On its eastern side, the residents are almost all black, unemployment is high and people struggle to maintain the pleasant neighborhoods that lie behind decaying commercial corridors. Resident historian Ruth Ann Overbeck said the battle to preserve and restore the 8,000 historic buildings in the area is exhausting. They offer a people scale in a city of monuments. We are a focus and an anchor in the nation's capital. The historic district is also an economic engine, said Patrick Lally, a lobbyist for New York City who lives on Capitol Hill.
People flock to places that have charm.
There are big-time bucks to be made. Eastern Market, which dates from the 19th century and is the last continually operating fresh food market in the city, draws people to Capitol Hill. Inside are fresh meats, poultry and fish. Outside, on weekends, craftspeople and artists display their wares. When Paola Cuiati moved to Capitol Hill two years ago, she said she bought furniture and carpets at the market.