The winter of 1962 was one of discontent in the District of Columbia due to a decision to replace the streetcars rattling along 200-plus miles of urban track with a fleet of less romantic city buses. For the past several years, a strategy to reintroduce a new and improved version of the trolleys, the DC Streetcar, has been underway.

The return of the trolleys presents potential for revitalization and economic development along streetcar line corridors. The proposed development plan calls for 37 miles of streetcar lines connecting neighborhoods in all eight of the city’s wards. Amid controversy and delays, the project remains a work in progress while testing of the cheerful, cherry bomb-red cars along the inaugural H Street/Benning Road route continues.

Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO, Destination DC, explains other gaps in the growing city’s transportation network are being addressed by the Metrorail extension of the Silver Line to Washington Dulles International Airport. Currently in Phase Two of construction, the augmented route is scheduled for completion in 2018.

“Washington, D.C., is in the midst of a major revitalization at the moment, with more than $8 billion worth of development underway,” says Ferguson. “While Washington, D.C., will always be known for its historic American treasures, we are a city in transformation. Leisure travelers and business professionals alike will experience more in D.C. than ever before, including new hotel properties and convention space, dozens of new restaurant venues and new attractions like the Smithsonian African American History and Culture Museum opening in 2016.”

Artist’s rendering of the National Museum of African American History and Culture © Freelon Adjaye Bond Smithgroup

The relocation of the African American History and Culture collection from its previous home within the National Museum of American History to its own dedicated building will be the final addition to the magnificent group of Smithsonian buildings facing the National Mall. Meanwhile, the National Museum of American History itself is in the midst of an exciting transformation, with a refurbishment of the west exhibition wing that includes new galleries, performance space and an education center. Other museum news includes the recent move of the 90-year-old Textile Museum to The George Washington University Museum and the scheduled reopening of The Corcoran Gallery of Art later this year.

Beyond the Mall, recent major development centered on the opening of CityCenterDC, a downtown multi-use complex made up of condominiums, apartments, office space, event facilities, shops and restaurants. With a footprint of 2.5 million square feet spread over 10 acres, the massive neighborhood creation offers easy access to two main Metro stations and is close to the Convention Center.

The first phase of the three-phase project is up and running, and current plans include the opening of the Conrad Hotel in 2018. The development has been awarded a Gold certification for LEED Neighborhood Development. Upscale retail offerings already in place include Kate Spade New York, Longchamp Paris, Caudalie Boutique Spa and Arc’Teryx, with others, including Hermès, Dior and Fig & Olive, taking up residence soon.

Other significant neighborhood improvement projects currently underway include The Wharf, a waterfront revitalization endeavor targeting a one-mile stretch along the southwest Potomac River close to the city’s national monuments and Smithsonian complex. Once completed, the area will extend from the Municipal Fish Market to Fort McNair and will include a concert hall, convention facility, supper clubs, a ferry landing, water recreation and Jazz Alley — envisioned as a stylish, block-long nightlife destination. Along with retail shops and galleries, The Wharf will eventually include hotels, office space, condominiums and apartments.

The Watergate Complex © Dave Newman | Dreamstime.com

Meanwhile, one of the city’s most spellbinding landmarks, The Watergate Hotel, is undergoing a $125 million renovation. A grand reopening this summer will unveil glamorous new interiors designed by Ron Arad, who chose furnishings by Italian designer Moroso to complement the structure’s architecture, created in 1961 by Luigi Moretti. Along with a sumptuous whiskey bar, spa, meeting space and fine-dining venues, the property will boast 340 luxurious guestrooms with the majority offering views of the Potomac.

Whether or not the modern urban metropolis envisioned back in 1791 by D.C.’s original architect and visionary, Pierre L’Enfant, included flashy streetcars and legendary hotels, there’s no question current developments will have a positive impact on how both residents and visitors experience this dynamic city.

SCENIC DRIVES

Barely an hour from the city, Maryland’s Frederick County offers a scenic route leading to several of the state’s historic covered bridges. Follow George Washington Memorial Parkway North to I-495 North, exiting onto I-270 North to the town of Frederick. Stop in at the Visitor Center at 151 S. East St. to pick up a map leading to the Roddy Road, Loy’s Station and Utica Mills bridges. Pause in the small town of Thurmont for lunch at Fitzgerald’s Shamrock Restaurant for Brie and crab puffs or steamed wild littleneck clams, and then peruse the collection of shops located along historic Main Street.

Just beyond the narrow borders of the District, roads lead to some of the East Coast’s most enduringly beautiful drives, including Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Cross into Virginia on I-66 heading west, exiting onto U.S. Highway 29 South toward Warrenton, and then follow U.S. 211 West to the Shenandoah National Park entrance at Thornton Gap (about 72 miles). Drive slowly and savor views of the Blue Ridge Mountains through this 105-mile stretch of National Scenic Byway. Total travel time along the Byway, without stops, is three hours — but be sure to pull over at a few of the numerous scenic overlooks. Even better: Stretch your legs on the hike to Dark Hollow Falls near Milepost 51, about 1.4 miles roundtrip.