Spending some time with the 17th Streetscape

Michael encouraged me to attend a public forum on the proposed 17th Streetscape.

I have limited exposure to both the project, and to residing in Washington, DC. I have visited 17th Street many times over the past 10 years and found it so unique among vital neighborhoods that I have known. With that perspective, the ideas presented brought with them some feelings.

First, I am pretty impressed with the plans as they seek to highlight the vitality of this street, and snapped some photos which demonstrate this. There is a plan to add some color in the form of a colored strip of tile that will parallel the street. In addition, some helpful work on trees that will be sustainable will happen, and a novel plan to include LED signage over the street.

I began to think about what this street is, though, and what it means. It has been home to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, who have celebrated life and death. It continues to feed the emotions and stomachs of a population that struggles in its identity and for its health every day. As an example, there is a specialized pharmacy right next to one of the most popular bars.

I then began to think of the most thoughtful approaches to respecting the work of this community in other cities, such as:

Chicago, with its brand new Center on Halstead and the Halstead neighborhood in general, that highlights the achievement of GLBT leaders through its architecture.

Then there’s the Homomonument in Amsterdam, which “commemorates all gay men and lesbians who have been subjected to persecution because of their homosexuality”. I have stood in that square and remember the feeling of recognition and remembrance.

There’s Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, recently re-commissioned as a historical monument to one of that communities great LGBT leaders.

I also thought about the work that has been done on U Street, with Heritage Trail Signs, and signs proudly proclaiming the presence of Meridian Hill - Malcolm X Park. What presence should the new 17th Street Proclaim?

I understand that parks are not in scope for this project. At the same time, I ask the question - how would a person be aware that this street and community are home to some of the bravest people in our culture, at times forgotten in life, and in death? How could a streetscape identify the character of the community’s residents in a recognizable way, and beyond the fact that they throw a big party or two every year. What about the daily contribution the residents make to equality for all?

As Michael and I discussed this over lunch, he mentioned the work of Frank Kameny to me. Is Mr. Kameny the equivalent of Seattle’s Cal Anderson.

How would we think of remembering his contribution and everyone who came after him as we apply jackhammers to concrete?