Help Name New Space Resulting from FL/NY Ave NE Intersection Redesign

The reconfiguration of the Florida Avenue/New York Avenue NE intersection, often referred to as the “Virtual Circle” or “Dave Thomas Circle,” is scheduled to begin later this year. This intersection has been a chronic challenge for the District for generations.

In addition to improving safety and navigation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, this project will improve the overall experience for everyone by bringing three new public spaces to the area immediately adjacent to the intersection. In advance of the delivery of these new spaces, the NoMa Business Improvement District (NoMa BID) is partnering with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and inviting members of the community to suggest one overall name for the trio of new public spaces.

“We are excited about the new public spaces coming forward with the redesign of Dave Thomas Circle, and we look forward to the great ideas the community shares that capture the vibrancy and vitality of the corridor,” said Everett Lott, Director, District Department of Transportation

“The redesign of the Florida Avenue/New York Avenue NE intersection will transform the current space to make it safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, while also creating more than one acre of green space for the benefit of the community,” said Maura Brophy, President & CEO of the NoMa BID. “We invite the public to submit naming suggestions for this new urban green space in NoMa that will include trees, plants, planters, seating, and public art.”

Between April 17 and June 25, 2023, the public can submit a name recommendation for the trio of new spaces coming to NoMa by completing an online survey at www.NameThisNoMaSpace.org. Surveys can also be requested by mail. Please call 202-289-0111 and provide name and mailing address to request a printed copy be sent via the U.S. Postal Service. All surveys returned by mail must be postmarked by June 25, 2023.

Following this first round of nominations, a selection of four to five names will be presented for a community vote so the public can state preferences for a preferred name. The community’s vote will become the basis for the final naming recommendation for this trio of new public spaces to be submitted to both the DC Council and Mayor. Together, they will enact legislation to officially name the spaces.

For more details about the reconfiguration of the Florida Avenue/NY Avenue NE Intersection and the new public spaces that will be delivered through this DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) project, please visit https://www.floridaaveproject.com/florida-avenew-york-ave-intersection.

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About NoMa BID

The NoMa Business Improvement District (BID) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to be a steward and champion of the neighborhood of NoMa. The NoMa BID encompasses 35 blocks just north of Union Station in Northeast Washington, DC. The NoMa BID is among the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Washington, DC, and is comprised of more than 27 million square feet of new development, with more than 13 million additional square feet of mixed used development planned. There are more than 42,000 households within a ½ mile radius of the BID, who are served by the amenities in the commercial core of NoMa. The area is supported by unparalleled public transportation access with two Red Line Metro stations, and VRE, MARC and Amtrak connections at Union Station. The “Walkscore” for the neighborhood is 92, and the neighborhood has 22 LEED-certified and Energy Star buildings. For more information, visit nomabid.org and sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Twitter (@NoMaBID), Instagram (@noma.bid) and LinkedIn (/noma-business-improvement-district) and like us on Facebook (/NoMaBID).