Vote Now: Shaw Neighborhood In DC Vies For Cash In National Geographic Contest

WASHINGTON, DC — The Shaw neighborhood in D.C. has found itself in the running for a nationwide contest that could offer the winner a much needed shot in the arm. Among the 25 projects is the facade of a historic building constructed in 1881 in the Shaw neighborhood.

The winners of the nationwide content, hosted by National Geographic, will win grants up to $150,000. That is a big chunk change for such a project.

"The neighborhood of Shaw is on the rise," reads a statement from National Geographic. "With your help, the restoration of an 1881 building’s historic facade will turn a hidden treasure into a gem in the middle of a neighborhood undergoing an incredible transformation."

The contest, which got started Monday morning, lists 25 projects from cities across the nation that are vying for funding to preserve or improve theaters, parks, landmarks and other venues in downtowns, historic neighborhoods and cultural districts. The program, called Partners in Preservation: Main Streets, is supported by American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America.

National Geographic is hosting the http://VoteYourMainStreet.org website, where the public may vote once a day for up to five projects through Oct. 31. Winners will be announced Nov. 2. The sites with the most votes will get grants of up to $150,000 each, with as many projects funded as possible from a pool of $1.5 million.

Patch editor Jeff Stacklin contributed to this report.

Image via National Geographic

Information for this story came from the Associated Press. Photos courtesy of Live6 Alliance.