The Lot at 4th and M St. SW Gets a Makeover

Over late summer and early fall, SWBID gave The Lot a cheerful new look, making it even more welcoming and lively.

Local artist Julie Kagan kicked things off by painting colorful picnic tables and matching planters inspired by the spirit of the farmers’ market, creating a more cohesive environment through color and pattern. With swirls, juicy tomatoes, and festive fruit, her designs capture the fun, flavor, and community love that The Lot represents.

To brighten things up even more, we added strings of spinning pinwheels that dance in the breeze, bringing pops of color and playful movement to the space.

Adding to the transformation, Gabi from Capitol Hill Troop 500 partnered with SWBID for her Eagle Scout Project, leading the creation of a pollinator garden along M Street beside The Lot. Gabi designed the garden, selected native flowering plants, and coordinated volunteers to turn an unused patch of ground into a thriving home for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Pollinator gardens like this one support biodiversity and strengthen our local ecosystem—and we’re thrilled to see new green spaces blossoming in Southwest for everyone to enjoy.

The Lot’s refresh is just one example of how small changes can make a significant impact and create opportunities for artists, and it prompts us to think about how we can use art as a tool for community connections. With fresh art, color, and greenery, we’re proud to keep creating spaces that bring neighbors together and celebrate Southwest.