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Our mission is to preserve and restore the diverse, historic environment of Shaw's 7th and 9th Street commercial corridors, offering residents and visitors a better place to live, work, shop, play, and pray.

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel Bowser, Mayor.   The organization was established in May 2003 in response to a community push for a holistic approach to achieving commercial revitalization along 7th and 9th Streets. Shaw Main Streets began serving businesses in an expanded area, from 6th Street to 10th Street, NW, in 2011, and oficially expanded its service area to 11th Street, NW in 2019, with its northern boundary at Barry Place, NW and Florida Avenue.

What do people say about Shaw Main Streets?
 

 “The level of support that Shaw Main Streets has provided is far more than I expected. I hoped that the neighborhood would patronize my businesses, but I'm so proud to have had the community choose two of my businesses as Best New Shaw Business of the Year. I'm really happy that I chose to open my custom clothing and shoe and bag repair shops here in Shaw. Thank you, Shaw Main Streets.”

Cheryl A. Lofton
Owner, Cheryl A. Lofton & Associates and A Divine Shine
(established in Shaw in 2006 and 2010, respectively)

“In 2009, we determined we needed a larger space to accommodate a change in our business plan. We seriously considered moving out of the Shaw area, but Shaw Main Streets worked with us to identify a building that would suit our needs, facilitated negotiations with our new landlord, and advised and aided us in designing our storefront. Our new gallery space is lauded as being unique and chic, and we have experienced unprecedented success since the move. We have Shaw Main Streets to thank for helping us realize our potential as DC’s premier gallery and event space.”

Andrew Porterfield
Director, Long View Gallery
(relocated within Shaw in 2009)

 “The credit worthiness of each individual should be judged on merit, not race, sex, age or country of origin” were the words of Bill Fitzgerald, founder and first president of our Bank. As a community bank, moving our main office from Connecticut Avenue and becoming part of the community at 9th & N Streets, NW, has definitely established Independence Federal Savings Bank as a viable community banking institution in Shaw. Shaw Main Streets has been instrumental in helping us to develop relationships with
both residents and businesse
s.”

Robert Isard
President, Independence Federal Savings Bank
(opened in Shaw in July 2009)

Map of Our Service Area: