Join Our Mailing List

Gingertown^™ 2023  will be on December 5th, 2023 at 5:30PM — Location and theme will be announced soon!

Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know as we announce more details!

How It Works

Each year, David M. Schwarz Architects (DMSAS) creates a themed master plan based on principles of good urban planning with playful embellishments appropriate for the gingerbread-built city. We invite you, our friends in the building design and construction industry, to join us in bringing this confectionery city to life. Each firm/team is given one lot to design and build on. At the end of the build night, all of the creations come together on the master plan to create Gingertown^™! The built-out master plan will remain on display for one week prior to being divided up and donated – along with all of the monies raised – to our DC-based recipient charities.

How to Participate

Firms can reserve a lot by sponsoring or participating. Sponsorship information is detailed below. There is a $500 minimum donation to participate in Gingertown^™ DC. Once the call for lot selection goes out in early November, sponsors can email the Mayor of Gingertown^™ at gingertown@dmsas.com and they will be awarded a lot. You will receive a confirmation of your lot selection and an invoice for your 100% tax-deductible donation will be sent shortly thereafter.

Awards

Our esteemed panel of judges (to be announced) represent a cross-section of the DC building industry – architects, developers, engineers and building owners. The group of judges, along with The Mayor of Gingertown^™, will award buildings in the categories of:

• Most Innovative Use of Materials
• Best Expression of Theme
• Best Overall Design Quality
• Best Overall Craftsmanship
• Judge’s Choice Awards
• Mayor’s Choice Award

Details

• The build will begin at 5:30pm and run till 8:30pm. After all lots have been placed on the master plan, our judges will converse and decide on award winners. Winners will be announced immediately thereafter on site.
• Lots are given to teams on a first-come-first-served basis, with sponsors getting priority in the event of overlapping requests for a particular lot.
• DMSAS will provide the gingerbread, frosting, and a wide array of candies. You are welcome to bring your own special sweets to fit your theme and/or lot designation. Please also be sure to bring your own utility knives and cutting mats.
• While team sizes vary by lot, there are a limited number of tickets for lower sponsorship levels in order to ensure a comfortable building environment for all of our participants.

Gingertown^™ is presented by: