OUR HISTORY
A Legacy of Community. A Future Opportunity.
Since 1969, the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) has worked to create opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and support economic growth in Washington, DC's East of the River communities.
Our story is one of vision, partnership, perseverance, and progress. From attracting businesses and supporting entrepreneurs to advancing affordable housing and neighborhood development, AEDC has worked to help build a stronger foundation for the communities we serve.
But our history is about more than buildings and development projects. It is about the people, businesses, families, and partnerships that make a community thrive. Explore our journey, discover the milestones that shaped our work, and see how our legacy continues to inspire the future.
WHERE OUR STORY BEGINS
A vision for economic opportunity
In 1969, the organization that would become AEDC was established as the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide technical assistance and attract and retain businesses in its target communities.
At a time when economic opportunity and commercial investment were critical community priorities, EDC set out to help local businesses establish themselves, strengthen neighborhood commerce, and expand economic opportunities east of the Anacostia River and south of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
The organization later adopted the name Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), reflecting its commitment to community-based economic development. What began as a mission to support local businesses grew into a broader commitment to neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, commercial development, and long-term community investment.
The mission remains rooted in the same belief: when communities have access to opportunity, they have greater potential to thrive.
OUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADES
Every decade brought new challenges, partnerships, and opportunities. Explore the milestones that helped shape AEDC and its impact on the region.
1969–1979 | Laying the Foundation
Building the foundation for local business growth.
AEDC's earliest work focused on attracting and retaining businesses in Anacostia and the surrounding East of the River communities. Also, since 1974, AEDC has supported local entrepreneurs through its Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
During this period, the organization helped bring new retail businesses to the area, including Alexander Pope's Funeral Home, Dick Abel's His and Her Clothing Shop, Whiting's Boat Dealership, and 4 Guys Supermarket.
These early efforts established a foundation for AEDC's continued work to strengthen neighborhood commerce and expand economic opportunity.
The impact: Helping local businesses find a place in the community and supporting a stronger neighborhood economy
1980–1990 | Expanding the Vision
From local business support to larger development opportunities.
As AEDC's work evolved, the organization expanded its involvement in real estate development, strategic partnerships, and community initiatives.
Key milestones included:
~ The Portals: AEDC became involved through a development partnership connected to the major mixed-use development in Southwest Washington, DC.
~ Knox Hill Village: AEDC and its partners participated in the development of 109 affordable townhomes in the Buena Vista Terrace area of Far Southeast DC.
~ District Cablevision: An AEDC subsidiary invested in the effort to establish cable television service in the District.
~ Anacostia Coordinating Council: AEDC helped establish this community organization to advance local priorities, including efforts related to the Anacostia Metro Green Line station.
The impact: AEDC and AHC joined the Knox Hill Village Limited Partnership to develop 109 affordable semi-detached and detached town homes in the Buena Vista Terrace area of Far Southeast.
1991–2001 | Creating Lasting Opportunities
Investing in businesses, housing, and the next generation.
During the 1990s, AEDC pursued projects designed to strengthen commercial activity, expand housing opportunities, and support educational advancement.
Notable accomplishments included:
~ Good Hope Marketplace: AEDC secured land for the development of a shopping center featuring a Safeway supermarket and additional retail businesses.
~ Boiling View Apartments: AEDC partnered to acquire and renovate an apartment complex, with an initial focus on transitional housing and subsequent renovations and residential leasing.
~ Business development: AEDC supported the establishment of ORB Technologies, LP, a computer manufacturing venture that obtained Small Business Administration 8(a) certification.
~ AEDC Scholarship Foundation: The organization established a foundation to provide four-year college scholarships to graduates of Anacostia and Ballou Senior High Schools.
The impact: Connecting economic development with housing, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunity.
2002–2021 | Strengthening the Community Through Partnership
Bringing businesses, institutions, and neighborhood development together.
AEDC continued to support commercial revitalization through partnerships and initiatives intended to attract investment and strengthen Anacostia's business environment.
Key milestones included:
~ Anacostia Gateway: AEDC participated in the development of a 63,000-square-foot office building that brought the District's Department of Housing and Community Development and other tenants to Anacostia.
~ Anacostia Business Improvement District: AEDC initiated the formation of the Anacostia Business Improvement District, which received District government approval in 2012.
~ Main Street Anacostia: AEDC helped establish Main Street Anacostia, Inc., supporting the organization's early operations and its acceptance into the District's Main Street program.
~ Randle Highlands Manor: AEDC managed a partnership that developed ten townhomes sold to first-time homeowners.
~ St. Elizabeths East: AEDC partnered with Flaherty & Collins Properties on a proposed affordable rental housing development at the historic St. Elizabeths East Campus.
The impact: Advancing neighborhood investment through commercial development, affordable housing initiatives, and collaboration with public and private partners.
TODAY & BEYOND | Continuing the Legacy
Honoring our history while building what comes next.
AEDC's legacy provides a foundation for continued work in community and economic development. The needs of our neighborhoods continue to evolve, and so do the opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Through small business assistance, resource connections, development partnerships, and community engagement, AEDC works to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, strengthen businesses, and explore pathways to growth.
Our future depends on collaboration among residents, business owners, community organizations, government agencies, and the next generation of leaders.
Our commitment: To continue connecting people with resources, strengthening local economic opportunities, and supporting the long-term vitality of the communities we serve.
OUR IMPACT IS OUR LEGACY.
The true measure of AEDC's history is not simply what has been built. It is the opportunities created, the partnerships formed, and the potential for future generations to thrive.
From the local businesses that helped establish our foundation to the development initiatives that expanded our reach, every chapter reflects an ongoing commitment to community progress.
Our history tells us where we started. Our community reminds us why we continue. And our future is shaped by what we build together.
