Foggy Bottom West End Main Street Launches to Revitalize Two Historic Neighborhoods

New program will support small businesses, beautify public spaces, and engage the community

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new emphasis on revitalization and community growth has begun for the Foggy Bottom and West End neighborhoods with the launch of Foggy Bottom West End Main Street. Part of the DC Main Streets Program, managed by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, the Foggy Bottom West End Main Street program aims to bring a wealth of new opportunities, vibrant events, and aesthetic improvements to these historic communities.

Foggy Bottom West End Main Street came to fruition thanks to members of the Foggy Bottom Association, who saw a need for a program dedicated to neighborhood revitalization, community engagement, and small business development.

"We've been working hard behind the scenes for the past few years to get this program funded and launched, and we're excited to start putting all our ideas into action to create a lasting, positive impact in the Foggy Bottom and West End communities," said Foggy Bottom Association Board Member Sadie Cornelius. "It has truly been a labor of love for our neighborhood, and in a time of global uncertainty, the passion and resilience of local support from the main streets gives the historic neighborhood a renewed sense of hope for the future. We're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be DC's newest Main Street program and look forward to things to come."

Businesses in Foggy Bottom and the West End are facing unique challenges. Many local businesses in Foggy Bottom and the West End are fighting against market shifts, high rental rates, and a lack of exposure in a rapidly growing city.

"As a long-standing member of the Foggy Bottom community, Founding Farmers is proud to support the launch of the Foggy Bottom West End Main Street. We believe in the power of local partnerships to drive economic vitality and bring neighbors together," said David Ferguson, Managing Partner of Founding Farmers. "This program represents an exciting opportunity to reenergize our neighborhood, support small businesses, and make Foggy Bottom an even more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike." 

The new program is dedicated to creating vibrant neighborhoods that attract businesses, shoppers, diners, and residents while maintaining the area's unique historic character. At the heart of the program's work will be hands-on support of local businesses and recruitment of new independent businesses to fill vacant spaces. The Main Street will also enhance and beautify public spaces throughout both neighborhoods with public art, plantings, and the maintenance of clean and safe streets. The program will unite people through events designed to increase foot traffic to the corridor and its small businesses.

"Establishing a Main Street in Foggy Bottom West End has been a priority of mine since I was first elected to the Council. Several years ago, I funded a study to determine the feasibility of bringing a Main Street to the area and that report strongly recommended establishing a Foggy Bottom West End Main Street program to serve local businesses," shared Councilmember Brooke Pinto. "Last year, I was proud to fund the establishment of the new Main Street program through the Department of Small and Local Businesses!"

As part of its launch, Foggy Bottom West End Main Street aims to raise $15,000 to support its work to provide small business assistance, revitalize the corridor, and organize community events.

Learn more at: www.FoggyBottomWestEndMainStreet.org.

About Foggy Bottom Main Street

Foggy Bottom West End Main Street is a program of the Foggy Bottom Association, as part of the DC Main Streets initiative. We bring the expertise of urban revitalization, community engagement, and small business development to help local businesses thrive. To learn more, visit www.FoggyBottomWestEndMainStreet.org.

SOURCE Foggy Bottom West End Main Street