A Path Towards Streateries 2.0

The Georgetown BID is working towards developing a new model of streateries that would have the potential to significantly improve the look and function of the streetscape, while also helping to address some of the most frequent complaints. As described at the December ANC, the organization is moving towards instituting a pilot along Wisconsin Ave. to try out this new model. While the details are still being worked out, and I have no specific images or schematics to share, I can share generally what the model would be and why it would be such an improvement.

With a few notable exceptions, the main streatery model in Georgetown involves what you see above. Namely, there is a faux-wood decking that extends the sidewalk at grade into the street and a large Jersey barrier surrounds the extension. Moreover, the “use” of the streatery takes place on the streatery itself; i.e. the dining tables, or seating, or bike parking, etc., happens on the decking, not the sidewalk.

Several elements of this design have drawn the bulk of the complaints surrounding streateries. First, the Jersey barriers have drawn the most complaints. Even those who like the Streateries do not generally like the look of the barriers. Second, the faux-wood decking also draws complaints, either due to them being damaged or due to their plasticy appearance. Finally, some have also complained about the restaurant tables being across the sidewalk from the restaurants themselves.

The new model would address all those complaints.

I have no images to share, but let me describe in words how this new design would appear. First, instead of the faux-wood decking, the extension would utilize brick or granite elements to be consistent with the appearance of the sidewalks themselves. Second, the Jersey barriers would be replaced with bollards with a historic look (like what you see around the White House). Finally, the restaurant tables and chairs would be pulled against the building itself. (This is the approach for Yellow and Lutece and I think it has been successful.)

In the end, they wouldn’t technically be “streateries” anymore. They’d be normal sidewalk cafe’s with a more pleasant sidewalk extension next to it.

This is all easy to describe with a few sentences, but the logistics are extremely more complicated. Stormwater needs to be managed. Utilities need to be accessible. The bollards need to be removable. And on and on. Those are the details that the BID and its contractor are working through. But I am hopeful that they will get there.

The plan is to try out this model as a pilot at a couple places on Wisconsin, namely the area around Wisconsin and O. This location has a number of restaurants (and restaurants to be) and would be the perfect spot to demonstrate how Streateries 2.0 could work.

Like I said, there is still a lot of work before the plan can even be formally presented, let alone constructed. With luck, we will be able to see the work later this year, but in either event, I wanted people to know that a better model is coming.