The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District announced four local architectural planning firms Friday as finalists in the competition for the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Public Realm Design Plan, a cooperative effort by area businesses and city officials to upgrade the area’s environment.
The Golden Triangle neighborhood is a 42-block section of the District of Columbia extending from the White House to Dupont Circle and 16th Street to 21st Street.
The Golden Triangle BID selected the firms to submit their final proposals for redesign of the area’s landscape based on their experience and reputation, spokesman Murray Bond said. They include HNTB Corporation, Hunt Laudi Studio, Cooper Carry and Michael Baker Corporation.
Through the final design plan, the Golden Triangle hopes to soon propel Connecticut Avenue’s reputation to the same level as other nationally known, elite retail strips.
“We’re constantly trying to upgrade the look and feel of the location,” Bond said. “Every city has its compelling streets, such as Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Here it’s Connecticut Avenue.”
Each of the firms will submit their design plan by July 10 to a panel comprised of Golden Triangle board members and city officials, who will pick one winner by September, Bond said. The board will then seek funding for the improvements from federal, city and private sources and release a budget based on the plan.
“Once we have the plan we can pinpoint the funding and pursue resources,” he said.
