Congress Heights is a neighborhood in Southeast DC. Known for its rich Black heritage, cultural landmarks, close-knit community, and many green spaces, locals refer to the neighborhood as the “Soul of the City.” In partnership with Congress Heights residents, Champions Design worked to develop the name and visual identity for a long-awaited, multi-use development meant to serve as a “community within the community.”Logo, Identity, Motion With a name derived from the cross streets in the neighborhood, Sycamore & Oak spoke to the deep roots of the community and their vision for the future. A crown with three arches represents power for the wearer and can also evoke the cultural and aesthetic history of the “afro,” a hairstyle with African origins, popularized in the 60’s and 70’s as an expression of Black beauty, liberation, creativity, pride, and activism, all traits which Congress Heights is known for.Originating in Congress Heights during the mid-60s and 70s, Go-Go is a musical genre with a distinct sound unique to Washington D.C. The promotion of Go-Go shows often involved posters printed in bright colors with explosive shapes and bold, straightforward typography.The Sycamore & Oak wordmark is custom lettering drawn by Tré Seals of Vocal Type Co. His work was inspired by the Go-Go poster type.Also designed by Tré Seals is the brand system’s headline typeface, Tatsuro. Its condensed letterforms are expressive and confident and provide contrast to the density of the Sycamore & Oak wordmark.TeamPartner: Jennifer Kinon, Bobby C. Martin Jr. Design Director: Michael McCaughley Designers: Michael Penda, Preston Thompson, Amira Lin, Taylor Hale Strategists: Carina Sandoval, Justine Olivia Marks, Paulina Alvarado Serrano Producer: Haley Kattner Allen Lettering and Type: Tré Seals