This Is Deanwood
- Greer Jackson
- Jan 25, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2019
In the far northeastern edge of Washington, DC, lies a neighborhood with strong African-American origins. This is Deanwood.
History: Prior to urban development which began circa 1871, Deanwood was a collection of slave plantations. African-American families found it favourable to live here, particularly because there were no segregation laws regarding housing. These families built up a community that became self-sufficient, even in the face of ostracism and monopolization of resources by whites. Historical landmarks include the Benning Race Track and the Strand Theater.
'I grew up here. It's a resilient neighborhood that just decided it was going to be self-reliant , because it wasn't getting services from the government'
- Shelly Karriem
Director of the Academy of Construction and Design at the IDEA Public Charter School
Boundaries and Location: Deanwood is bordered by Kenilworth Avenue to the northwest, Division Avenue to the southeast, Nanni Helen Borroughs Avenue to the south and Eastern Avenue to the northeast. Beyond these borders, one can find neighborhoods such as Lincoln Heights, Burrville, and Eastland Gardens.
Closest Metro Stop: Deanwood Station on Minnesota Avenue. It is accessible on the orange line of the Washington Metro.
Size: 2 square miles
Population: 13,913
Median Income: $38,948
Claims to fame: Deanwood is the birthplace of Marvin Gaye, and was once home to prominent women's rights activist Nannie Hellen Burroughs and civic leader Howard Woodson.
Challenges: Main challenges include rising real estate prices as well as lack of sufficient grocery facilities to satisfy the community.
'On this side [of the river] over here, we don't have a lot of supermarkets like they do east of the river. Now we have one supermarket in this area and that's about run down so bad , it's not up to standards like you really want to go in there and buy food.'
- Johnny Ferguson
Volunteer, Deanwood Community Center Senior Program
Advisory Neighborhood Commission: 7C
Police Service Area Designation: 602 (Sixth District Police)
Ward and Community Meeting Schedule: Ward meetings for ANC 7C are held on the second Thursday of every month (with the exception of July, August and December). Times for these meetings may vary. Additionally, the Deanwood Citizen's Association holds community meetings on the 4th Monday of every month (with the exception of August and December), at 6:30 p.m.
Key Leaders: ANC Commissioner Antawan Holmes; President of the Deanwood Citizen's Association Nia Bess; Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray.
Key Churches: Deanwood is home to a plethora of churches, including popular ones such as First Baptist Deanwood, Antioch Baptist Church, Peace Fellowship Church, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.
Businesses and other organizations: NextGen Consulting Inc, U-CAN Multicultural Marketing Group, L.L.C, Nastons Construction . Dave Brown's Liquors is a community staple, having existed there for over 50 years. There are a few non-profit organisations such as the Washington East Foundation.
Schools: Ron Brown High School, H.D. Woodson High School, IDEA Public Charter School.
Recent Trends: Gentrification: several new housing projects planned by developers such as the Warrenton Group will repurpose land around the Deanwood Metro Station, Kenilworth Courts and Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue , among other places. These have attracted many white, affluent singles and couples.
Future Outlook: Deanwood is likely to see many more neighborhood revitalization programs that offer modern housing and retail spaces. Though it was rated as one of the 'hottest neighborhoods in the country for affordable residential living' by Redfin in 2017, rising prices will be a problem for low-income families.
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