Golden Triangle

Pennsylvania Avenue

Penn West: Where Washington Meets the World

While Pennsylvania Avenue east of the White House embodies the national role of Washington, D.C., Penn West has the potential to become a global destination highlighting the international status of the nation’s capital. Penn West should be the city’s hub of global activity and cultural celebration, and the model for urban sustainability and innovation.

Before: Penn Ave West of the White House

After: The Penn West Vision

What’s Happening

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) began developing the construction plans in late 2018 for the total redesign of Pennsylvania Avenue NW from 17th Street to Washington Circle. The plans build on the vision below that was created by a collaboration of public and private stakeholders brought together by the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District. The group included federal, local, and private sector officials representing 17 organizations.

DDOT has awarded a contract for Penn West construction, which is expected to begin in summer 2025. Visit the DDOT project webpage for the latest updates.

The Vision

Transportation Improvements

  • A half-mile of median-protected bike lanes extending the city’s bicycle network
  • Pedestrian crossing distances reduced up to 56%

Streetscape Improvements

  • New, uniform sidewalk materials for the full corridor
  • New street lights
  • Expanded plazas near the parks for sculptures, public gardens, café seating, international festivals and other special events
  • Four dedicated spaces for significant sculptural artworks

Landscaping Improvements

  • New 11-foot wide medians with irrigated planting beds
  • Over 14,000 square feet of custom landscaping with 5,000 new shrubs, perennials, and bulbs
  • 5,500+ square feet of rain gardens
  • Tree boxes double in size
  • 72% increase in the number of street trees

Project Area
Pennsylvania Avenue NW from 17th Street to Washington Circle

map updated3

Global Institutions Nearby

  • White House
  • World Bank
  • International Monetary Fund
  • International Finance Corporation
  • The George Washington University
  • U.S. Department of State
  • Embassies