Washington, DC’s H Street in Northeast was a thriving commercial corridor from 1849 until the 1968 riots. After decades of decline, City First partnered with a local visionary, Jane Lang, to redevelop the historic Atlas Theatre catalyzing the resurgence of the H Street community’s cultural and economic potency. The Atlas Performing Arts Center became the engine for transforming the H Street corridor. With its mission of community development, City First Bank became a stakeholder in the vision, contributing $19.9 million.
“City First came in at an early point, but at a prudent point, where it looked, like things were going to come together to create a vibrant community. They were the critical element at a critical moment,” explains Lang. The investment in the iconic art space was a bellwether for other investors along the corridor which is now experiencing a renaissance. “What I think it did was create an environment in which people could believe in the future,” says Lang.
The city government has responded to the economic and cultural vitality returning to this once thriving community by reestablishing a streetcar system. The former system operated from 1872 to 1949, bringing shoppers to DC’s first Sears and other department stores. While the streetcars have returned to H Street, the role of The Atlas Performing Arts Center illustrates that more than just infrastructure investments are required to lift up distressed neighborhoods.