Perkins Eastman, DC
While working on various other projects for clients around the world, most of the Perkins Eastman DC office participated in a brief research proposal titled “The Big Project.” The Big Project was inspired by a report released by the mayor of DC, in which a 2030 goal was set to bring in 15,000 new residents to DC’s downtown area. After COVID, businesses began to open but residents didn’t come back. Employees were happy working remotely from the comfort of their own homes, without any worries about childcare and travel costs. The plan targeted five areas of DC in need of further development. The office split up into cohorts, ranging from Principals to Interns, to tackle these large-scale problems DC faces. The territories consisted of Foggy Bottom, The West End, Dupont Circle, Mass Ave, and The Penn Quarter. The proposals were formed over the course of three to four weeks and presented to members of the Office of Development, the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, and local development companies.
Most recently, the proposal has been presented to Mayor Bowser and is being taken into serious consideration for the city.
Ben was also involved in various private projects, such as Multi-family Residential in Virginia (DD), Master Planning in New Cairo, Egypt (CD), and Renovation and Construction of K-12 in Washington, DC (CD).
In addition to creating space for local businesses and lessening the food desert in the area, this proposal creates space for artists and performers to exhibit their recent works and shows. This builds upon the existing creative scene in the Penn Quarter, with organizations like the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Penn Social, and Live! at 10th & G.
This pedestrian space can begin to embrace the cultural significance of the nearby National Mall, hosting and empowering events of all kinds.
