The impact of cultural organizations on urban revitalization projects as exemplified in the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation

The impact of cultural organizations on urban revitalization projects as exemplified in the Pennsylvania Development Corporation (PADC) is analyzed through studies of Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Corporation (Washington, D.C.), Washington Project for the Arts (Washington D.C.), The Shakespeare Theatre (Washington, D.C.), and several other small arts organizations. This study details the impact of cultural organizations on an urban revitalization project known as Pennsylvania (Penn) Quarter, located in Washington, D.C. The organizations are analyzed through their histories, location, goals and methods for enhancing the neighborhood's cultural awareness, management and administrative style, presence in the community, as well as recognition and perception within the particular downtown district. The study examines why the revitalization of downtown urban neighborhoods, as exemplified by Penn Quarter, must include the incorporation of one or more cultural organizations. Conclusions are drawn from written materials and personal interviews with administrators of the cultural organizations, directors of commercial development companies and federal employees of PADC.