Developers and architects play a crucial role in how urban spaces are constructed and used. The designs of public spaces and buildings ultimately can build community and impact how people socialize, gather, and work.
There is a renewed focus among architects and planners to design city communities that mix employment, housing, community, and retail space. These mixed-used smart neighborhoods as outlined by leading city planners in The Smart Growth Manual are bicycle and pedestrian friendly and ideally located near where people work, shop, and entertain.
This new urbanist design movement values reclaiming and renovating older buildings and constructing communities that are in close proximity to green outdoor spaces such as parks and public transportation. The goal of this approach is to build community in urban neighborhoods while also fostering good health and economic prosperity.
The Impact of Place and Community on Safety
According to Hanna Love in a recent report for the Brookings Institute, there are four key dimensions of community well-being that create a culture where people can thrive.
These include a place’s built environmental conditions, social environment, civic infrastructure, and economic health.
Love’s report finds that renovation of built environments — including buildings, lands, and lots — significantly reduces violent crime. Urban greening, access to public transportation, and nearby parks also are shown to create safer spaces.
Social connection can build community and boost safety and well-being, as well. Research indicates that access to restaurants, cafés, and community centers strengthen social cohesion.
The mere presence of community-based organizations in neighborhoods provides added safety as well. Sociological research finds that crime for every 100,000 people living in a city neighborhood is reduced by one percent for every community-centered organization located there.
Enhancing economic opportunity within neighborhoods reduces crime and increases safety, as well. Even historic architecture can add value to place and ultimately improve economic opportunity within cities.
Decades of Experience Building Community and Connection
We understand well the impact of green spaces, safe neighborhoods, and community-centered workplaces.
We also recognize and respond to change as it happens. We understand that the desire to come together and gather with others is an intrinsic human need and that everyone wins when we make inviting, welcoming places for people to work and live in.
Our founder and chairman Oliver T. Carr, Jr., comes from a family of builders and has been a leader in the development and rebirth of Washington, D.C. over the last several decades. He has developed over 11 million square feet of office, commercial, residential, and hotel properties in the metro Washington, D.C. area.
In 2016, Mr. Carr was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Urban Land Institute for his lifelong commitment to improving the Washington, D.C. community.
Mr. Carr also has managed more than 26 million square feet of commercial space in 12 markets across the continental United States.
Mr. Carr is always considering the impact that development has on community and remains invested in creating gathering places where people of all types can live, work, and thrive. Mr. Carr saved the historic Willard Hotel from demolition and has since transformed the hotel into one of the most prestigious destinations in greater Washington, D.C.
An inductee of the Washington Business Hall of Fame, Mr. Carr is a legend in the development sector, well-known for his commitment to building vibrant communities and his charitable and philanthropic endeavors. From funding the Bishop Walker School to serving on the board of The George Washington University, Mr. Carr’s vision of community has transformed Washington, D.C.
Our Centers: Gathering Places That Build Community
With the impact and importance of place in mind, Mr. Carr also has created our Centers that provide everything that busy business professionals need in one centralized location. Our Centers build community by providing private office, coworking spaces, conference and meeting rooms, event spaces, networking events, and spaces for informal networking.
Each of our Centers also includes access to on-site, high-end accommodations, fine dining, spa services, and more. Our Centers are strategically located in highly walkable, green neighborhoods with easy access to parks, museums, restaurants, bars, parking, and public transportation.
Our Centers are located in upscale, prestigious neighborhoods to ensure business professionals like you have everything needed to impress funders, clients, and colleagues and to attract and retain top-notch talent. All of our Centers also include white glove services — in our workplaces, hospitality and hotels, and event spaces.
In addition, each of our centers holds networking and community events, from chili cookoffs and networking luncheons to afternoon teas and more informal events. These networking events plug you into the broader business community to connect you with other business owners who may be able to help you grow and expand your company.
Instead of opting for a traditional office space rental where you may feel isolated or far removed from a broader community, consider working out of one of our Centers and join a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. Our Centers are designed to build community, foster good physical and mental health, and promote economic growth — and that benefits all of us.
Don’t miss “Building Community: How Coworking Spaces Are More Than a Just Place To Work.”
To schedule a tour at one of our centers, including The Willard Center, call us at (866) 982-5803.
