Sandlot Georgetown

Placemaking StrategyEconomic Development Strategy
Written By Gabriel Carter

Typology: Temporary Retail / Cultural Activation
Completion: 2021
Location: Washington, DC

Sandlot Georgetown was a pop-up public space activation launched in direct response to the dual crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and a national reckoning around racial and social injustice following the murder of George Floyd. Positioned in the heart of Georgetown, a neighborhood historically lacking in minority-owned business representation, the project transformed a vacant lot into a temporary outdoor venue that prioritized equity, visibility, and access.

Conceived as an equitable economic development strategy, the project created a platform for minority entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses in one of Washington DC’s most exclusive retail corridors. My work focused on early-stage concept visioning, site planning, and the development of renderings and visual assets used to secure critical partnerships and funding.

Through my design and strategy support, the client successfully secured a discounted site lease and funding from Uber Eats, which also provided a branded food truck. That food truck became a rotating platform for Black- and Brown-owned culinary businesses, allowing multiple vendors to engage new audiences in a high-visibility setting. The space also featured seating, shade structures, and curated programming, including music and small cultural events.

Sandlot Georgetown exemplified how intentional design and strategic public-private partnerships can foster inclusive economic participation and reimagine underutilized urban land for social impact. It also demonstrated the power of tactical urbanism to activate the built environment as a platform for justice and community healing.

Partners: SuiteNation, Eastbanc, Uber Eats, DC Deputy Mayor’s Office of Planning and Economic Development
Role Provided: Concept Visioning and Design, Fundraising Support, Renderings and Graphics

 
Gabriel Carter https://gdcarter.com
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