Shaw vies for $150K grant to restore ‘ugly duckling’ building

It’s an honor to be known as one of the most beautiful streets in Washington, D.C., but to be known as a Main Street? That’s even more prestigious—and much more useful.

In May 2016, Shaw was awarded the Great American Main Street Award along with H Street and Barracks Row. By being recognized as a vibrant, walkable community, Shaw Main Streets will be able to compete for $2 million in grants for preservation.

This year, Shaw Main Streets hopes to win a $150,000 grant in order to work on restoring the original storefront façade of the James Hughes Building. Described as an “ugly duckling” building by Shaw Main Streets, this property was constructed in 1881 as a blacksmith shop by James Hughes.

It is located at 1537 7th Street NW and is expected to have its stucco and vinyl siding removed from its facade in order to restore the original elements. Currently, the building is home to Ivy & Coney, a Chicago- and Detroit-themed sports bar.

This grant contest is hosted by American Express, National Geographic Travel, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in collaboration with Main Street America. The winner is decided by a public voting process that ends on October 31 with the winners announced on November 2.

Currently, there are over 50 American communities around the United States that have won the Main Street award since 1995. By winning, these communities serve as examples for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization, according to the Main Street America website.

• Vote for Shaw Main Streets [National Geographic]

• Shaw is Awarded 'Great American Main Street' [Curbed DC]