Focus On: Ward Five

Historic, beautiful and eclectic, Ward 5 is comprised of more than 25 neighborhoods. From Brookland and Michigan Park to Fort Lincoln and University Heights, Ward 5 is a diverse cluster of neighborhoods, commercial corridors and institutional uses. Hospitals, colleges and universities provide the ward with a large daytime population as well as a diverse student population.

In September 2004, Ward 5 celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art school, McKinley Technology High School. Each of the classrooms in the school has been outfitted for Internet and broadcast uses, while the five chemistry laboratories feature modern instruments and fixtures. The $85 million renovation project will hold 800 students by 2006 and will serve as a satellite site for technology courses for the University of the District of Columbia.

Economic development in Ward 5 is flourishing; the ward is home to XM Satellite Radio, Home Depot and two new Bank of America branches. Soon, the ward will welcome Costco, Starbucks, Wal-Mart and Harris Teeter. Adding to the economic development success of the ward will be the development of the Rhode Island Metro Station and McMillan Reservoir by NCRC.

Council member Vincent Orange has served the neighborhoods of Ward 5 since being elected in1998. Strengthening economic development to the ward, the Council member has developed the Ward 5 Job Fair, where representatives from the business, technology, retail, government, health, real estate and insurance industries interviewed and have hired Ward 5 residents “on-the-spot.”

This issue of the Capital Columns On-Line will feature Ward 5’s Washington Gateway Retail Center, The Shops at Rhode Island Place, Brookland House and Capitol Overlook.

To learn more about Ward 5 and Council member Orange, visit his website