Capitol Hill has already seen developmental success in the form of the Barracks Row revitalization, and even greater ambitions are on the books thanks to Penn East Inc.

Penn East is a nonprofit organization of residents and local business owners with plans to develop Pennsylvania Avenue from Eighth Street SE to the Anacostia River.

“Pennsylvania Avenue is America’s Main Street,” said Jill Dowling, who was invited to join the board of directors for her work with Barracks Row. “And right now our little piece of it is languishing.”

Bolin Smart Associates has already completed an economic analysis of Pennsylvania Avenue as part of a grant provided by the city, and some sections of the avenue have already sprouted up in significant ways.

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“Fourteenth to Potomac is a huge site where they are building townhouses,” said Jim Myers, a neighborhood activist. “It’s probably the new skyline of the District.”

The site includes 250 condo units and hosts Hill East’s second grocery store, a necessary improvement since, according to Dowling, the grocery situation was so bad, some local residents found it easier to do their shopping in Virginia.

Historic preservation is also a large part of the proposed development, given that the historic capital extends through 13th Street SE.

In addition to a historical walking tour event planned for October, Penn East is also focused on police and fire call boxes used as public art and historical markers.

The organization held an open house Monday at Trusty’s Friendly Bar to answer questions, introduce its Web site and distribute its first business directory.

Mayoral and council candidates were invited to take a tour after the open house.

mmartin@dcexaminer.com