(Washington, DC) — The District of Columbia’s Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) had a lot to do with the quick completion of a $22 million renovation of Eastern Market after a fire partially damaged the market in April 2007. Eastern Market was recently reopened for the community to enjoy and vendors to resume business.

CBEs are District-based businesses that meet the criteria of the Department of Small and Local Business Development’s certification program. The District directs spending to these DC-based businesses that support and contribute to job creation and the city tax base, which in turn results in a much stronger local economy.

Many CBEs worked on the Eastern Market project. At its grand reopening on June 26, Mayor Fenty said, “We worked as hard as humanly possible to not only restore and improve the market, but to do so as fast as we possibly could.”

The oldest continually operating market in the District, Eastern Market now has modern heating and air conditioning systems, free Wi-Fi internet access, new restrooms and sprinklers, a new fire monitoring system operates, and access ramps. The skylights and chimneys have been restored and new windows have been installed that protect against ultraviolet (UV) light. To reduce energy costs, the interior lights can be dimmed to adjust to days of sufficient natural light.

A new pottery studio is now located in the basement. The North Hall includes a movable stage and gallery walls, a demountable dance floor, and theatrical lighting, making it attractive for community use. A new slate roof has been put down on both the North and South Halls, and the South Hall has tinted windows that provide additional protection for perishable food items.

The renovation process was a collaborative effort among many businesses, including the following CBE’s:

Business Name	Business Activity	CBE Designations	Ward
Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered	Civil Engineering Firm	LBE	2
Forney Enterprises, Inc.	General Contractor	LBE, SBE, DBE, DZE, ROB	5
Grotheer & Company	Mech/Elec./Plumbing Engineering Firm	LBE, SBE	2
J's Drywall, Inc.	Subcontractor	LBE, SBE, DZE	5
Magnolia Plumbing	Subcontractor	LBE	5
Quinn Evans/Architects, Inc.	Primary Architectural Firm	LBE, SBE	2
The Temple Group, Inc.	Construction Management Firm	LBE	2
BMD, Inc.	Subcontractor	LBE, SBE, DBE, DZE	5
Clean City	Subcontractor	LBE, SBE, DZE	5
Fort Myer Construction Company	Subcontractor	LBE, LRB	5
Keystone Plus Construction Corporation	Subcontractor	LBE, SBE, DBE	2
CTI/D.C., Inc.	Subcontractor	LBE, DZE	6
Maurice Electrical Supply	Subcontractor	LBE, DZE	5