(Washington, DC) - On her first stop of ‘Scissors & Shovels Day,’ Mayor Bowser visited Uber’s newly opened office that serves as a hub for East Coast operations.
“Uber’s growth in the city and move into a larger office is great for the District and its tech community,” said Mayor Bowser. “Our residents have embraced the sharing economy, our tech scene is on the rise, and the District is a good place to do business. We are thrilled that Uber has planted it roots in DC, and we welcome them into their newly constructed office.”
Uber’s new space will become one of its largest offices outside of its San Francisco headquarters, and will be able to accommodate over 500 employees in the 55,000 square foot office.
“Uber is honored to call the District home and extremely proud to help expand transportation options and economic development throughout our communities,” said Rachel Holt, regional general manager of the East Coast at Uber. “Mayor Bowser’s leadership and continued support of innovation has tremendously contributed to our local success and helped solidify DC as Uber’s East Coast regional hub.”
‘Scissors & Shovels Day’ showcases the District’s progress in expanding economic opportunity across the city – through the ribbon cuttings of new businesses and affordable housing units, and the groundbreakings of future developments.
ADDITIONAL SCISSORS & SHOVELS DAY EVENTS:
11 am: Groundbreaking at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA
Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Charles Allen, and community leaders will break ground on the renovation of the historic Phyllis Wheatley YWCA in Ward 6. The renovated facility will include 84 permanent, supportive and affordable housing units for women in the heart of Shaw.
Location: 901 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
*Closest Metro: Shaw-Howard Metro Station*
1:30 pm: The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Commons Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Yvette Alexander, and community members will open a Ward 7 housing complex, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Commons, that includes 36 affordable housing units. Twelve of those will be set aside as permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing homelessness.
Location: 5010 Southern Ave, SE
*Bus Lines: U8, W4*
*Closest Metros: Benning Rd Metro Station and Capitol Heights Metro Station*
2:15 pm: Groundbreaking for Archer Park
Mayor Bowser, Councilmember LaRuby May and community members will break ground on the long-planned Archer Park development in Congress Heights. Archer Park, a WC Smith Development, will bring 190 affordable housing units to Ward 8.
Location: 1200 Mississippi Avenue, SE
*Closest Metro: Congress Heights Metro Station*
3 pm: Turning Natural Juice Bar Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Bowser, Councilmember LaRuby May, business owner Jerrie Evans, and community members will attend the ribbon cutting for Turning Natural Juice Bar. Evans grew up in Southeast, DC and is opening the second location of Turning Natural Juice Bar in Anacostia – right where the idea for Turning Natural all began nearly 15 years ago. Evans worked with the Department of Employment Services to hire 10 District residents for the DC location who will be paid above the minimum wage.
Location: 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE
*Closest Metro: Anacostia Metro Station*
3:45 pm: Groundbreaking at Kenilworth Recreation Center
Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Yvette Alexander, District officials and community members will break ground on a renovation and expansion of the Kenilworth Recreation Center and outdoor pool in Ward 7. The $17 million dollar renovation and expansion is scheduled to be completed late next year.
Location: 1300 44th Street, NE
*Closest Metro: Deanwood Metro Station*
4:30 pm: Sala Thai Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Bowser and Councilmember Yvette Alexander will attend the ribbon cutting of the Sala Thai Restaurant at the Park 7 Apartments in Ward 7. Sala Thai provides a sit-down restaurant option in an underserved neighborhood that is prime for new restaurants, amenities and residential services. Sala Thai features a local workforce with a specialty in customer service. This is a great example of a thriving small business in the District.
Location: 4020 Minnesota Avenue, NE
*Closest Metros: Minnesota Avenue Metro Station*