Community Partnerships

Historic Medallion Project

Historic medallion imageThe DCCA Medallion Program recognizes and honors historic properties in Dupont Circle. Beautiful bronze medallions are offered to approved owners of homes and commercial properties in Dupont Circle’s four historic neighborhoods. The purpose of this program is to promote the historical character of Dupont Circle while recognizing those historic properties which accurately reflect the architecture of the period in which they were built.

The green, patinized bronzed medallions, each weighing six pounds, are nine inches tall and eight inches wide. Two versions of the medallions are available depicting, in bas-relief, either a rendition of the entire Dupont Circle fountain or a close-up of the allegorical figure, Wind, symbolized on the fountain. Each medallion will be inscribed with the year the property was built.

Owners of residences and commercial properties within Dupont Circle boundaries which were built before 1930 and which have not been altered on the front facade are invited to apply. Each medallion will be leased for a one-time contribution of $125.00 for single family residences and $250.00 for multi-family or commercial properties. The contribution is tax deductible. An architectural historian reviews applicant properties and inspects exterior facades.

An application form, which provides detailed information and criteria for qualifying properties, is available from DCCA by calling (202) 265-DCCA., or by writing to the Dupont Circle Citizens Association, c/o Medallion Program, P.O. Box 73616, Washington, DC 20056-3616.

Scoop

Scoop program imageScoop, The Dog, is a welcome visitor to any event in D.C. but we are proud to say that he is one of us. He can be seen at various events reminding people to keep our sidewalks and parks clean by scooping the poop of our dogs! His infamous picture can be seen on "SCOOP" signs around the neighborhood, which are white, black and red baked enamel on heavy gauge aluminum measuring 10" wide by 13" high with 3/8" dia. mounting holes on 12" vertical centers. They are available over the counter in the Washington, DC area in limited quantities as a public service from:

  • True Value Hardware on 17th
    1623 - 17th Street, NW – 462-3146
  • Logan Hardware
    1416 P Street, NW – 265-8900
  • Glover Park Hardware
    2251 Wisconsin Avenue, NW – 333-6378"

Invitations for Scoop’s participation in events should be sent to Phil Carney at 202-462-2776 who coordinates Scoop’s schedule.

Go Fly A Kite with Scoop!

Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets Project

Historic Main Streets sign imageIn May of 2003, Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (HDCMS) was awarded a Main Street grant from the mayor's reStore DC program. The mission of this project is to make Dupont Circle’s commercial corridors economically healthy, improve the quality of life for residents, and reflect the community’s pride and history. The five-year program will be guided by the following goals:

  • Incubate new small businesses that serve the neighborhood
  • Enhance our sense of community
  • Increase public safety
  • Beautify our parks and commercial corridors

Four main committees work together to achieve our goals: Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Development. For more information or if anyone is interested in helping, contact the Executive Director, Morgan Zehner, at 202-441-1474, execdirector@dupontcircle.biz or visit the website at www.dupontcircle.biz.

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Dupont Circle Village

The concept of a “Village,” (helping neighbors remain in their homes as they age) was first introduced a year ago with a series of home meetings throughout the neighborhood.   Next, a core of volunteers explored the areas of membership development, community outreach and fundraising.  At the same time, legal issues including tax exempt status, insurance and vetting of volunteers were investigated.  A data base of volunteer prospects and persons in need of service was compiled.  

The Dupont Circle Village is now incorporated as a non-profit in the District of Columbia and has applied for tax-exempt designation.  Officers have been elected and a seven-member Board of Directors has been created.  Committees have been formed to cover areas as volunteers, membership, and fund raising.  The Village received a start-up grant from the Dupont Circle Citizens Association and has applied for a matching grant from ANC2B.  Many Dupont Circle residents have already responded with financial support for our pilot effort.

In the last few weeks fourteen potential volunteers have been interviewed and been approved to provide service.  They are being paired with older residents who have requested help in the areas of   transportation to and from appointments, handyman and computer assistance.  Plans are underway to start offering services to this first small group before the end of the year.  Experience gained from this “soft launch” will help form the basis for a long-term program which will be implemented next year.

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Art On Call Project

Call Box project imageProud winner of:
District of Columbia 2006 Mayor's Awards for Excellence
in Historic Preservation/
Excellence in Community Involvement

The Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) and the Dupont Circle Conservancy (DCC) Art On Call project has been an exciting way for local artists, individuals and businesses to contribute to the enhancement of our streetscape and to the enjoyment of those visiting Washington’s Dupont Circle.

The police and fire call boxes in Washington, installed in the 1860s, became obsolete and were abandoned in the 1970’s with the introduction of the 911 emergency system. The “Art on Call” citywide initiative includes more than 35 neighborhood organizations that are working with residents, artists, and historians to raise funds and develop creative ways to use the boxes in their areas to celebrate Washington D.C.’s history and the historic police and fire call boxes. Dupont Circle has 22 boxes that DCCA/DCC have refurbished and that are now on display.

For more information: Marilyn Newton at MarilynSNewton@cs.com or visit the web site at www.DupontCircleCallBox.com.

Mayor's Award
In 2003, the Historic Preservation Office launched the Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation. This award honors significant contributions made by individuals, organizations, and businesses promoting historic preservation in the District of Columbia. To find out more about the Mayor's Award visit Mayor's Award.

Dupont Circle Art On Call Project Committee Members with DC Mayor, Anthony Williams at the awards ceremony in October, 2006, (left to right) Gil Hill, James H. Mears, Laura Brower (Cultural Tourism DC), Phil Carney, Gerald Allan Schwinn, Marilyn Newton (Chair), Michael Beidler

  Dupont Conservancy

Please visit www.dupontcircleconservancy.org for more information.