D.C. PRESERVATION LEAGUE REPORTER SPRING 1999

The mission of the D.C. Preservation League is to preserve, protect, and enhance the historic and built environment of Washington, D.C., through advocacy and education.

by Mark Edwards by Renée Ingram In late January, DCPL received notifica- tion of award from the District of Columbia Last January, the African American Heritage Preservation Foundation, Inc., nominated Department of Consumer and Regulatory the Anacostia Historic District and its surrounding community to the National Trust to Affairs of two matching federal grants-in- be considered as one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the country. The aid for historic preservation identification, district—locatedAnacostia in the Historicsoutheast quadrant District of the nation’s capital—encompasses registration,DCPL andReceives education projects in the roughly 20 city squares, contains approximately 550 buildings dating from circa 1854– Notificationcity. Both projects were reviewed of and 1930,Nominated and displays the city’s to richest the collection National of late nineteenth- Trust and early twentieth- approved by the D.C. State Historic forcentury, Historic small-scale, frame Preservation’s and brick, working-class housing. 11 IncorporatedMost in 1854 as NewPreservation Grants-in-Aid Officer. Uniontown, the district has since expanded to include the Griswold subdivision and its The first project, with an overall immediatelyEndangered adjacent residential Historic and commercial Places areas. The Anacostia Historic District is budget of $22,643, is to prepare written bounded roughly by Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue on the west, Good Hope Road on and photographic documentation for a the north, Fendall Street on the east, and Bangor Street and Morris Road on the south. National Register nomination of the The Anacostia Historic District also contains within its boundaries Cedar Hill, the home Lower Sixteenth Street Historic District. of Frederick Douglass, a nineteenth-century statesman, orator, and abolitionist. This project will evaluate the results of a The Anacostia Historic District was designated as a local historic district in 1973 and windshield survey of the target district, expanded in 1978. The expanded district was listed in the National Register of Historic develop an annotated bibliography for Places in 1978. It has been on DCPL’s Most Endangered Places List in Washington, D.C., (continued on page 11) since 1996. The Anacostia Historic District is one of Washington’s earliest suburbs. The unique character of the Anacostia Historic District is dominated by three major architectural styles: the “Cottage,” the “Italianate,” and ssues Update ...... 3 the Washington “Row House” styles. In DCPL Salutes Key Players and addition, representative examples of the Welcomes New Trustees ...... 4 charming Queen Anne style are also DCPL Applauds Friends of featured throughout the historic district. Pierce Mill ...... 7 Though defined primarily by its residential Membership Update ...... 8 properties, a core commercial strip along LeagueI Continues to Play Major Role Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King, in Heritage Tourism Coalition...... 9 Jr., Avenue functions as the area’s primary Ambrose, Others Endorse Preservation thoroughfare and serves to physically and Enforcement...... 10 visually bind the district to the heart of RedInside Letter Day forthis Preservation Issue:...... 11 downtown Washington, D.C. The build- DCPL Names DC’s Most ings along these two streets include early Endangered Places for 1999...... 12 Renée Ingram on Cedar Hill, Home of Frederick DCPL Successfully Presents two

Douglass Nominations to HPRB ...... 13

(continued on page 6) Credit: Jerry Maronek

1 Greetings! As you will see from this issue of the Reporter, the D.C. Preser- vation League has been tremendously busy over the past several months with the many services that we provide to the community, as well as with our own housekeeping. In December we moved to new quarters due to the temporary closing of the Investment Building, which was our home for many years. After The D.C. Preservation League Reporter is a publication of the D.C. Preservation an exhaustive search of the city conducted principally by Jerry Maronek, we League, whose mission is to preserve, were offered the former Lawyer’s Club in the National Law Building. We are protect, and enhance the historic and built grateful to Eastbanc, Inc., for helping us meet our needs. Please stop by to visit! environment of Washington, D.C., through We are pleased to report our success in applying for and receiving grants advocacy and education. Readers are Letter from the President encouraged to submit information and during 1998. Our track record was phenomenal, considering our relative lack of opinions. institutional experience in this area. Mary Hewes, Mary Farrell, and Donna Hanousek worked diligently to update and organize our records to provide the Editor: Chrysa Cullather very specific kinds of information that are required in grant applications. Ms. Writer: Richard T. Busch Hewes identified the organizations that were most likely to provide us with Design and Layout: Chrysa Cullather funding. We could not have been so successful without their dedication. They are continuing their efforts this year, and 1999 looks like it may be another Board of Trustees banner year. President: Julianne Mueller Many of you may be wondering about our search for an Executive Director Vice Presidents: Elizabeth S. Merritt and Charles I. Cassell which was begun last year after a successful campaign to raise funds for the Secretary: Marie-Regine Charles position’s salary. In the late fall of 1998, our Search Committee identified and Bowser recommended a slate of qualified candidates to the Board. From this list, we Treasurer: Howard S. Berger offered the position to Mark Edwards, former Georgia State Historic Preserva- tion Officer. Mark joined the DCPL team in early January, but soon after Jonathan Barnett, FAIA, AICP; Joan decided to pursue a career in preservation consulting. Therefore, our search has M. Brierton; Hampton Cross; Avery been renewed. We hope to have the position filled in the very near future. We Faulkner; FAIA; Samuel M. Forstein; are indebted to many foundations and our members for making it possible for us Elizabeth Gibson; E. Renée Ingram; to hire someone to fill this very crucial role. Willis J. Goldsmith; Patrick J. Lally; Andres Navarrete; George H.F. Finally, because of the emphasis on specific program and salary fundraising Oberlander, AICP; Amanda Ohlke; during 1998 and the additional expenses associated with the office move, the Charles H. Trace, Jr., ASLA; Richard League’s general operating account was in the red for several months. The P. Williams, AIA staff and Trustees worked feverishly to reverse this situation. While we are no longer in debt, we still do not have a significant cushion or ability to provide up- DCPL Staff front funding to finance programs and staff. We appreciate the generosity of our Executive Director: many volunteers and contributors. Please remember the League when consider- Administrator: Jerry Maronek ing your charitable contributions. Grants Administrator: Donna Our organization and programs are strong. Our finances and staffing situa- Hanousek tions are improving. In light of this, I remain optimistic and look forward to the Staff Assistant: Steven G. Elder months to come. D.C. Preservation League 1815 Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 955-5616 (phone) (202) 955-5456 (fax) E-mail: [email protected]

Special thanks to The Washington Post Company

2 retained and restored, including the entrance foyer, arched opening in the stair The north side of the 900 block of F hall, and the original stairs. Street, NW, marks the site of another major Unique NAS standards require a project that may soon get underway in the building with as many individual offices as Downtown Historic District. The site—921 In macroeconomics, savings equals possible, each with a window. A planned through 941 F Street—is owned by St. investment. In downtown Washington, atrium will help fulfill the window require- Patrick’s Church, located around the D.C., more often than not, new develop- ments, while some of the restored spaces corner on 10th Street. The site was ment equals preservation—well some will also serve as clusters of offices. originally921–941 developed F Street, by N.W. the church into a preservation. D.C. Preservation League Approximately 8,000 square feet of retail series of low-scale commercial structures Issues Committee efforts during the past space is planned, including a science store in the late 19th century. Now the Archdio- several months have been focused on two on E Street and other retail space at the cese of Washington proposes major major downtown development initiatives English basement level on Sixth Street. demolition of the existing structures for that may result in important preservation Because of its size and proximity to other construction of a new office building. components. historic buildings, this is a difficult urban Seven of the existing eleven facades will design project. The trick will be to blend be restored and incorporated into the new low-scale historic structures (essentially design. The remaining four facades have The D.C. Preservation League has a horizontal elements) at the perimeter of the lost most or all of their architectural long-standing agreement with the develop- site with the verticality of the proposed new integrity. Under the current proposal, these ers of Square 488, a block that borders on office tower. At the same time, a harmonious four facades will be declared noncontribut- Issuesthe west side of Judiciary Square, NW, and relationship between old and new construc- ing elements in the historic district. The is bounded by Fifth Street on the east, tion, with each element separate and League does not oppose their demolition. Sixth Street on the west, E Street on the distinct and the new not overwhelming the This block of F Street is one of the most south,Update and F Street on the north. This old, needs to be achieved. The League is important remaining in the Downtown squareSquare has 488 a “brutalist” firehouse on its working closely with the architectural team Historic District. The League is enthusiastic northwest corner and is just across F to ensure that on-site historic structures about the potential for revitalization and Street from the Metro Center building, and proposed new construction are restoration of this block and the possibili- which is executed in the same style. creatively addressed to meet this project’s ties that redevelopment and preservation The League’s agreement with the challenges. present for a new and vibrant street life. previous owner recently conveyed to the However, the League has expressed National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the “reluctant opposition” to the new design new owner of the site. Working within the scheme because it does not, in the League’s terms of the agreement, NAS and its opinion, address the important issues of architect, KCF/SHG, are seeking League height, scale, massing, and proximity to input on a development plan for construct- other historic structures. Further, in the ing a new, 11-story office building while League’s opinion, the preservation elements retaining facades and some setbacks for are too small to justify the amount of eight existing historic structures: an 1887 demolition associated with the project. The apartment building at 500 E Street; the ultimate design of this development effort is Salvation Army Building at 503 E Street, Announcing a Contest to a very important undertaking because its built in 1924; a 4-story structure at 509 E Rename the DCPL outcome may establish precedents for Street, built in 1905; townhouses and DCPL is seekingReporter ideas for a new, future preservation projects elsewhere in apartment buildings at 511 E Street and 509 more exciting name for our the District of Columbia. and 511 Sixth Street, all constructed just newsletter. Send in your ideas now! As with Square 488, however, the before the Civil War; the 1880 apartment The Board of Trustees will select the challenge is creating a design concept that house at 507 Sixth Street, and the jewel-like new name from the list of entrants. relates well to preservation elements, Greek Revival townhouse at 513 Sixth The winning entry will be maintains a sense of the historic nature of Street, built in 1830. The exterior of these highlighted in our next newsletter this side of the F Street block, and creates structures will be restored to the era of their and receive a $25 gift certificate a new structure that acknowledges the construction, with interior restoration of to the National Building Museum importance of nearby St. Patrick’s Church several to the extent of the planned setback, Gift Shop. without overwhelming it. Other nearby which in most cases will be 20 feet. The Please send, fax, or e-mail your neighbors include a diverse variety of Greek Revival townhouse at 513 Sixth Street ideas to the League’s office at 1815 historic buildings. Thus, compatibility will receive additional attention, with Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 200, issues such as height, scale, and massing approximately 37 feet of the interior space Washington, D.C. 20006, Fax (202) 955-5456, e-mail dcpreserv@aol. (continued on page 4) com , along with your name and phone number so that we can 3 contact you if you are the winner. The deadline for submissions is August 1, 1999. (Issues, continued from page 3) committee member Sally Berk’s contacts are critical to the success of the overall in the D.C. Fire Department. The D.C. urban design proposal. Fire Department accompanied committee The city’s Historic Preservation Review The League is working with a design members into the dark, damp, and nearly Board has recognized the concerns team representing Calvary Baptist totally decayed interior. The visit was a expressed by the League and the Commit- Church, the owner of a vacant parcel at prelude to committee development of a tee of 100 on the Federal City. However, in 8th and G Streets, NW, and two adjacent position on site reuse. buildings. The design team is developing February, the board approved the Historic OtherPotential Issues Development in Brief at 8th and Preservation Division’s staff report on the Ga preliminary Streets, NW proposal for this site, project which, while acknowledging the located across G Street from the National complexity of issues surrounding this site, Museum of American Art. Tom Burke of the Civil Engineering generally recommended approval of the component of the Department of Public preliminary design concept for an 11-story Works advised in late January that a office building. The League plans contin- In early February, several members of contract for the restoration of the Taft ued consultation with the design team as the League’s Issues Committee inspected AnBridge Update lions hason thebeen Taft issued to Profes- the project goes forward to help ensure the interior of the historic Tivoli Theater, Bridgesional Restoration, Lions Inc. In mid-February, that the League’s concerns find resolution located at 14th Street and Park Road, the lions were moved from storage to the in the final design. N.W. This brief visit was arranged Professional Restoration, Inc., studio in Thethrough Tivoli the Theater offices of Robert More, Southwest Washington for work to begin. President and CEO of the Development Burke hopes to have the lions back on Corporation of Columbia Heights, and their bridge pedestals by December 1999.

nating Committee. Jim has been a long-time, active supporter of the League, serving on the board since the early 1980s through his presidency. Diana was a board member for eight years. During that time she served on the Development Committee and the Nominating Several people who have been instrumental in furthering the mis- Committee, the latter of which she continued to serve after her board sion of the League have recently retired from our staff or board. We term expired. We are grateful to both of them for their financial and would like to thank them for their dedicated service and welcome personal support. They have spent countless hours identifying and our new staff and trustees. interviewing new candidates for the board. Their hard work will be Judith Lanius served as a Trustee for eight years before retiring appreciated by the League for many years to come as they have in December. Her main interest was in spreading the message of the helped to create the legacy of a strong board. organization. She headed our Education Committee for many years. Due to her increasing commitments to Save Our Seminary, Bonnie During her tenure, that committee offered tours, lectures, and city- Rosenthal recently submitted her resignation as chair of the Mem- wideDCPL conferences Salutes that benefited Key hundreds Players of citizens. Most recently, bership Committee. During her tenure in that position, the commit- she spearheaded the founding of the Enforcement Coalition for tee formulated operating procedures, worked to computerize the Greaterand Enforcement Welcomes Preservation. NewJudith was Trusteesmost generous in ev- organization’s records, and developed a more sophisticated mem- ery way and her presence will be sorely missed at board meetings. bership strategies. Her in-depth knowledge of DCPL was essential She will continue to represent the League on the city’s Heritage to providing the leadership for initiatives undertaken over the last Tourism Coalition. year and a half that have already greatly benefited the organization. Al Dobbins has retired after serving three years as a trustee and Chrysa Cullather will be serving as both the editor and designer a member of the Issues Committee. During this period, he repre- of our newsletter. She has worked as an editor and designer for sented the League at many planning forums and meetings and worked several environmental consulting firms and the National Safety to ensure that planning and architectural design were compatible Council’s Environmental Health Center. Chrysa recently left The with the historic character of the city. Although his expertise will be Environmental Health Center to form her own editing and design missed, he assures us that we may continue to call on him for his firm, Chrysalis Communications. The League appreciates the fine wise counsel. work of our previous editor, Anne Rollins, and our previous de- Rick Busch resigned from our staff after many years of outstand- signer Bruce Rosenthal. ing service to the League. He served DCPL in several capacities, in- DCPL welcomes three new trustees: Elizabeth (Liz) Gibson, Andy cluding Acting Executive Director. His gentlemanly and professional Navarette, and Renée Ingram. Ms. Gibson is Asset Manager for the demeanor, as well as his generosity, are truly appreciated by all. Fortu- General Services Administration’s National Capital Region. Liz nately, we do not have to bid him farewell entirely as he has graciously Gibson is trained as an architect and has worked at the General agreed to serve as a member of the Education and Issues Committees. Services Administration since 1991 as a cultural resources manager. Jim Rogers, former president of DCPL, and Diana Daniels, former trustee, recently resigned after several years as cochairs of the Nomi- (continued on page 7)

4 (Historic Anacostia, continued expensive, and homeowners could promotional materials and brochures from page 1) frequently afford to buy two lots and build aimed at tourists and visitors to the detached or semidetached houses. Most nation’s capital. (This is a problem for residential properties that have since been existing buildings date from the 1870s many of Washington’s historic neighbor- converted to commercial use; buildings through 1930 and include freestanding and hoods, as much of the attention remains constructed for combined commercial/ semidetached frame structures with front focused on the downtown Mall area and residential purposes, with stores on the porches and Italianate detailing, as well as federal properties, and visitors are not yet first floor and apartments above; and brick row houses and one-, two-, and fully encouraged to explore the city’s twentieth-century commercial structures. three-story commercial buildings on the distinct surrounding communities.) A small number of intrusions exist within area’s commercial streets. Despite the the historic district; vacant lots and used presence of many successful small car dealerships are more of a problem businesses and an active citizenry, a Greater attention and support must be currently than large-scale buildings. The number of buildings are now vacant and given to local efforts to strengthen deterioration and neglect of properties slowly deteriorating, and the historic preservation enforcement in the District of throughout the district’s residential and character and prosperity of the neighbor- Columbia, imparting fines and restrictions commercial sections constitutes hood are endangered. on property owners who allow their Anacostia’s greatest disadvantage and historic properties to deteriorate. City threat to its architectural and historic officials must respond to the demands to integrity. The Anacostia Historic District is improveWhat Is their Needed? inspection and enforcement The history of the Anacostia Historic significant for its historical, cultural, and obligations—not only to protect and District begins in the early part of the architectural contributions to the city of preserve the city’s architectural history, seventeenth century. In 1608, Captain John Washington, D.C. Its preservation is vital but also to avoid the repeated instances of Smith recorded in his journals that he to retaining a comprehensive sense of the safety hazards created by such neglect “sailed up the eastern branch” in search of development of the nation’s capital, and irresponsibility. The local government the main branch of the Potomac River. particularly as it relates to the expansion of must work with national representatives to Smith landed on the river’s south bank— theHistoric city beyond Significance the boundaries of the support DCPL’s efforts to pass tax where the present day Anacostia is L’Enfant Plan and into its associated legislation (already introduced to the located—and noted that he was well communities. The district’s surviving Washington, D.C., City Council) that received by the Nacochtank Indians. The physical fabric is key to defining its sense would provide economic incentives to 1632 journals of another explorer, Henry of scale and the quality of life intended owners of properties 50 years and older for Fleet, give the first indication that the within this former agricultural area. The rehabilitation and historic preservation name “Anacostia” was derived from the rapid deterioration and neglect of this purposes. Nacochtank tribe. Fleet noted that at the fabric threatens to erase this unique Unplanned development and economic time of his arrival, the same land traversed character and remove those physical, development pressures, coupled with by Smith more than 20 years earlier was visual, and cultural resources that together ongoing neglect and lack of preservation now referred to as the “Nacostine.” Later, define its perception and experience as a enforcement regulations, place the the Jesuit missionaries would Latinize the unified community. The continued lack of Anacostia Historic District in dire straits. name of the tribe to the “Anacostines,” awareness, education, and adaptive re-use The lack of financial support (both local with the area eventually becoming known of the Anacostia Historic District must be and national) and the risks currently facing and referred to by the Nacochtanks as addressed and resolved at both a local and this community pose a tremendous threat “Anacostia.” Until its early development in national level. Developing viable solutions to the district. The erosion of the district’s the 1850s for residential purposes, the land and funding mechanisms to support these physical fabric has resulted in the disap- constituting the Anacostia area was efforts are critical to the ongoing redevel- pearance of services vital to the survival primarily agricultural. opment and revitalization of our nation’s and sustenance of the community. The The Anacostia Historic District is capital as a whole. Continued neglect and area is an excellent candidate for reinvest- significant for both its historical and deterioration of this community will serve ment, and yet such reinvestment threatens architectural contributions to Washington, only to tarnish the outstanding historic to introduce large-scale development D.C. The district includes Uniontown, one preservation initiatives undertaken inappropriate with the district’s distinct of Washington’s earliest suburbs, which throughout other areas and serve as a and contributing features. was incorporated in 1854. Uniontown was poor reflection of the limitations of As members of the D.C. Preservation designed to be financially accessible to preservation outreach in the District of League, let us work together to support Washington’s working class, most of Columbia. this effort—volunteer with the DCPL’s whom were employed at the Washington While blight is likely the area’s greatest Anacostia Task Force and write letters of Naval Yard. Unlike many neighborhoods deterrent, it also suffers from insufficient support to the National Trust for Historic across the river, land in Anacostia was less public relations and lack of inclusion in Preservation. Time is of the essence.

6 (Welcome, continued from page 4) She is a member of the Landmarks and Edu- cation Committees. Ms. Ingram is Chief Fi- nancial Officer and Chief of Administration at America’s Promise—The Alliance for Youth, a nonprofit organization established by Colin Powell. She is also the President of the African American Heritage Preservation Foundation. Ms. Ingram worked for 10 years as Vice President and Treasurer for the Cor- poration for Public Broadcasting. She is a member of the Landmarks and Membership Committees. Mr. Navarette is an attorney in the Business and Finance Section of Mor- gan, Lewis & Bockius. He is cochair and an active member of the DCPL Government Af- fairs Committee. In this role, he drafted the proposed Tax Credit for Restoration and re- habilitation of Older Buildings that is being considered by D.C. City Council.

The Friends of Pierce Mill want to get things moving again—specifically the water wheel, gears, and millstones. This volunteer, nonprofit group formed in 1996, a few years after the mill literally ground to a halt when the wooden gears failed. The group is working closely with the to restore the mill in Rock Creek Park as “a living exhibit of water-powered milling and a window on nineteenth-century industry in We’ve Moved! Washington, D.C.” The mill was built in the 1820s by Isaac Pierce and incorporated the latest in milling And the Post Office has not technology, a revolutionary system that used the power from the water wheel throughout been forwarding our mail. If the milling process. One of eight mills that operated in the Rock Creek valley, Pierce Mill you recently sent anything to was busiest during the middle of the nineteenth century, but continued to grind flour and us at our former address, corn until 1897, when the main shaft broke. By that time, the mill had become a part of please resend it to the Rock Creek Park. following address: D.C.The National ParkPreservation Service restored the mill in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. When the old wooden gears wore out in 1993, the Park Service no longer had funds to repair the D.C. Preservation League Leaguebuilding and the machinery. TheApplauds Friends of Pierce Mill later formed tothe assist in the mill’s 1815 Pennsylvania Avenue, restoration. Suite 200, Washington, D.C. Working with the Park Service, the Friends of Pierce Mill paid for preliminary studies 20006 Friendsof Rock Creek and the mill ofand has nowPierce hired the eminent millwright Mill Derek Ogden to Phone: (202) 955-5616 draw up restoration plans. Further studies will locate the old millrace, long since covered Fax: (202) 955-5416 up, and determine how to reactivate it. One group of volunteers is researching the E-mail: [email protected] Historic Structures Report required by Park Service regulations. Through sheer luck— The Combined Federal Campaign and the quick action and persistence of a couple of Friends of Pierce Mill members—the of the National Capitol Area has ap- group acquired the trunks of two large white oak trees that were cut down during proved the participation of the D.C. construction at the National Institutes of Health. There is enough wood to rebuild the Preservation League for 1999. DCPL’s main water wheel shaft and some beams inside the mill. Much work remains to be done designation number is 7753, and we before construction can begin, but progress to date now demonstrates what is possible areDCPL listed inParticipates the “Local Agencies” in the sec- when citizens act together in the name of preservation. tion of theCFC campaign Campaign catalog. Please The sketch of the mill above was provided by the Friends of Pierce Mill and the consider DCPL when making your

artist, Ted Hazen. For more information about the Friends of Pierce Mill, call Richard designations. Abbott at (202) 244-5267.

7 The Membership Subcommittee, a small group of League members and staff oper- ating as a subset of the Development Com- mittee, would welcome new subcommittee Caroline Alderson Brian Kraft/Janine Smith members to help fulfill its important role: Charmaine Arner Leslie Louden attracting new members for the League and Bell Clement Tom Mayes retaining present members. Members, of Olga Corey Manna, Inc. course,Membership are the League’s strength in real- Rachel S. Cox Thomas G. McDowell Subcommitteeizing its goals and working on its initia- Jill Dennis (October 1, 1998–MarchScott Meacham 31, 1999) tives. In addition, member dues supply a Betsy Garside William A. Morgan Seekssignificant portion Volunteers of the League’s oper- Faye Harwell Alvin Rosenbaum ating expenses. Mary Hartz New MembersRichard L. Storch The Membership Subcommittee meets William West Hopper/Carl David Feske Mary S. Templeton monthly to plan and coordinate individual E. Renée Ingram de Teel Patterson Tiller subcommittee member or small subcom- MaryanneMembership Davey Jackman Ellen M.Update Wagner mittee group projects. In recent months Jennifer Karr David White the Membership Subcommittee has suc- Gale Kaufmann Carolyn Widman cessfully completed several initiatives Linda S. Keenan crucial to the League’s health and growth:

❖ Contacting lapsed members and pro- moting reactivation ❖ Holding a year-end fund drive, increas- ing membership by 10 percent to ob- Brennan and Company Architects Donohoe Construction tain a Meyer Challenge Grant Community Systems Chatelain Architects, Inc. ❖ Restructuring membership and corpo- Cesar Pelli and Associates Harry Weese Associates rate membership categories and dues ❖ Choosing and installing new software for tracking member solicitations and renewals ❖ Redesigning member and corporate The John Akridge, Co. Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue member application and renewal forms Curtex Group Klingle Corporation CVS Corporation1999 CorporateJudith Renewals Lanius Projects now underway include devel- Diana Daniels Lenkin Corporation oping a special solicitation for renewing Douglas Development Corporation Manulife Financial corporate members; establishing a web site Eastbanc, Inc. Regency Commercial Construction, Inc. explaining League mission, structure, and E.H.T. Traceries, Inc. RTKL Associates projects and soliciting new members; pro- Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. David M. Schwartz Architects ducing an inexpensive flyer soliciting new Gensler Associates members and planning public distribution of the flyer; and planning outreach through 1999 L’ Enfant Society Members neighborhood preservation and improve- ment groups to recruit new members. If you have office skills, experience in The League has recently established a special society for its major donors. To be administration, ideas or suggestions for ex- eligible for the L’ Enfant Society, a member must join or renew with a $500 or more panding League membership, or an inter- membership contribution. L’ Enfant members will be acknowledged in the League’s est in public affairs, call the League offices newsletter and annual report. We are planning to offer special events for these generous at (202) 955-5616 and tell Steve Elder you’d members. So when you next renew, please consider joining the L’ Enfant Society and like to join the Membership Subcommittee. make a significant contribution to our capital city. The subcommittee needs you. L’ Enfant Society

8 home. Getting travelers to stay a day or former D.C. Preservation League trustee, two longer and explore our neighborhood Judith Lanius, was elected chair of the resources not only showcases the District coalition’s new steering committee. In at large and helps create a new and this role, Ms. Lanius will help chart the positive image, but also stimulates the coalition’s course. Richard Busch is kind of neighborhood economic develop- serving as the Treasurer for the coalition. ment and revitalization the city needs to Kathryn Schneider Smith, eminent local stabilize its economic base. historian and former President of the There is a strong link between the D.C. Historical Society, serves as interim Preservation League’s mission to preserve, Executive Director, and Barbara Wolfson, protect, and enhance the historic and built former board member of the Humanities environment of our city and heritage Council, will continue to serve as Deputy tourism’s city-wide focus. In many cases, Executive Director. city neighborhoods contain landmarks and The steering committee’s membership contributing elements that the League has reflects a wide cross-section of our city’s either saved or is working to preserve. heritage potential. In addition to the Ms. Tourism is Washington’s second Lanius, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Wolfson, the largest industry with 22 million visitors committee consists of JoAnn Azzarello of annually, a figure that offers tremendous the Humanities Council; Victoria Farley of by Rick Busch potential for future heritage programs. Dumbarton House; Barbara Franco of the League Recognizing Washington’s potential, the Historical Society; Lynne Fitzhugh, an Heritage Tourism is a national move- Heritage Tourism Coalition is working to independent consultant; Paul Haley of ment that is changing the way we think establish partnerships with other public the Navy Memorial and Heritage Center; Continuesabout historic resources and is the and private organizations to help neigh- Bill Hasson of the Georgia Avenue fastest growing segment of the travel borhoods and historic sites realize their Heritage Trail; Cindy Janke of the industry. The 1995 White House- potential and tap this captive tourist Kiplinger Washington Collection; Harriet sponsoredto Play Conference on Travel and market. And after two years under the Lesser of Sumner School and Archives; Tourism defined heritage tourism as wing of the Humanities Council, the Carol Mahoney of the Civil War Trust; Major“travel directed toward Role experiencing the Heritage Tourism Coalition is moving to Dominic Moulden and Gloria Hood of arts, heritage, and special character of a establish itself as an independent, Manna CDC; Oramenta Newsome place.” incorporated nonprofit organization. representing the Local Initiatives Support inSomewhat Heritage surprisingly. Washington, The League continues to have a Corporation; and Eryl Platzer of the

D.C., has lagged behind other cities in strong role in the coalition. In February, Octagon House. recognizing the hidden potential of its manyTourism cultural and historic sites and diverse neighborhoods beyond the Mall. CoalitionThat is until 1996 when Fran Cary, former Executive Director of the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C., and Barbara Franco, Executive Director of The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., took the initiative to organize the D.C. Heritage Tourism Coalition with the D.C. Preservation League as a founding member. The consortium now numbers some 70 museums, heritage sites, and related cultural organizations, nearly all of which are located outside the city’s monumental core. The purpose of the Heritage Tourism Coalition is to offer products and pro- grams that encourage visitors to venture into city neighborhoods beyond the Mall and experience the Washington that those of us who live here know, love, and call Heritage Tourism Steering Committee meeting at the Octagon House

9 by Rick Busch

One of the first results of the D.C. Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and Mount The League thanks Bob Vogt of the Preservation League’s 1998 preservation Pleasant. In addition, he made a presen- Foggy Bottom Historic District for Summit was publication of the Summit tation to a special Enforcement Coalition covering the cost of mailing the Summit Report and Action Plan outlining the meeting in late January, where he heard Report and Action Plan to those who steps necessary to strengthen preserva- concerns and outlined plans for correct- attended the June 4 event; Bill Hopper tion enforcement in the District of ing a situation that has suffered from and Jay Mallin of Historic Chevy Chase, Columbia. The document was publicly lack of attention for the past two D.C., for donating their professional introduced at a press conference in front decades. expertise and materials to provide color of the Old Naval Hospital on In attendance and words, the public photography of demolition by neglect on November 17, 1998, and received show of united support on behalf of sites, and for preparing the supporting support from D.C. Council member better preservation enforcement at the color attachment to the press release; Sharon Ambrose (Ward 6). Along with press conference was further affirmation and Dick Wolf and the Capitol Hill Ambrose, then-Councilmember-elect Phil of the direction set at the June 1998 Restoration Society for subsidizing all Ambrose,Mendelson and representatives of OthersEnforcement Summit Endorse organized by the costs associated with the November Council Chairperson Linda Cropp and D.C. Preservation League and the press conference. Councilmember Jack Evans, attended. Coalition. That summit culminated a PreservationMrs. Ambrose’s ward includes the concertedEnforcement two-year effort by the League Capitol Hill Historic District (the largest and was generously supported by Hines such district in the city), the Anacostia Interests Limited Partnership and the Historic District, and the Navy Yard National Trust for Historic Preservation. Historic District. Representing the D.C. Government were Wilbert J. Parker, State Historic Preservation Officer for the District of Columbia; James T. Speight, Jr., Chair of the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB); and Armando Lourenco, Administrator of the Building and Land Regulation Administration in the Department of Consumer and Regula- tory Affairs. The League and the Coalition for Greater Preservation Enforcement—a grass-roots organiza- tion it formed in late 1997—now com- posed of four city-wide organizations, 17 neighborhood groups, and several other interested communities, were well- represented. Everyone who spoke recognized what the lack of enforcement of the city’s preservation-related ordinances means and the need for action. (See related article in this issue: Red-Letter Day for Preservation Enforcement.) An impor- tant step in this direction is a series of meetings that Mr. Lourenco has held Among the speakers at the November 1998 press conference were HPRB Chair James T. Speight, Jr., since November with neighborhood and SHPO Wilbert Parker (center). preservation representatives from Credit: Bill Hopper, Historical Chevy Chase, D.C.

10 (Grants, continued from page 1)

all primary and secondary research used, and summarize project findings in a by Rick Busch public presentation to the Lower Six- teenth Street community. Federal Friday, February 26, 1999, may well go related ordinances marks the first time in Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) down in the annals of preservation history recent memory that D.C. government support in the amount of $19,750 will be in the District of Columbia as the day when officials have shown their willingness, and matched by $2,893 provided by DCPL for new life was breathed into preservation indeed eagerness, to enforce laws that project oversight and administration. enforcement in our city. At noon on this help maintain the historic architectural Work on this project began in March and day, senior officials from the Building and heritage of Washington, D.C. These are will be completed by August 31, 1999. Land Regulation Administration publicly the same ordinances that the vast majority EHT Traceries, Inc., of Chevy Chase, posted a notice of violation on a George- of historic district residents support and Maryland, will act as DCPL’s subcon- town property located at 3015 M Street, abide by as part of living in very special tractor and perform all project work. N.W., and ordered the owner to abate the areas of the city. DCPL’s second project will use violations. The owner was officially served “Enforcing our city’s preservation- $20,165 to develop an original, camera- with this notice on February 23, 1999. related ordinances is about preserving ready brochure for the Strivers Section The property owner has been ordered nonrenewable resources,” according to Historic District to heighten public Redto (1) demolish portionsLetter of the three-story DayBarbara Franco,For Executive Director of The awareness of our city’s history and structure he added to the existing building Historical Society of Washington, D.C. architecture. Like similar brochures that exceed the approved scope of work, Ms. Franco’s statement aptly captures the prepared over the past decade, this (2)Preservation reconstruct a historic carriage house long-time work of the D.C. Preservation educational tool will also inform the that was illegally demolished to match the League, its Education and Issues Commit- public about historic preservation and appearance approved in original permit tees, and more recently, the Coalition for the important role it plays in our lives. drawings, and (3) hire a certified surveyor Greater Preservation Enforcement that the DCPL will print 2,500 copies of the to conduct a wall survey to ensure that the Education Committee formed in 1997. brochure. Federal HPF funds totaling final location of walls is in accordance with DCPL is proud of its collective actions $18,000 will be matched by $2,165 the approved site plan and plat. All of that are drawing attention to the serious provided by DCPL. Work was initiated in these corrections must be made within the and long-standing disregard for preserva- March and will be completed by Septem- next six months or the owner may be tion enforcement: the Preservation Summit ber 30, 1999. Project work is being subject to a civil infraction fine of up to held last June, the September Summit conducted by architectural historian $500 per day for each violation. Of course, Report and Action Plan, and the Novem- Kimberly Williams. the owner has the right to appeal the order ber press conference in front of the Old ...... within the Department of Consumer and Naval Hospital on Capitol Hill that formally Regulatory Affairs and the D.C. courts. introduced this document to the public. This public show of support by top city These actions, along with a strong executives for the city’s preservation- understanding of the importance of historic preservation by Armando Do you have Lourenco, the new head of the Building empty file cabi- and Land Regulation Administration, have nets taking up gotten us where we are today. space in your In addition to this dramatic and public office? How about action on the part of the city, Mr. Lourenco computer Weprint- Need Your After years at 614 H Street, advised the D.C. Preservation League that ers?Old If you Office are Equipment! NW, the Historic Preservation the abatement order process has received interested in Division of the Department of the necessary approvals within the D.C. donating office Consumer and Regulatory Historic Preservation government. According to Mr. Lourenco, equipment, Affairs has moved. They are now particularly file Division Moves to New this means that it can be applied to other located at 941 North Capitol property owners in historic districts who cabinets and Street, NE,Quarters Suite 2500, Wash- have violated city ordinances and the D.C. computer printers, ington, D.C. 20002. They can be Construction Code. There are plenty of and can deliver reached at (202) 442-4570. The them. Stay tuned. them to the DCPL fax number is (202) 442-4860. Office, please call Jerry Maronek at (202) 955-5616. Thanks!

11 by Wanda Bubriski

Anacostia Historic District, SE The DC Preservation League announces on the south. Anacostia has been on the Credit: Jerry Maronek this year’s list of Washington’s Most En- League’s list since the program began in dangered Places. They are the Anacostia 1996. This site remains on the DCPL list be- Historic District, Anacostia River Basin, cause it continues to decline despite the ef- Brooks Mansion, Holt House, Warder–Tot- forts of community and civic organizations. ten House, Old Naval Hospital, all pre-World For more information on the site, see the ar- War II D.C. fire houses, all historic D.C. pub- ticle on page 1 of this Reporter. This site lic schools, historic community theaters. was listed on the D.C. Inventory of Historic These sites include newly nominated places, Sites in 1973 and on the National Register of as well as sites which were listed in previ- Historic Places in 1978. Anacostia contains ousDCPL years. namesa numberDC’s of vacant and critically deteriorated Modeled after the National Trust for His- buildings that threaten the integrity of the toric Preservation’s program, DCPL an- historic district as well as impede revitaliza- Anacostia River Basin, A Cultural Landscape nouncedMost its first such Endangered list in 1996. To qualify tion of the community. Chair: E. Renée Ingram

Credit: Jerry Maronek for listing, a site must be a resource having historical,Places architectural, orfor cultural signifi- 1999 cance that is in danger of demolition, sub- 901 Newton Street, NE stantial alteration, or deterioration through The Brooks Mansion is a singular ex- neglect or vandalism. The League’s Land- ample of brick Greek Revival residential ar- marks Committee is responsible for solicit- chitecture in Washington, dating from the ing nominations to the list, evaluating the late 1830s. Built by Colonel Jehiel Brooks nominations, and making recommendations andBrooks his wife, Mansion Ann Margaret Queen, the man- to the Board of Trustees who then approve sion was the center of their 246-acre estate the final list. The Landmarks Committee known as Bellair. In 1887, the property was works throughout the year to develop pro- sold and subdivided, creating the early rail- grams to raise public awareness about the road commuter suburb of Brookland. In 1891, plight of these resources and to develop the Marist Society purchased the property, possible preservation solutions to save by then reduced to two and a half acres, to them. Each endangered site has a task force house the Marist College. The Marist Soci- led by a chair. In keeping with DCPL’s edu- ety added a large east wing in 1894. The Brooks Mansion, 901 Newton Street, NE cational mission, the task forces will lead mansion was owned by various Catholic Credit: T. Rooney site visits throughout the year. For further Orders and used for educational purposes information, contact Landmarks Committee until 1970, when it was sold to the Washing- Chair, Jerry Maronek at (202) 955-5616. Fol- ton Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, lowing is a brief description of the League’s which threatened to demolish the building 1999 list. for a Metro parking lot. The District of Co- lumbia has owned Brooks Mansion since 1979, and the property has been unoccupied since 1997. The place was included on this year’s list because it is currently unoccu- This site is located between Martin pied, and insensitive alterations and lack of Luther King, Jr., Avenue on the west, Good maintenance threaten the original mansion’s Hope Road on the north, Fendall Street and condition. The Landmarks Committee hopes Holt House, National Zoological Park, Adams Mill the rear of the Frederick Douglass Home on that the District Government will find an ap- Road, NW the east, and Bangor Street and Morris Road propriate tenant. It was listed on the D.C. Credit: Wanda Bubriski The Ten Most Endangered PlacesAnacostia List Historic District, SE 12 Inventory and the National Register in 1975. tor, suffragette, and civil rights activist. She Chair: Jerry Maronek achieved national prominence as president of the National Association of Colored Women (1897); as the first African-Ameri- Adams Mill Road, NW can to serve on the D.C. School Board (1895– Built before 1827, Holt House represents 1919); and as a member of the Committee of an extremely rare example in Washington of Forty, the founders of NAACP (1909); among the early Classical Revival style, despite the other accomplishments. Her husband, Rob- later alterations by Glenn Brown, W.R. ert Terrell, was principal of M Street High Emerson, and Hornblower and Marshall School and the first African-American judge Holt House, National Zoological Park Warder-Totten House, 2633 14th Street, NW (1890–1901). Long used by the Zoo, a on the D.C. Municipal Court. The Terrells Credit: Wanda Bubriski Smithsonian Institution, as its administrative purchase of the house spurred racial inte- offices, the house has remained vacant for gration of LeDroit Park. This turn-of-the-cen- almost a decade and is critically deteriorated. tury house is included in the LeDroit Park The site is located within the National Zoo- Historic District, listed on the D.C. Inven- logical Park Historic District but in an area tory and National Register, and is designated occupied by research and maintenance fa- a National Historic Landmark. Howard Uni- cilities where public access and visibility are versity owns this currently vacant and se- limited. Holt House was listed on the D.C. verely deteriorated structure. DCPL is ac- Inventory in 1964 and on the National Reg- tively encouraging Howard University to ister in 1973. The League will work with other restore this property. Co-chairs: Tip Kendrick involved parties in trying to develop solu- and E. Renée Ingram tions to save the building. Co-chairs: Wanda Bubriski and Betsy Merritt 9th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE One of the many medical facilities con- Old Engine Company 6 (ca. 1864), 2633 14th Street, NW structed in Washington during the Civil War, 438 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

An early example of preservation com- this 50-bed hospital, built in red brick Credit: Jerry Maronek mitment, the Warder-Totten house now Italianate style, served naval forces from 1866 marks one of the city’s most egregious ex- Olduntil Naval1911. From Hospital 1920 to 1953, it housed the amples of demolition-by-neglect. In 1925, Temporary Home for Veterans of All Wars. WashingtonWarder-Totten architect House George Oakley Totten The Old Naval Hospital is still a federally reconstructed the Benjamin Warder House, owned property, but it is now permitted to originally built by H.H. Richardson in 1865 the District Government. The building and at 1515 F Street, on its present Meridian Hill its grounds lack systematic maintenance and site. Totten used all of the original exterior have suffered insensitive alterations. Both stone (except the main doorway) and much the building and its grounds need to be reno- of the interior woodwork. Privately owned vated and restored. Located within the Capi- and vacant for a dozen years, this architec- tol Hill Historic District, it was added to the tural landmark is virtually reduced to a shell. D.C. Inventory in l964 and to the National The McKinley School (1928), 151 T Street, NE This site was listed on the D.C. Inventory in Register in 1974. Co-chairs: Patrick Lally and Credit: Jerry Maronek l964 and on the National Register in 1972. It Donna Hanousek has been on the League’s Endangered List since 1996. Rallies and news conferences have been held in front of the building. The Of the 29 pre-World II firehouses and 1 property is currently up for sale, and DCPL fire alarm headquarters that remain in Wash- is hopeful that a new owner will stabilize this ington, 19 are still owned by the city. Six of significantly deteriorated landmark. Because these, as individual landmarks or buildings the deterioration has continued, DCPL has that contribute to historic districts, are pro- decided to keep this structure on the list. Alltected Pre-World by the city’s War preservationII D.C. Fire Houses ordinance. Chair: Cathy Anderton Possible alteration or actual demolition threaten the remaining 13. These firehouses, dating from 1864 to 1939, were designed as 326 T Street, NW landmarks for their respective neighbor-

Mary Terrell was a distinguished educa- hoods. They are significant not only for their Tivoli Theater, 14th Street and Park Road, NW Credit: Wanda Bubriski

13 Mary Church Terrell House architectural merits and diversity, but also ementary school and later home to the ater is in a terrible state of disrepair and is for their socioeconomic impacts on their Americanization School, a vital center for located in an area that is prime for redevel- neighborhoods, as the firehouses spurred the city’s immigrant communities; and the opment. The League hopes to play a role in subsequent residential and commercial de- McKinley School (1928) at 151 T Street, encouraging the inclusion of a rehabilitated velopment. By focusing on the Old Engine NE, an enormous complex gracing the T theater in any plans for the neighborhood. Company 6 (ca. 1864), located at 438 Massa- Street Hill that was on the cutting-edge of Co-chairs: Charles Cassell and T. David Bell chusetts Avenue, NW, the League hopes to technical arts high schools. Co-chairs: Mark bring public attention to the plight of these Fetterman and Tanya Beauchamp important buildings. Chair: Sally Berk Bounded by the District Line, NE (roughly at New Washington’s historic theaters represent York Avenue) to Greenleaf Point, SW Schools are crucial social spaces where a significant aspect of community life, espe- The banks of Washington’s “other” wa- we often experience our earliest and stron- cially during the period from 1920 to 1950. terway encompass a rich, yet neglected, ar- gest emotional attachments to place. Often these theaters hosted both live stage Anacostiaray of natural River and cultural Basin, resources. A Cultural The Washington’s historic schools represent a performances as well as motion pictures. LandscapeAnacostia is a veritable oasis of scenic tran- wide variety of architectural styles built be- HistoricSeveral of Theaters Washington’s theaters helped pio- quility and wildlife diversity amidst flotillas Alltween Historic the 1870s D.C. and Public the 1950s. Schools While a num- neer the Art Deco style in the city. Many of garbage and pollutants. A number of lo- ber of these structures exist as functioning innovations of the motion-picture theater cal and national landmarks, such as schools, many are in dire need of repair. industry were first tried in Washington. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, National Ar- Equally urgent, however, are the more than Many of these theaters are threatened and boretum, Anacostia Park, Langston Golf 50 historic schools currently on the D.C. in need of protection. The threats range from Course, Kingman and Heritage Islands, D.C. Public Schools Surplus Property List. The demolition-by-neglect to abandonment. The General Hospital, Congressional Cemetery, League has listed historic schools on its focus is the Tivoli Theater, located at 14th boating clubs, Washington Navy Yard, U.S. endangered list since 1996 and has been Street and Park Road, NW. The Tivoli The- Naval Station, and Ft. McNair, share its working since that time with community or- ater was designed by Thomas Lamb, a promi- shores. This complex interaction of built and ganizations to save these structures. How- nent, nationally known theater architect and natural resources that make the Anacostia ever, much work remains to be done includ- built by Harry M. Crandall, a local pioneer- such a unique cultural landscape lacks sys- ing working with city officials to ensure that ing movie theater operator. The 1800-seat tematic planning and public awareness. the sale of these properties does not lead to theater, which opened in 1924, was built for Many of the built elements have been over- insensitive alterations or demolition. Ex- well in excess of one million dollars for a looked, underused, underfunded, or simply amples of historic schools that are threat- strictly middle-class clientele. The theater abandoned. DCPL joins the Anacostia Wa- ened include the Stevens School (1868) at accommodated live music and motion pic- tershed Society and the Sierra Club in bring- 1050 21st Street, NW, one of the city’s old- tures. The elegant building, with its lobby ing public attention to the vast resources of est surviving elementary schools for Afri- festooned with vast marble columns, ornate the river basin. Co-chairs: Susan Begley and can American students; the Webster School fountains and pastoral murals, has remained Wanda Bubriski. (1882) at 740 H Street, NW, originally an el- dark for almost a quarter-century. The the-

In anticipation of National Historic Preservation Week, mem- bers of the Landmarks Committee began an evaluation of the cul- tural resources in the Anacostia River Basin. This group spent a Saturday performing a reconnaissance survey of some of Washington’s lesser-known national and community river-fronted features. These features range from the National Register-listed Langston golf course to a little-known wetland preserve to a scrap metal yard and a sewage “swirl” facility. PreservationOn Saturday, May 15, Landmarks Week Committee Held members May Susan Begley, Kay Fanning, Liz Gibson, and Jerry Maronek participated in an9 all-dayto May training session:15, 1999“Understanding Cultural Landscapes: A Primer for Preservationists.” The program was presented by the The Landmarks Committee participates in a reconnaissance survey. Left to right: Wanda Bubriski, Cathy Anderson, Susan Begley, and David Bell D.C. Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology at the Credit: Jerry Maronek Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

14 Historic Landmark Designation with the Historic Preservation Division shortly before a demolition permit was to be issued for the school. The League’s Landmark Committee worked hard to organize support for the application, which it had prepared. Charles Cassell, Tonya Beauchamp, David Bell, and Mark Fetterman gave the official testimony on behalf of the League. Tip Kendrick and Wanda Bubriski also gave supportive testi- mony in favor of the designation. Several additional community representatives gave supportive testimony as part of the committee’s team effort, which was planned by Landmarks Chair By T. David Bell, AIA Jerry Maronek. Despite opposing testimony, the review board voted unanimously in favor of the nomination. DCPL has been successful in obtaining the designation of The United Mine Workers Building at 900 15th Street, NW, is two Washington landmarks. The Daniel Webster School and the located on the northwest corner of Eye and 15th Streets at United Mine Workers Building/University Club have been added McPherson Square. This building was erected in 1912 as a free- to the D.C. Inventory of Historic Sites and recommended for standing, five-story, masonry structure for the University Club of listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Washington, DC, a social club founded in 1904 to promote sci- The Webster School is located across 10th Street from the ence, literature, and art. Washington’s George Oakley Totten, a Grand Hyatt Hotel and across H Street from the existing Wash- member of the club, was the architect. ington Convention Center. It is a freestanding, three-story, 12- In 1936, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) pur- DCPLroom public school Successfully built in 1881–82, and named for Daniel chased and renovated the building its national headquarters, Webster, the celebrated orator and U.S. Senator from Massa- adding a sixth floor, which contained John L. Lewis’ long time chusetts. It is one of the larger schools built during the period office. The UMWA was founded in 1890, and by 1940, it ranked andPresents one of few schools built Twoso close to downtown. The design as the country’s largest single union. of the school was produced by the Office of the Building In- Marliyn Feldman and Pam Cartwright of the Landmarks Com- Nominationsspector and approved by Edward Clark, Architect to of the Capi- mittee wrote the DCPL nomination for Historic Landmark Desig- tol. nation. Betsy Merritt, Carol Mitten, and Jerry Maronek were The D.C. Preservation League initiated the application for on the designation team. Once again, the Review Board voted

HPRB unanimously in favor of landmark status.

The Webster School (1882) at 740 H Street, NW Credit: Jerry Maronek

15 PRESERVE A LANDMARK ❏ Yes! I want to join the D.C. Preservation League and help preserve, protect, and enhance Washington’s unique architectural heritage. Name Street ❏ Student/Senior $20 ❏ Individual $35 ❏ Family/Dual $50 City ❏ Friend/Organization $100 ❏ Donor $250 State ZIP ❏ L’Enfant Society $500 Telephone: Home Membership Benefits: Office w Newsletter and Annual Report w Invitations to annual meeting, tours, and conferences Make your fully tax-deductible contribution to the D.C. Preser- w Free admission to the Annual Membership Meeting vation League and mail this form to 1815 Pennsylvania Avenue, w Special notice of preservation issues NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20006. For more information, w … and more! call (202) 955-5616 or fax (202) 955-5456. L’Enfant Society Benefits: All the benefits of regular membership plus— w Invitations to special events w Recognition in DCPL’s annual report, newsletter, and formal program announcements S U P P O R T T H E D . C . P R E S E R V A T I O N L E A G U E #