L’Enfant Plaza and the Southwest EcoDistrict

Believe it or not, L’Enfant Plaza is going to be one of the Next Big Things. But can it overcome its urban renewal-pedestrian-unfriendly design? What can we admire about this bewildering mass of ramps, pocket parks, open spaces, and mid-century architecture? The National Capital Planning Commission sees a golden opportunity. It has proposed refashioning and rebranding the entire precinct as the Southwest EcoDistrict. Champions of President Dwight D. Eisenhower have laid claim to six acres to erect a memorial to this American war hero and statesman. Walk through a little understood yet fascinating section of the city, a place where the federal government, Mid Century modern architecture, a public transportation hub and an historic building or two quietly stand steps away from Washington’s National Mall.

Led by Carolyn

This walk is one in a series of Washington Walks tours offered during 2018 to mark the 50th anniversary of the pivotal year 1968.  #DC1968

If you like this Washington walking tour, you might also like: Southwest Waterfront: The Wharf and Renewing Urban Renewal