space is creating new and exciting opportunities for the future of Van Ness.

​MISSION STATEMENT

To make Van Ness Main Street serving Van Ness, Forest Hills, and Wakefield, a beautiful, sustainable, walkable, and vibrant economic and cultural hub by supporting the growth of existing businesses, attracting new, local enterprises, and activating local cultural institutions.

​COMMITTEES

​Van Ness Main Street has several committees that help provide advise and assistance for the work we do. These committees are comprised of both community members and Van Ness Main Street board members. Committees meet monthly. Interested in serving on a committee? Please email info@vannessmainstreet.org with the word Committee in the subject line.

​Events and Promotions
This committee organizes activities aimed at all age groups to enliven the community, foster a sense of neighborhood, and promote business growth. A current example is our Spring Forward initiative that raised funds for Van Ness Main Street and brought more than 50 volunteers together to plant nearly 1,900 flower bulbs up and down Connecticut Avenue that will bloom in Spring 2021.

​Economic Development
The Economic Development Committee aims to create a vibrant public realm with a diverse retail environment by working to support and enhance current businesses while attracting future establishments that will complement the needs and desires of the Van Ness, Forest Hills, and Wakefield community. Specific actions include efforts to achieve short and long term activation of vacant retail space, provide technical and other assistance to independently-owned restaurants, and work closely with property owners and neighboring institutions to improve local business conditions.
 
Design
The Design Committee explores opportunities and facilitates projects to improve the physical environment along Connecticut Avenue that enhance the pedestrian experience, showcase our local businesses to grow their commercial success, and provide a positive and inviting visual message about what Van Ness, Forest Hills, and Wakefield have to offer.
 
​Organization
The Organization Committee supports and develops the Van Ness Main Street into a sustainable organization through leading the implementation of the strategic funding plan, recruiting and interviewing volunteers for committees, developing new Board membership, and promoting the work of Van Ness Main Street within the community and city-wide.
 

HISTORY OF VAN NESS MAIN STREET

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

​DC MAIN STREETS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

​ANNUAL REPORT

SPECIAL PROGRAMS