The 11th Street Bridge Park re-imagines a defunct bridge span as a new citizen destination for recreation and entertainment. The resulting park will be an economic anchor for the surrounding neighborhoods, and provide economic opportunities for residents, during construction and beyond.

Spearheaded by Ward 8’s Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC, the park is one of the most collaborative projects to start up in D.C. in recent years.  The park counts over a dozen organizations working in partnership to involve the community and home owners, businesses, and government agencies alike.

11th Street Bridge Park has developed a number of strategies to make sure that residents can stay in place or find affordable alternatives in the neighborhood. Opportunities for homeownership are also part of the Bridge Park strategy.

In partnership with MANNA the development includes opportunities for all residents. One MANNA project is Hunter Place, a development of 12 homes located on the east side of the Park. 11th Street Bridge Park will secure down payment assistance for some of Hunter Place’s new homeowners.

MAANA’s Home Buyers Club will also have a presence in the greater Bridge Park area. The HBC helps renters prepare for the home buying process. The project’s work with MANNA has led to other partnerships with housing industry organizations to create support for affordable housing. A special community land trust ‑ in particular ‑ focuses on turning vacant, blighted, or delinquent properties into home ownership opportunities for residents who currently live in the Bridge Park area.

The 11th Street Bridge project demonstrates new collaboration between real estate entrepreneurs and local communities to build thriving, multi-use developments in every quadrant of the city. It models an ideal strategy of sustainable growth in DC — opening new neighborhoods while retaining the local character.