Gingertown is Back – Check it out this Weekend

Photos courtesy Gingertown

“The Gingertown display will be open to the public at 1275 Penn Ave NW Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 1pm.

About Gingertown

It’s not just Santa’s little elves that are hard at work at Christmas time. It’s architects too! Founded in 2006 by David M. Schwarz Architects, GINGERTOWN is a one-of-a-kind holiday initiative that brings together the leading architects, engineers, and contractors in the D.C. area with building enthusiasts – young and old – to create a town made completely of ginger bread. And, it’s all for a good cause.

Each year, David M. Schwarz Architects creates a new master plan for the magical town of ginger. Like all great master plans, the GINGERTOWN plan has the sense and rhythm of a traditional planned city with communal and civic-minded centers, green spaces and a strong pedestrian culture. But unlike like other towns, the streets of GINGERTOWN are paved in Reeses Pieces and Rice Krispies, and typically have lamp posts constructed of candy canes.

GINGERTOWN’s expansive lots allow individual designers and teams to be highly creative as they build essential town structures like city hall, the concert hall, the library, and, of course, the toy store. These structures are trimmed with chocolate, frosting, sprinkles, jelly beans and other edible (and sugary) building materials. Past GINGERTOWN buildings have been designed by: David M. Schwarz Architects, Bowie Gridley Architects, Cunningham Quill, Esocoff & Associates, Grimm and Parker, Noritake Associates, RTKL Associates, Torti Gallas, WDG Architecture, Zahn Design Architects and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership.

The hand crafted structures are then donated and put on display at local hospitals, health care facilities and community support organizations to help spread the message of joy and hope during the holidays. Recipients of the buildings have included: National Children’s Medical Center, the Washington Home, Martha’s Table and Hannah House.”