Chinatown in Washington, D.C. is a small, historic neighborhood east of downtown, nestled in along H and I Streets between 5th and 8th Streets. Originally a German area, Chinese immigrants started to populate the area in the 1930's when they were displaced from their original settlement on Pennsylvania Avenue with the building of the Federal Triangle government complex. The new residents added decorative metal latticework and Chinese signage.
Spanning across H Street at 7th, you are greeted by a glittering gold and tiled gate, the Friendship Arch, Chinatown's most visible and beautiful landmark. This arch is a traditional Chinese gate, and is considered to be the gateway to DC's Chinatown, prominently marking the neighborhood.
If you've been through Chinatown lately, you may have noticed the iconic Gateway Arch is all covered up. That is because work is currently underway to restore the arch to its original beautiful splendor and grandeur. The DC Arts Agency (DCCAH) who is spearheading this effort to repaint and replace the woodwork says to expect its completion by the end of the summer. What an exciting public art project this has been for the area! Anticipation is growing as the completion and unveiling date nears for this landmark makeover in an area where renovation is ongoing and inspiring.
This 4-block area may be a lot smaller than the Chinatown districts in New York or San Francisco, but it's still an authentic, colorful and charming community with its own merits. What DC's Chinatown lacks in size, it makes up for in character. Not only is this area revitalized and thriving, it is also one of the most unique and most recognizable communities in the DC area making it a historical area that is ultra urban cool and trendy.
Following a major renovation several years ago, this area has now become known withiin the urban scene as "hot, hip and happening". This giant renovation has revitalized the area into a bustling scene for nightlife, shopping and entertainment. It really is rare to find so much "America" in a place surrounded by Chinese signs, traditions, flavors,and smells - making DC's Chinatown a very unique and special place.
Since the recent renovations,many Chinese resdidents have moved to the suburbs, but the 20 or so Chinese and Asian owned restaurants and other small businesses are still very much alive within the district, but now they have new neighbors, sharing the streets with the new retail and residential developments. So from Starbucks to Legal Sea Foods and other national chains who hang their signs out front in Chinese, you really can have it all in this district. Here in Chinatown you will find everything from fine DC restaurants serving Chinese and diverse ethnic cuisine, to great museums, theaters and movie houses.
Also close by you will also find several breweries, restaurants and sports bars around the newly developed Verizon Center, a sports and entertainment arena. Home to the Capitals and Wizards, the arena is also a hot new concert venue bringing ardent sports and music fans to the area.
With so much going on, it's easy to see how this area has become so vital to the heart of DC.
But even among all of this new urban development, what didn't get lost is the colorful and charming feel of the area. You can still immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, aromas and tastes of Chinatown. You can still shop for teas and herbs at grocery stores. A steaming bowl of shrimp dumpling soup at Full Kee is still to die for. The chef still makes noodles in the window of Chinatown Express. And each winter, the Chinese New Year is still celebrated here in a dazzling fashion complete with a colorful parade featuring drummers, musicians, lion and dragon dancers and thousands of popping firecrackers.
While Chinatown is fun (and delicious) place to visit, it is also an up-an-coming place to live and work. In mid July, 2009, the 12 story LEED certified 700 Six office building, the greenest new development in D.C., opened at 700 6th St. near Verizon Center. Nearby is Gallery Place, a mixed land use development that includes 192 condos amidst 250,000 square feet of restaurants, bars, and retail. Other popular new or renovated Chinatown-Penn-Quarter condos include the Clara Barton, the Lafayette, and Ventana Lofts.
Interested in learning more about potential home or condo ownership opportunities in Chinatown or the surrounding areas? Then you need an expert you can trust, someone who knows the area, has a proven track record and genuinely wants to help you make your home or condo ownership a reality. As one of the area's top real estate experts, Rachel Valentino can help find your dream home. Check out her Atlantic Coast Connection website to learn more about her and her connection to the DC area. Or email her today with any questions you may have.
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