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| | | Back on the Hill | | May 15, 2009 | | | | Voice Correspondent | | Barracks Row Main Street’s new executive director has a hands-on management style that fits well with the Hill’s burgeoning vitality. James Dalpee answers the doorbell at the group’s office at 733 1/2 8th St. with a laundry list of ongoing projects he’s overseeing, and a bag of trash to take to the Dumpster.
Walking up the block for a quick cup of coffee, 32-year-old Dalpee catalogs every little change — a new planting here, a tidied-up storefront there — in a landscape that has transformed dramatically in the last 10 years.
Dalpee has good reason to note these changes. He’s a hometown boy, raised just around the corner from his new work digs, schooled within a few blocks of the Marine Barracks. He’s grown up with 8th Street, watching the once-beleaguered strip raise itself up to a glittering standard.
“I remember what it used to be like,” Dalpee recalls. “I went away to college and I didn’t see it for a while, and one day I came back and it was completely different. I was completely shocked. It was a big surprise — obviously a good surprise.”
Dalpee translated that excitement into a career with the Main Street Program, an initiative overseen by The National Trust For Historic Preservation, aimed at revitalizing downtown shopping districts in communities around the country. Putting to good use a recent master of business administration degree from Portland State University, Dalpee sees limitless possibilities in Barracks Row’s renaissance.
“We’re continuing the beautification of the street, and maintenance of the streetscape,” in cooperation with the government agencies, Dalpee says. “We’re continuing to promote the street and trying to create buzz about it. We just had the Taste of 8th; it’s one of our promotional events. It was
overwhelmingly successful — we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout.”
Just a few weeks into his new position, Dalpee, who replaced acting director Louis Wassel, is still settling in, but his vision is firmly locked on the future.
“Our next big promotional event is Oktoberfest, and we’ve already started working on that,” he says. “I’m excited about getting out there and talking to business owners and property owners, and seeing what kind of things they need, and seeing how Barracks Row can fit into helping them with those needs.”
Further down the road, Dalpee has a singular take on Barracks Row’s place in the community.
“I have a strong focus on environmental sustainability and social responsibility, and how you can incorporate those things into the business world. One of the projects that DC Main Streets is working on now — not just Barracks Row — they’re working on putting together a workshop around green restaurant practices.”
“Encouraging people to go to local businesses is a sustainable practice, ” he says. “Walk to the local store rather than get in the car and go to the shopping mall.” | | | | | Log in to comment on this article |
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