Crowded sidewalks on weekends, new restaurants and shops popping up: there’s no doubt that the revival is here. Known as one of Washington’s trendiest neighborhoods, Georgetown is experiencing a strong resurgence in activity after being hit hard by the Covid pandemic. The neighborhood, which stretches over 35 blocks approximately, listed more than 500 businesses and attracted nearly 14 million visitors per year before the health crisis, according to the Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID), organization responsible for the attractiveness of the neighborhood. A density which made it the largest open-air commercial area in the capital and its region.
But in 2020, 63 businesses closed their doors. That was twice as many as in a normal year. The absence of students, confined to their homes and, of course, tourists, put a strain on Georgetown’s economy. With streets and stores desperately empty, footfall dropped overnight from nearly 300,000 weekly visitors to fewer than 30,000 at the height of the pandemic.
“2020 was a particularly challenging year for many business areas across the United States, and Georgetown was no exception. Fortunately, the uniqueness of the neighborhood and its strong community of residents made it possible to limit the damage. Tourists gradually returned once the pandemic began to be brought under control”confirms Faith Broderick, BID’s Director of Economic Development.
120 stores open since the pandemic
To alleviate this situation and stop the bleeding, the Georgetown BID voted for an emergency plan in September 2020, allowing in particular the extension of sidewalks and terraces (the streateries) to meet social distancing requirements and restart business. A success that continues four years later. Since 2021, Le BID has recorded a total of 120 store openings.
“Georgetown is a unique DMV destination that continues to appeal to business owners and consumers alike. For 2024, we anticipate 45 new store openings” rejoices Faith Broderick. After Sézane, established in the spring on Wisconsin Avenue, it was Barnes & Nobles which made its return on June 19 on M Street, in the same building where the book store closed in 2011. The Boston chain Tatte Bakery will open , this Wednesday, July 3, a new space on Wisconsin Ave.; or at the former location of Dean&Deluca, closed since 2019, the Italian restaurant Osteria Mozza will open its doors, under the direction of starred chef Nancy Silverton.
“Last year we received 12.7 million visitors, which is slightly less than before the pandemic. For now, in 2024, the numbers are on the rise and we are gradually returning to what we experienced before 2020.”rejoices Faith Broderick.
As a sign of this renewal, on June 21, Georgetown held its first music festival – organized in partnership with the French Embassy. Georgetown is back!
