DC Identity Series: Episode 1 - Shaw to Penn Quarter
- ladyfrance2005
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Project: DC Identity Series // Episode 01
Location: 7th Street Corridor (Shaw to Penn Quarter)
Date: February 16, 2026 (Presidents Day Audit)
Time: 9:00 am
Atmospheric Conditions: Overcast / 45°F
Is this a sanctuary for visionaries or just a corridor for commuters?
The Urban Strata: Shaw vs. Penn Quarter
Today I experienced the quiet, cultural vibe of the 7th Street Corridor. While close in proximity, the Shaw Community has a different type of “soil” than Penn Quarter. I visited 5 locations along this journey:
Howard Theater
Blagden Alley
Shaw Community Library
Penn Quarter
Old Ebbitt
It is the winter season, so the weather was rather chilly. If your journey takes you to Washington, D.C., be sure to dress in layers because you will do a lot of walking. I opted for WMATA, the city’s circulatory system. Using public transit isn’t just about saving money; it’s about auditing the transit-dependency of these neighborhoods. Most stops passed the 'Accessibility Test' with high marks. Most of the stops were within walking distance of the metro station. I recommend you familiarize yourself with WMATA before traveling to D.C.
Shaw-Howard University Metro Station
The primary factors measured in the audit are foot traffic, noise levels, and the "social anchor" community vibes. I am sure the Presidents Day holiday and the time of day were factors, but it was surprisingly quiet with little traffic.
I connected with a local named Dhaara less than five minutes after exiting the Metro. She was very welcoming and shared valuable insights about the community, expressing her concern about the future of Shaw. It has become difficult for small businesses to thrive, and she has seen many of them close. As an entrepreneur herself, she has seen three of her own businesses close. To her, Shaw is not just a map; it’s a living, breathing pulse. She told me:
"It’s an area where music sometimes blares when you cross the street from the Metro toward the Howard University Hospital... filled with the beauty of Black people and culture. One of the best pizzas in D.C., Emmy Squared Shaw, is here, along with a Glo30 facial spa, barbers, and Dominican hair salons. These are gems."
Dhaara’s audit was also a warning. She is tired of seeing good places close down and feels the area is underutilized because of biases that people haven't addressed. Her message was clear: if we put our coins into this community, we support the Black business owners, the students, and the professionals who call this home. "Writing places off hasn’t made the world a more equitable place.
Howard Theatre
The Shaw community is heavily rooted in black history. At its center is the Howard Theatre. The theater first opened its doors on August 22, 1910. It was the first and largest theater constructed specifically for black audiences and black talent. Legendary performers such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder all graced the stage at the theater.
Today, the theater sits at 620 T Street NW and continues to thrive by hosting comedians, concerts, and plays. Outside stands an amazing 20-foot statue of Duke Ellington, a D.C. native jazz legend known for his "big orchestra" performances at the Cotton Club. Many of you are likely familiar with his last recording in collaboration with Teresa Brewer, "It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)." D.C. is known for some of the most striking murals in the country; in the adjacent alley, you will find a 3D mural tribute to Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington.
Legendary performers at the Howard Theatre.
Blagden Alley
Entering an alley may seem strange, but this is no ordinary alley. Blagden Alley is home to several bars, restaurants, and more of the most striking murals in the country. A little-known fact about alleyways is that they were once used as a refuge for African Americans escaping slavery and served as small and often dangerous housing for over 300 immigrants. They also supported services like garbage collection.
You will also find a very small museum that is easy to miss on the main streets. It is no coincidence that the Blue’s Alley Jazz Club is located in an alley; it was once a carriage house. The D.C. Alley Museum is hidden in plain sight here. It began in 2015 with a grant from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Neighbors provided the artists with "canvases" by allowing them to paint the garage doors of local businesses and residences. While it was quiet during my visit, I can imagine this area bustling during the warm summer months.
Space Is The Place
Shaw (Watha T. Daniels) Neighborhood Library
As you walk through the neighborhood, you cannot miss the massive structure of glass and steel known as the Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library. I was looking forward to this stop but was disappointed to find the doors locked for the holiday.
Watha T. Daniel was one of the first African Americans to receive a master plumbing certification and open his own company. He was also the first African American to serve on both the D.C. Plumbing Board and the D.C. Model Cities program. The building appears imposing, mirroring the significant impact Daniel had on the community. It provides computers, meeting rooms, and services such as the "Beyond the Book" children’s club, tax prep, and voter registration. The library features a vegetative green roof and a solar energy management system. I also noticed a "Little Free Library" box nearby, providing books for anyone in the community to take and read.
Penn Quarter
I arrived at Penn Quarter much earlier than expected because of the library's closure. This "soil" is in stark contrast to Shaw. While Shaw is richer in organic culture, Penn Quarter is the high-velocity center hub of Washington, D.C. It’s home to the Smithsonian Museums, the Capital One Arena, and a host of upscale restaurants.
The first thing you audit here is the noise level in decibels. It’s a wall of sound: sirens, construction, car horns, and conversations in a dozen different languages.
The Historical Layer:
The Ghost Town Era: I remember the first time I visited downtown D.C.; it was virtually a ghost town, with everyone exiting the city the second work hours ended.
The Revitalization: Since the 1990s, the "vibe" has become electric. It’s perfect for the "aligned local" who wants arts, entertainment, and amazing architecture (like the nearby Ford’s Theatre).
The Shell of Chinatown: We have to talk about the gentrification along H and I Streets. What was once home to thousands of Chinese immigrants is now a shell of its former self. The Friendship Archway still stands as a marker, but with fewer than 300 Chinese immigrants remaining, the "parent material" of this neighborhood has been almost entirely replaced. It’s still worth visiting for the local dishes, but the audit reveals a significant loss of cultural density.
Auditor’s Tip: Invest in some high-quality walking shoes. There is a lot of ground to cover in this layer of the city.
Final Audit Stop: Old Ebbitt Grill
For a late-lunch audit, I visited Old Ebbitt Grill (est. 1856). Located in the shadow of the White House, it serves as a primary social anchor for the city's political and social elite.
The Atmosphere: High-energy and diverse—not just in culture, but in age and dining behavior.
The Service: Exceptional. My server, Ross, provided a level of attentiveness that elevated the experience.
The Verdict: This is not a venue for a quiet, intimate tête-à-tête. It is a place of heavy conversation and communal energy. It remains a testament to D.C. history that has refused to depreciate over time.
Auditor’s Final Tip: High-quality footwear is non-negotiable. The 7th Street Corridor is a journey through time and class; your feet will feel the history long before your mind processes it.
Audit Resources: Explore the Strata
If you want to experience the "Sanctuaries" mentioned in this audit, I highly recommend connecting with and supporting these local institutions:
Location | Category | Resource Link |
The D.C. Alley Museum | Cultural Heritage | |
The Howard Theatre | Historic Landmark | |
Old Ebbitt Grill | Social Anchor |
Support the Community
To support the visionaries Dhaara mentioned and ensure Shaw remains a sanctuary for Black business owners and professionals, consider visiting these specific "Gems":
Dining: Emmy Squared Pizza (Shaw)
Self-Care: Glo30 Facial Spa
Literacy: Little Free Library Map
Final Sign-Off
"Writing places off hasn’t made the world a more equitable place. Don't just walk through the city—invest in its growth."
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