Community Corner

Team Behind Ice Rink Awarded for Community Leadership

The Georgetown Business Improvement District recognized outstanding work within the community at their annual meeting Tuesday.

At an annual meeting Tuesday, the Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) recognized the contributions to Georgetown by individuals and businesses— from a developer at the center of a re-birth for the Washington Harbour to a street team member who works in all weather to keep Georgetown clean.

The BID gave out its first ever Community Leadership Award to MRP for its leading role in the .

The 11,800-square-foot ice rink opened in November 2012 and brought in 46,000 visitors during its first season, more than twice what was initially expected.

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Joe Sternlieb, CEO of the Georgetown BID, praised MRP for changing a "wind-swept, baron" area in the winter into a vibrant and family-friendly destination.

Sternlieb said the changes at the waterfront were "transformative" to not just Georgetown, but to the city.

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's really helped bring Georgetown into the city again in ways that I don't even think MRP necessarily thought was going to happen when they first sat down and talked about it," said Sternlieb.

Bob Murphy, managing principal of MRP Realty, accepted the first-ever award on behalf of his team.

Murphy said one of their goals upon buying the property was to get rid of the "seasonality" of the Harbour.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the results," said Murphy.

He said the support and feedback MRP received from the community made the renovations a "collaborative effort" and "positive experience."

The BID also recognized Andrew Gill as Ambassador of the Year for his work on the Block by Block team, which keeps Georgetown's commercial area clean and maintained.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that works for the BID and works for Block by Block. I can't do this without you guys, I appreciate all your help out here on the streets," said Gill to a round of applause.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here