2016 Dc Historic Preservation Plan Produced by the DC Historic Preservation Ofce Designed by Kim Elliott Printed September 2013

2016 District of Columbia Historic Preservation Plan Enriching Our Heritage

1 introduction 5 Enriching our heritage The district of columbia’s vision for historic preservation

2 dc history and heritage 13 People and progress A legacy of visionary plans Landmarks and milestones A succession of eras

3 preservation achievements 49 What works about preservation in dc

4 preservation challenges 59 Constituents talk about preservation Another round of public dialogue Evaluating government resources New opportunities for a growing city

5 goals, objectives, and actions 65 Setting shared goals Taking action together Recognizing historic resources Appreciating our history Protecting historic properties Planning for our heritage

6 implementation 77 Achieving our goals

7 resources and appendices 87 Bibliography Credits and acknowledgements introduction 1 Enriching our heritage Introduction A Path Forward to 2016 A Guide for Everyone Plan Organization

Now almost 225 years old, the District of Columbia is This plan is a guide to a broad range of historic preservation This plan is intended for everyone in the District of The plan is organized in seven chapters: uncommonly fortunate in its cultural, historical, and eforts through 2016. It lays out a manageable list of goals Columbia. It is not merely a program plan for the architectural legacy. It is a heritage that is rich and varied, and suggests the actions the HPO, city agencies, federal operations of the DC Historic Preservation Ofce. On First, it portrays images for a common vision, and reviews manifesting itself in the city’s majestic museums and partners, cultural organizations, preservation non-profts, its most basic level, preservation is a group activity. It our history and heritage — Chapters 1 and 2. monuments, cohesive neighborhoods, diverse places of and other partners can take collectively in the near term to is property owners—whether government agencies, work and worship, and scenic parks and landscapes. Its help achieve a long-range vision. It strives to include a wide businesses, or homeowners—who actually preserve the Then it assesses our strengths and challenges, and layers of history extend well beyond the built environment, range of activities and be responsive to many opinions, District’s historic resources. Community organizations proposes the goals we should set and actions we to the stories of people, communities, and institutions that while also setting priorities that will allow us to focus on the and volunteers foster pride in our history and advocate should take to reinforce our strengths and confront our have contributed to the making of this place. most pressing of our needs. for the benefts of preservation through the democratic challenges — Chapters 3, 4, and 5. process. Schools, cultural institutions, and a multitude of This legacy survives not just by chance. It is the result of the Several major themes weave through this plan and underlie congregations preserve and pass on our heritage to the In Chapter 6, it looks in depth at our goals and charts concerted eforts of citizens, organizations, business leaders, many of its recommendations. They refect a critical next generation. Everyone enjoys our civic spaces and draws how to respond over the next four years to the and government ofcials advocating for the value of the assessment of where preservation stands now, based upon inspiration from the life of our city. preservation mandates of the District’s Comprehensive city’s historic resources. Fifty years ago, when an organized the public comments received and a thoughtful look at Plan. approach to preservation frst began in the District, the what the city’s preservation community is doing well and Inevitably, most of the goals in this plan involve the And fnally, in Chapter 7, it includes a list of planning population was declining and traditional urbanism was not so well. Historic Preservation Ofce (HPO) and Historic Preservation resources and describes how to give critical feedback losing favor. Advocates for history fought not just the Review Board (HPRB), the government bodies responsible throughout the life of this plan. Your thoughts, random demolition of “obsolete” structures for parking lots, These fve themes are: for implementing preservation laws. But government suggestions, observations, and participation are needed but massive renewal schemes that could destabilize whole ofcials cannot fulfll the purposes of these laws without as we move forward together. neighborhoods. They advanced an alternative vision that Preservation should get back to basics. Preservation the participation and support of the community at large. our communities are irreplaceable assets, and most of their 1 should concentrate on what most people Government relies on the commitment and contributions of fabric can be sustained and renewed rather than replaced. understand is valuable. many partners working for the common good of the city.

During the past 50 years, preservation of our heritage has We should build from an understanding of history. become an inseparable part of the District’s revitalization. 2 Telling the story of our communities is the way to A Tens of thousands of historic buildings have been protected foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past. and adapted to meet modern needs. There has not always beenA agreement in every case, but the general goal of Preservationists should work together. Partnerships respecting the city’s historic buildings and character enjoys 3 are essential to draw on all available talents and widespread support. resources, communicate efectively, and make progress toward common goals. Now, with a strong economy, surging population, and rising land and housing costs, the pressure for redevelopment in We should celebrate our achievements. Our historic the District has intensifed. Smart growth and sustainability 4 environment is in remarkable condition overall, and are important policy goals, and must be accommodated preservationists can take credit for decades of solid along with preservation. New residents bring vitality, but accomplishment. perhaps diferent expectations about the city they now live in. And they may not share the same understanding or Preservation should consider new possibilities. A awareness of local heritage as long-time District residents. 5 changing city presents new opportunities, but new tools and approaches are also needed to address the In this changing environment, we cannot rely on the same challenges we face. assumptions and the past approaches to preservation alone. We can sustain and improve upon tools that work well, but we must also look for new strategies to ensure that the methods of preservation keep pace in a changing city. This plan aims to start down that road in order to ensure that our historic heritage remains a vital and valued part of our daily lives. 6 Duplex McGill House in LeDroit Park A Plan Methodology Connections to Long-Range Planning B Seeking Public Views

This document is unlike, and we hope better than, any This plan builds on the broad vision outlined in the District’s Planning for this document began in earnest in early previous plan produced by the DC Historic Preservation Comprehensive Plan, Growing An Inclusive City: From Vision 2012. To help us with the efort, HPO convened a steering Ofce. With it we begin a new chapter in how we as a to Reality, which serves as the framework document for all committee of local preservation leaders and stakeholders. community plan cooperatively for the District’s cultural planning eforts in the city. The DC Council adopted the The committee met twice in the summer of 2012 to review resources, and how we communicate with each other about Comprehensive Plan in 2006 after substantial review by the the previous plan, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of preservation in the city. community at large—and for the Historic Features Element, local preservation eforts, and provide guidance on priorities by the preservation community in particular. for the future. A public working session was convened at In 2000, HPO became a part of the DC Ofce of Planning. the Sumner School Museum and Archives on September 13, That merger came from the recognition that protection of Since this Historic Preservation Plan fulflls the District’s 2012, open to all and attended by about 50 city residents. the city’s cultural heritage was more of a planning function requirement for the State Historic Preservation Ofce to Participants at the public meeting discussed ideas and than one of reviewing construction permits when plans prepare and periodically update a state historic preservation recommendations in a series of small-group sessions. reached the implementation stage—in other words, once plan, it has also been informed by National Park Service the train was already leaving the station. guidelines for preservation planning. Preparation of the The frst draft of this plan was released for public comment plan has been further supported by a review of the recent in early 2013. This led to another round of revision and Some were initially skeptical about what that move might Annual Reports submitted to the Council of the District of consultation, described further in Chapter 4 mean for the integrity of the city’s historic preservation Columbia, describing achievements in implementing the program. In the dozen years since that merger, however, the DC historic preservation law. Recent accomplishments are We continue to welcome public comments about the 2016 city’s planning and preservation eforts have intermeshed summarized in an Implementation Report that accompanies DC Historic Preservation Plan, and yours are welcome: see in unforeseen ways that have strengthened both. We now this plan. Chapter 7 for how to share your thoughts. function as inseparable parts of a more inclusive planning process that is helping to propel the growth of the city by building on its natural strengths and competitive A advantages. We can now focus on attracting the kind of new economic engines that thrive in the cultural and physical D environment that the District of Columbia provides in abundance. C What progress has been made in the past dozen years?

At the halfway mark, the District rewrote its Comprehensive Plan, for the frst time with historic preservationists as colleagues and equal members of the planning team. Soon after, the Historic Features Element of the new Comp Plan, with modest additions, served double duty as Preserving Communities and Character: The Historic Preservation Plan for the District of Columbia, 2008-2012. And now with that foundation in place, we take the next step toward realizing a sustainable preservation planning function that sets interim goals and allows us to measure our progress in manageable four-year increments. We view this plan as the beginning of an engagement and dialogue that will continue with more vigor in the upcoming years. E

Dupont Circle Row House A DC War Memorial B McMillan Reservoir Sand Filtration site C Masonry detail, Foggy Bottom neighborhood D 7 Architectural detail on U Street E The district of columbia’s vision for historic preservation Washington in Our Imagination B The treasured image of Washington and its wealth of The Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia in 2006 establishes a collective vision for the historic buildings and neighborhoods is matched by few stewardship of our heritage. The Comprehensive Plan describes that vision in the words below: other cities in the United States. These assets include the grand and monumental legacies of the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans as well as the social story that is embodied in Historic Preservation Goal A Diversity of Plans and Ideas each of the city’s neighborhoods. The natural beauty of the District of Columbia is also an inseparable part of the city’s The overarching goal for historic preservation is to preserve Washington is unique not only because it is the Nation’s historic image. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1002.1) and enhance the unique cultural heritage, beauty, and Capital, but also because it is the great planned city of identity of the District of Columbia by respecting the the United States. Pierre L’Enfant’s famous 1791 Plan for The most common image of Washington may be the historic physical form of the city and the enduring value the city has been largely followed and respected over sweeping vista of colonnaded government buildings seen of its historic structures and places, recognizing their the past two centuries, and was reinforced and amplifed across a tree-lined greensward. For many tourists the marble importance to the citizens of the District and the nation, by the 1901 McMillan Plan. The city’s grand plans were monuments, rows of museums, and fowering cherry trees and sharing mutual responsibilities for their protection and implemented slowly and ftfully, and perfected through a defne the city. These images are also cherished by the stewardship of a cultural heritage that is important to both shared passion for civic embellishment that took root as the city’s residents, but they are not the only view of historic Washingtonians and Americans across the nation. city matured. These plans were brought to life through the Washington. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1007.1) (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1001.1) personal stories of a multitude of citizens who contributed their own dreams to the city. Washington is the capital of Most of the city spreads far beyond its monumental core a democracy. In its wealth of diferent ideas, its rich and and out to the boundaries of the District of Columbia. A National Building Museum its poor, its messy vitality and its evident compromises, it The city’s business center is richly endowed with lively B The Smithsonian refects that fact in a multitude of ways its founders could commercial architecture and defned by its unique midrise C The Jeferson Memorial and Tidal Basin never have predicted. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1000.3) scale. Local Washington is a mosaic of neighborhoods— some flled with turreted Victorian rowhouses, some with A modest bungalows intermixed with apartments, and others lined block after block with broad turn-of-the century front porches. Washington’s architecture is an eclectic mix that belies the dignifed uniformity of the tourist postcards. And much of the historic city is still intact. This is a prime source of the city’s charm and an inheritance that should make all Washingtonians proud. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1007.2)

8 Changing Views and Values B C

Images of Washington have also changed, as have ideas about what to preserve from its past. Old Georgetown was rediscovered and protected by 1950, and in 1964 the national monuments ranked high on the city’s frst list of landmarks worth saving. By the end of the 1960s, the Old Post Ofce and other Victorian treasures returned to favor as the rallying point for a new generation of preservationists. With Home Rule in the 1970s, the landmarks of the city’s African-American heritage fnally gained the attention they deserved. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1000.4)

In the District of Columbia today, there are more than 600 [now 650] historic landmarks and more than 40 [now 50] historic districts, half of which are local neighborhoods. In all, nearly 25,000 [27,000] properties are protected by historic designation. Historic landmarks include the iconic monuments and the symbolic commemorative places that defne Washington, DC as the Nation’s Capital, but they also include retail and commercial centers, residences, and places of worship and leisure of thousands of ordinary citizens who call “DC” home. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1000.5)

Rowhouses in Dupont Circle A A The Big Chair in Anacostia B Basilica of the National Shrine C Eastern Market D

9 A Revitalization Strategy B D

For a city like Washington, DC, protection of historic resources is an integral part of the community planning, economic development, and construction permitting processes. Historic preservation is an important local government function as well as an economic development strategy. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1015.1)

Historic preservation is also fundamental to the growth and development of District neighborhoods. Recent building permit and development activity in the city confrms that historic preservation is a proven catalyst for neighborhood investment and stabilization. The fnancial impact of preservation on the city is also well documented. Preservation has increased real estate values, strengthened the city’s tourism industry, and revitalized neighborhood shopping districts like Barracks Row and U Street. Looking to the future, historic preservation will become even more closely integrated with urban design, neighborhood conservation, housing, economic development, tourism, and planning strategies. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1015.2)

E Restoration at 301 M Street NW A Tivoli Theater, Columbia Heights B Union Row on 14th Street NW C Georgetown O and P Street Project D Peirce Mill, new fume reconstruction E C A

10 Advocacy and Leadership B D

Whether as an economic opportunity or a set of new challenges, historic preservation relies on strong advocates to promote its importance among the host of priorities facing community leaders. Preservation draws strength by forging efective partnerships and ensuring the development of preservation leaders for the future. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1015.4)

Challenges and Opportunities

Preservation needs in the city are constantly changing. Fifty years ago, the biggest challenge was to prevent the demolition of entire neighborhoods for freeways and “urban renewal.” Today’s challenges include unprecedented pressure for new growth, soaring property values, and escalating construction costs. Gentrifcation is the issue in some historic neighborhoods, but in others it is decay. Unprecedented security considerations, tourism management, and the preservation of buildings from the recent past are high on the preservation agenda. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1000.6)

With these challenges come new opportunities. This is an era of revitalized historic neighborhoods, vibrant new design ideas, and a more sophisticated appreciation of the role that preservation can play in rejuvenating the city. C E Collaboration and consensus about preservation are largely replacing the antagonistic battles of the past. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1000.7)

Humanities Council Showcase A Historic Preservation Plan Advisory Committee B Adams Morgan Day C Ben’s Chili Bowl, U Street D School Without Walls, Foggy Bottom E

11 dc history and heritage 2 Living on the Native Land 1730 From Farms and Plantations to a City Plan 1800 The Federal City 1835 Capital of a Nation Divided 1870 The City 1885 Seeking 1900 American 1915 Boom 1930 New Deal 1945Post War 1960 Turbulent 1975Home Rule 1990 New 2005A Growing 2020 Expands Country Air Empire and Bust Years Times Confdence City People and progress

African American Population 802,178 The frst step in planning for our heritage is to promote awareness of the past and the legacy we share as a 763,956 community. Anyone can fnd it rewarding to refect upon 537,712 756,510 Peak of African American population the lives of distinguished Washingtonians, learn about historical events, or try to understand why the city looks the Second Great Migration African American migration to suburbs 1940-1970 537,712 1970 - 2010 way it does today. The more we can establish a collective 187% population growth Peak of black population 632,323 appreciation of our past, the more we can speak a common Peak of enslavement Census 6,377 663,091 Estimate language about the value it holds in our everyday lives. 73% 88% Emancipation 2012 50% 64% in 1862 39% 638,333 62,726 This chapter gives an overview of DC history and the city’s 31% free Peak of other population 19% 606,900 601,723 development from the colonial era to the present day. It enslaved 305,125 looks at a 400-year timeline in four ways, zooming in from a 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 572,059 broad overview to brief essays about shorter time periods. Rise of a Free Black Community by Percent First Great Migration 1910-1930 517,865 People and Progress charts the waves of men, 40% population growth Peak of white population 1 187,266 women, and families who shaped the history of our 486,869 area, whether they arrived in bondage, sought refuge or 132,068 3,488 Peak of American Indian population jobs during wartime, or moved in search of a better life. 94,446 They tell a story of the quest for liberty and equality. 437,571 43,404

A Legacy of Visionary Plans takes a brief look 793 11,131 2 at how four centuries of plans led to the creation of 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 modern Washington. The graphics of these frst two White migration to the suburbs 1950 -1980 timelines are true to scale, showing the actual length of 331,069 the colonial period relative to our modern era.

278,718 Landmarks and Milestones is a more detailed 3 timeline introducing thematic periods and major Infux of population 230,392 accomplishments in DC history. The scale of this due to Civil War 3 timeline stretches twice, after the city’s founding and Asian population DC Population the Civil War, adjusting to a faster pace of change. 9,967 population returns to 177,624 Other Virginia in 1840 Asian A Succession of Eras discusses historical themes American Indian 4 1 131,700 and the major concerns of diferent periods in the city’s Native American Enslaved development, showing how the patterns of local history 6,377 population Peak of enslaved population African American relate to major events. These essays align with the 75,081 White periods of the second timeline. Captain John Smith before Powhatan, 1608 Slaves working in 17th-century Virginia, 1670 Revolutionary War, 1775-1783 51,687 43,712 39,834 33,039 23,933 Estimated 300 Nacochtanke people on the Anacostia River 14,103

Brown vs Board of 1600 1650 1700 1750 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950Education 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Wars Nacochtanke village War on the Susquehannocks French and Indian War Revolutionary War War of 1812 Mexican War Civil War Spanish-American War World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War War in Iraq / War in Afghanistan attacked and burned Civil Rights 1665 1775 1830 1848 1862 1863 1882 1899 1909 1913 1920 1948 1954 1955 1963 1968 2004 2008 2013 about 10,500 BC 1607 Maryland Assembly The world's frst anti- The Indian The Pearl Slavery Emancipation Chinese End of NAACP Women’s Right to Vote Truman Brown Rosa Parks Civil Martin Luther King Jr. Marriage Supreme Court First human settlement of the Jamestown founded, authorizes slavery slavery society founded: Removal Act Escape abolished in Proclamation Exclusion Reconstruction founded 19th Amendment desegregates vs. refuses to Rights Assassinated Equality: Barack Obama strikes down Mid-Atlantic region* frst permanent 1751 Pennsylvania Society for First US Census Attempt the District Act military Board of give up Act MA is frst is elected as frst DOMA in 14 *(currently accepted) English settlement in Georgetown Promoting the Abolition taken in the Wilson segregates Education bus seat state to pass African-American United States North America established of Slavery District of Columbia government workforce legislation President vs. Windsor Living on the Native Land 1730 From Farms and Plantations to a City Plan 1800 The Federal City 1835 Capital of a Nation Divided 1870 The City 1885 Seeking 1900 American 1915 Boom 1930 New Deal 1945Post War 1960 Turbulent 1975Home Rule 1990 New 2005A Growing 2020 Expands Country Air Empire and Bust Years Times Confdence City

African American Population 802,178

763,956 537,712 756,510 Peak of African American population

Second Great Migration African American migration to suburbs 1940-1970 537,712 1970 - 2010 187% population growth Peak of black population 632,323 Peak of enslavement Edie Windsor, gay pride parade, 2013 Census 6,377 663,091 Estimate 73% 88% Emancipation 2012 50% 64% in 1862 39% 638,333 62,726 31% free Peak of other population 19% 606,900 601,723 enslaved 305,125 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., 1963 572,059

Rise of a Free Black Community by Percent First Great Migration 1910-1930 517,865 40% population growth Peak of white population 187,266 486,869 132,068 3,488 Peak of American Indian population 94,446 Seneca Falls Convention, 1848 Abraham Lincoln, 1863 437,571 43,404

793 11,131 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 White migration to the suburbs 1950 -1980 331,069 Poster supporting the Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882 278,718

Infux of population 230,392 Trail of Tears, 1831 due to Civil War 3 Asian population DC Population 9,967 population returns to 177,624 Other Virginia in 1840 Asian

1 131,700 American Indian Native American Enslaved 6,377 population Peak of enslaved population African American 75,081 White 51,687 43,712 39,834 33,039 23,933 Estimated 300 Nacochtanke people on the Anacostia River 14,103

Brown vs Board of 1600 1650 1700 1750 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950Education 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Wars Nacochtanke village War on the Susquehannocks French and Indian War Revolutionary War War of 1812 Mexican War Civil War Spanish-American War World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War War in Iraq / War in Afghanistan attacked and burned Civil Rights 1665 1775 1830 1848 1862 1863 1882 1899 1909 1913 1920 1948 1954 1955 1963 1968 2004 2008 2013 about 10,500 BC 1607 Maryland Assembly The world's frst anti- The Indian The Pearl Slavery Emancipation Chinese End of NAACP Women’s Right to Vote Truman Brown Rosa Parks Civil Martin Luther King Jr. Marriage Supreme Court First human settlement of the Jamestown founded, authorizes slavery slavery society founded: Removal Act Escape abolished in Proclamation Exclusion Reconstruction founded 19th Amendment desegregates vs. refuses to Rights Assassinated Equality: Barack Obama strikes down Mid-Atlantic region* frst permanent 1751 Pennsylvania Society for First US Census Attempt the District Act military Board of give up Act MA is frst is elected as frst DOMA in *(currently accepted) English settlement in Georgetown Promoting the Abolition taken in the Wilson segregates Education bus seat state to pass African-American United States 15 North America established of Slavery District of Columbia government workforce legislation President vs. Windsor Living on the Native Land 1730 From Farms and Plantations to a City Plan 1800 The Federal City 1835 Capital of a Nation Divided 1870 The City 1885 Seeking 1900American 1915 Boom 1930 New Deal 1945Post War 1960 Turbulent 1975Home Rule 1990 New 2005A Growing 2020 Times Confdence A legacy of visionary plans Expands Country Air Empire and Bust Years City

McMillan Plan provides The Boschke Map - frst to “City Beautiful” vision for Andrew Ellicott map - frst printed Andrew Jackson Downing’s show every building, future development of The Pennsylvania NCPC Legacy Plan Annapolis town plan version of L’Enfant’s plan plan for the Mall public and private Washington Avenue Plan 1696 1792 1851 1857 1901 1974 1997

1600 1610 1620 1630 1640 1650 1660 1670 1680 1690 1700 1710 1720 1730 1740 1750 1760 1770 1780 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

1612 1699 1751 1791 1846 1881 2009 Captain John Smith’s Williamsburg town plan Georgetown established Pierre Charles L’Enfant designs Congress returns Alexandria Congress directs the Army National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) NCPC Framework Plan map of Virginia and platted the plan of Washington County to Virginia Corps of Engineers to control Comprehensive Regional Plan fooding by reshaping the Andrew Ellicott and Benjamin Potomac riverfront Banneker survey the District, placing boundary stones at every mile

Future DC

16 Living on the Native Land 1730 From Farms and Plantations to a City Plan 1800 The Federal City 1835 Capital of a Nation Divided 1870 The City 1885 Seeking 1900American 1915 Boom 1930 New Deal 1945Post War 1960 Turbulent 1975Home Rule 1990 New 2005A Growing 2020 Expands Country Air Empire and Bust Years Times Confdence City

17 Landmarks and milestones

1590-1700: Living on the Native Land page 32

English parliament US Constitution permits Major L’Enfant decrees the Captain John Smith sails King Charles I grants The College of William and Maryland Tobacco Montgomery creation of a federal ofers to design transportation of up the Potomac and fnds Cecil Calvert, the second English Catholic settlers Mary is founded - the Inspection Act tries Frederick County County divided district “not exceeding the capital Construction sentenced criminals a native settlement at Lord Baltimore, a charter found Saint Mary’s City, second-oldest institution of Prince George’s County Quakers demand the Baltimore to match Virginia’s divided from Prince from Frederick ten miles square” begun on to the colonies Nacotchtanke for Maryland Maryland higher education in the US is established abolition of slavery founded trade advantage George’s County County the Capitol 1597 1608 1632 1634 1693 1696 1727 1729 1747 1748 1776 1788 1789 1793

1590 1600 1610 1620 1630 1640 1650 1660 1670 1680 1690 1700 1710 1720 1730 1740 1750 1760 1770 1780 1790 1800 Elizabeth I James I Charles I Commonwealth Charles II James II William & Mary William III Anne George I George II George III Continental Congress Articles of Confederation Washington J. Adams

War on the Susquehannocks French and Indian War Revolutionary War 1606 1607 1663 1667 1695 1699 1713 1730 1732 1745 1751 1757 1765 1776 1790 1792 King James grants the Virginia Jamestown, the frst George Thompson Settlers and Native Maryland capital moves to Virginia capital moves to Virginia requires Virginia Tobacco George Washington Tobacco inspection Georgetown Construction of Stamp Act taxes the Declaration of District of Columbia Construction begun Charter and establishes the English settlement in receives land patents Americans of the Annapolis Williamsburg warehouses to inspect Inspection Act improves born in Westmoreland house on Potomac established Mount Vernon colonies Independence established on the White House Virginia Company for colonial America for Saint Elizabeths Potomac area conclude tobacco exports quality and increases County, Virginia at Rock Creek begun settlement and Duddington on a peace treaty demand Old Stone House the Anacostia constructed, 1791 considered the oldest First sale of lots in the house in Georgetown City of Washington

18 English parliament US Constitution permits Major L’Enfant decrees the Captain John Smith sails King Charles I grants The College of William and Maryland Tobacco Montgomery creation of a federal ofers to design transportation of up the Potomac and fnds Cecil Calvert, the second English Catholic settlers Mary is founded - the Inspection Act tries Frederick County County divided district “not exceeding the capital Construction sentenced criminals a native settlement at Lord Baltimore, a charter found Saint Mary’s City, second-oldest institution of Prince George’s County Quakers demand the Baltimore to match Virginia’s divided from Prince from Frederick ten miles square” begun on to the colonies Nacotchtanke for Maryland Maryland higher education in the US is established abolition of slavery founded trade advantage George’s County County the Capitol 1597 1608 1632 1634 1693 1696 1727 1729 1747 1748 1776 1788 1789 1793

1700-1800: Vision for a New Capital page 34 19 The government moves from Mount Vernon Ladies Philadelphia to Washington Thomas Jeferson rides US forces retreat, burning First public telegraph Steam-powered brick Association founded to horse to Capitol, the Navy Yard. British ofce in the US opens Reinforced making machine protect Mount Vernon: a Government Hospital First brick and tile making establishing practice of forces seize the city and The National Aqueduct Bridge B&O Railroad US Naval Observatory in the General Post concrete invented by beginning for historic for the Insane Slavery abolished US Capitol dome machine patented inaugural parade burn most public buildings Theater opens over the Potomac reaches the city built in Foggy Bottom Ofce on 7th Street is invented Richard Ver Valen preservation (Saint Elizabeths) opens in the District completed 1800 1805 1814 1823 1831 1835 1842 1845 1849 1852 1853 1855 1862 1863 Depression of 1807 Panics of 1815 and 1819 Panic of 1837 Depression Panic of 1857

1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 J. Adams Jeferson Madison Monroe J.Q. Adams Jackson Van Buren Tyler Polk Taylor Fillmore Pierce Buchanan Lincoln A. Johnson Grant W.H. Harrison War of 1812 Mexican-American War Civil War Reconstruction 1801 1816 1819 1820 1826 1828 1833 1836 1839 1844 1847 1848 1851 1854 1857 1862 1865 Marine Barracks St. John’s Church opens Reconstruction of the Construction of Washington Chesapeake & Ohio Washington Treasury Department General Post Ofce Samuel Morse Smithsonian Washington Extension of the Uniontown, the Gallaudet College DC’s frst horse-drawn Howard University chartered established Capitol completed, with City Hall begun Penitentiary begun Canal begun Monument Society begun; frst section begun; frst section sends frst Institution begun; Monument begun Capitol begun, with city’s frst suburb, is established as the streetcar lines built, by Congress a new dome by architect formed to build a completed in 1842 completed in 1844 telegraph message completed 1855 skylit House and incorporated across Columbia Institution serving both civic and Charles Bulfnch memorial funded by with gas lighting from Washington Senate chambers in the Anacostia River for the Deaf, Dumb, military uses Trial of Lincoln conspirators private contributions to Baltimore the new wings from the Navy Yard and Blind at Washington Penitentiary Patent Ofce begun; Canal reaches frst section Harper’s Ferry completed in 1840

1800-1835: The Federal City page 35

20 1835-1870 The Civil War A Capital of a Nation Divided and its Aftermath page 36 page 37

The government moves from Mount Vernon Ladies Philadelphia to Washington Thomas Jeferson rides US forces retreat, burning First public telegraph Steam-powered brick Association founded to horse to Capitol, the Navy Yard. British ofce in the US opens Reinforced making machine protect Mount Vernon: a Government Hospital First brick and tile making establishing practice of forces seize the city and The National Aqueduct Bridge B&O Railroad US Naval Observatory in the General Post concrete invented by beginning for historic for the Insane Slavery abolished US Capitol dome machine patented inaugural parade burn most public buildings Theater opens over the Potomac reaches the city built in Foggy Bottom Ofce on 7th Street is invented Richard Ver Valen preservation (Saint Elizabeths) opens in the District completed 1800 1805 1814 1823 1831 1835 1842 1845 1849 1852 1853 1855 1862 1863 Depression of 1807 Panics of 1815 and 1819 Panic of 1837 Depression Panic of 1857

21 State, War, and Navy Building (now the Eisenhower Executive Ofce Building) is built 1871-88 DC Board of Public Works undertakes 1st skycraper widespread improvements; roads Patent Ofce fre burns the Pension Building begun, using built: Home Baltimore Sun Building, First electric Old Post Ofce begun Massive new Government graded and paved, gas and sewer Corcoran Gallery of Art north and west wings, mass-produced materials and Insurance Ofce one of the frst elevator streetcar system (completed in 1899); frst World’s Columbian Exposition Printing Ofce Building begun lines laid throughout the city opens destroying 114,000 models innovative light and ventilation Building, Chicago buildings in Washington put into service steel frame building in DC in Chicago (completed 1904) 1871-74 1874 1877 1882 1884 1885 1888 1891 1893 1899 Panic of 1873 The Long Depression Panic of 1893 Panic of 1896 1870 1880 1890 1900 Grant 1873 Hayes Garfeld Arthur Cleveland B. Harrison Cleveland McKinley Reconstruction Spanish-American War 1871 1872 1873 1875 1879-81 1883 1884 1888 1889 1894 1898 Center Market opens Yellowstone Adolf Cluss LeDroit Building, National Museum built Takoma Park Washington National Geographic National Zoo Columbia Historical Society DC’s frst height limit imposed after The Evening Star newspaper (razed in 1931) established appointed to showing the new to house collections established as a Monument Society formed founded founded, now Historical Society the Cairo Apartments was built to 160’ building is completed as frst Board of Public Works fashion for cast iron from the Philadelphia railroad suburb completed of Washington DC National Park facades Centennial Exposition LeDroit Park founded Rock Creek Park is established 1870-1885: Adas Israel, the city’s The City Expands frst synagogue page 38

22 1885-1900: Seeking the Country Air page 39

State, War, and Navy Building (now the Eisenhower Executive Ofce Building) is built 1871-88 DC Board of Public Works undertakes 1st skycraper widespread improvements; roads Patent Ofce fre burns the Pension Building begun, using built: Home Baltimore Sun Building, First electric Old Post Ofce begun Massive new Government graded and paved, gas and sewer Corcoran Gallery of Art north and west wings, mass-produced materials and Insurance Ofce one of the frst elevator streetcar system (completed in 1899); frst World’s Columbian Exposition Printing Ofce Building begun lines laid throughout the city opens destroying 114,000 models innovative light and ventilation Building, Chicago buildings in Washington put into service steel frame building in DC in Chicago (completed 1904) 1871-74 1874 1877 1882 1884 1885 1888 1891 1893 1899 Panic of 1873 The Long Depression Panic of 1893 Panic of 1896 1870 1880 1890 1900 Grant 1873 Hayes Garfeld Arthur Cleveland B. Harrison Cleveland McKinley Reconstruction Spanish-American War 1871 1872 1873 1875 1879-81 1883 1884 1888 1889 1894 1898 Center Market opens Yellowstone Adolf Cluss LeDroit Building, National Museum built Takoma Park Washington National Geographic National Zoo Columbia Historical Society DC’s frst height limit imposed after The Evening Star newspaper (razed in 1931) established appointed to showing the new to house collections established as a Monument Society formed founded founded, now Historical Society the Cairo Apartments was built to 160’ building is completed as frst Board of Public Works fashion for cast iron from the Philadelphia railroad suburb completed of Washington DC National Park facades Centennial Exposition LeDroit Park founded Rock Creek Park is established Adas Israel, the city’s frst synagogue

23 Mayfower Hotel opens on Connecticut Avenue 1900-1915: National Capital Capital of an American Empire Park Commission page 40 (later NCPC) created by Congress The Strand, frst movie theater Tivoli Theater begins built east of the Howard Theater, the city’s Women’s sufrage Construction of Washington construction on the Anacostia for Stock Market crash, The District Building opened frst for African Americans, parade on Cathedral suspended during city’s main uptown African American beginning the Great (now John A. Wilson Building) opens on “Black Broadway” Pennsylvania Avenue the war streetcar line patrons Depression 1906 1913 1917 1924 1928 1929 Panic of 1907 Depression of 1920-21 The Great Depression 1900 1910 1920 1930 McKinley T. Roosevelt Taft Wilson Harding Coolidge Hoover

World War I US enters World War I 1901 1903 1907 1908 1913 1915 1916 1919 1921 1922 1923-1926 1925 1926 McMillan Plan provides President Roosevelt DC requires registration Walter Reed General US Commission of US income tax Cornerstone laid The “national labor temple” built by the Beginning of Women gain Lincoln Theater Lincoln Memorial Rock Creek and Construction of Congress funds Congress passes the “City Beautiful” vision and Andrew Carnegie for the city’s 2,200 autos Hospital opens Fine Arts established established for the Lincoln American Federation of Labor and its head, Prohibition right to vote opens on U Street dedicated Potomac Parkway Foxhall Village construction of the Shipstead-Luce Act, giving for the future dedicate the Central Memorial Samuel Gompers built begins, evoking Federal Triangle the Commission of Fine development of Public Library Construction of Union Station is The Whitelaw Hotel - English country Arts authority to review Washington Washington Cathedral completed the city’s frst luxury Washington is one life private construction in the begun hotel for African of the frst US cities monumental core New Willard Hotel Americans opens to adopt land use opens zoning

24 Mayfower Hotel opens on Connecticut Avenue National Capital Park Commission (later NCPC) created by Congress The Strand, frst movie theater Tivoli Theater begins built east of the Howard Theater, the city’s Women’s sufrage Construction of Washington construction on the Anacostia for Stock Market crash, The District Building opened frst for African Americans, parade on Cathedral suspended during city’s main uptown African American beginning the Great (now John A. Wilson Building) opens on “Black Broadway” Pennsylvania Avenue the war streetcar line patrons Depression 1906 1913 1917 1924 1928 1929 Panic of 1907 Depression of 1920-21 The Great Depression 1900 1910 1920 1930 McKinley T. Roosevelt Taft Wilson Harding Coolidge Hoover

1915-1930: Boom and Bust page 41

25 1930-1945: The New Deal National Archives begun Alley Dwelling Authority Blair House Zoning Act of 1938 The John Adams National Gallery of Art GSA emphasizes Chloethiel Woodward (completed 1937) with created by Congress, recognized as a site introduces the idea Building, annex to opens - at the time the The Wire Building is Two Inner Loop freeways economics, simplicity, Smith designs the Capitol page 42 major advances in charged with eliminating of national historic of comprehensive the Library of largest marble Jeferson Memorial completed, the frst modern proposed to cut through DC and comfort in public Park Apartments as part of mechanical air conditioning alley housing by 1944 signifcance plans for the city Congress opens structure in the world dedicated ofce building on K Street neighborhoods architecture the SW urban renewal plan 1932 1934 1937 1938 1939 1941 1943 1949 1954 1958 The Great Depression Recession of 1937 1930 1940 1950 1960 Hoover F. D. Roosevelt Truman Truman Eisenhower

World War II Pearl Harbor - US enters World War II Korean War Vietnam War 1931 1932 1933 1935 1937 1942 1947 1954 Connecticut Avenue On Leong Tong National Park Service created Calvert Street “Duke Hecht Company Suitland Parkway Uline Ice Company Mayfair Mansions, built with Whitehurst Freeway Congress designates DC public schools and Bridge built over establishes and given authority to survey, Ellington” Bridge Warehouse exemplifes is built and Arena built-- federal help to ease wartime construction begins Georgetown as DC’s frst recreation facilities Klingle Valley Chinatown on acquire, restore, and mark constructed Art Deco expression frst thin-shell housing shortage for African historic district, with desegregated H Street, NW historic sites and modern materials concrete building Americans buildings protected through Supreme Court erected in DC design review by the Prohibition repealed building opened Commission of Fine Arts

26 1945-1960: The Post-War Years page 43

National Archives begun Alley Dwelling Authority Blair House Zoning Act of 1938 The John Adams National Gallery of Art GSA emphasizes Chloethiel Woodward (completed 1937) with created by Congress, recognized as a site introduces the idea Building, annex to opens - at the time the The Wire Building is Two Inner Loop freeways economics, simplicity, Smith designs the Capitol major advances in charged with eliminating of national historic of comprehensive the Library of largest marble Jeferson Memorial completed, the frst modern proposed to cut through DC and comfort in public Park Apartments as part of mechanical air conditioning alley housing by 1944 signifcance plans for the city Congress opens structure in the world dedicated ofce building on K Street neighborhoods architecture the SW urban renewal plan 1932 1934 1937 1938 1939 1941 1943 1949 1954 1958 The Great Depression Recession of 1937 1930 1940 1950 1960 Hoover F. D. Roosevelt Truman Truman Eisenhower

27 Logan Circle becomes Union Station March on Washington frst neighborhood Dunbar High School rehabilitation for Jobs and Freedom historic district after demolished begun 1001 Pennsylvania Georgetown Hirshhorn Reeves Center Avenue introduces Streetcars removed Assassination of Housing and Urban Development Museum All unbuilt DC interstate National Gallery of Art - Vietnam Memorial opens at 14th and new approach to from DC streets John F. Kennedy Building constructed MLK Library dedicated opens highways canceled East Wing constructed dedicated U Streets contextual design 1961 1963 1965 1972 1974 1977 1978 1982 1986 1987 Oil Crisis and Stagfation 1979 Energy Crisis 1960 1970 1980 1990 Eisenhower Hoover Kennedy L.B. Johnson Nixon Ford Carter Reagan G. Bush

Vietnam War 1962 1964 1966 1968 1971 1973 1976 1978 1979 1981 1984 1986 1989 Guiding Principles CFA and NCPC form National Historic Preservation Shopping strips on “Don’t Tear It Down” Home Rule charter gives First segment of Metro DC Historic Landmark Preservation law saves US Tax Court Building and Plaza Techworld project intrudes Gallery Row project Market Square project for Federal the Joint Committee Act makes preservation a 7th, 14th, and H (now the DC Preservation the District limited opens between Farragut and Historic District Keith-Albee Building spanning Interstate 395 is into the historic street vista of begins 7th Street creates new civic plaza at Architecture issued on Landmarks, and national policy Streets burned after League) formed to protest self-governance North and Rhode Island Protection Act facades, but Rhodes Tavern completed the Patent Ofce revitalization Navy Memorial create the city’s frst assassination of planned demolition of the Avenue is demolished list of landmarks National Register created Martin Luther King, Jr. Old Post Ofce Destruction of McGill 1960-1975: Building leads to Watergate Complex Kennedy Center opens delay-in-demolition New Visions in Turbulent Times begun regulation page 44

28 1975-1990: Home Rule and Downtown Revival page 45

Logan Circle becomes Union Station March on Washington frst neighborhood Dunbar High School rehabilitation for Jobs and Freedom historic district after demolished begun 1001 Pennsylvania Georgetown Hirshhorn Reeves Center Avenue introduces Streetcars removed Assassination of Housing and Urban Development Museum All unbuilt DC interstate National Gallery of Art - Vietnam Memorial opens at 14th and new approach to from DC streets John F. Kennedy Building constructed MLK Library dedicated opens highways canceled East Wing constructed dedicated U Streets contextual design 1961 1963 1965 1972 1974 1977 1978 1982 1986 1987 Oil Crisis and Stagfation 1979 Energy Crisis 1960 1970 1980 1990 Eisenhower Hoover Kennedy L.B. Johnson Nixon Ford Carter Reagan G. Bush

Vietnam War 1962 1964 1966 1968 1971 1973 1976 1978 1979 1981 1984 1986 1989 Guiding Principles CFA and NCPC form National Historic Preservation Shopping strips on “Don’t Tear It Down” Home Rule charter gives First segment of Metro DC Historic Landmark Preservation law saves US Tax Court Building and Plaza Techworld project intrudes Gallery Row project Market Square project for Federal the Joint Committee Act makes preservation a 7th, 14th, and H (now the DC Preservation the District limited opens between Farragut and Historic District Keith-Albee Building spanning Interstate 395 is into the historic street vista of begins 7th Street creates new civic plaza at Architecture issued on Landmarks, and national policy Streets burned after League) formed to protest self-governance North and Rhode Island Protection Act facades, but Rhodes Tavern completed the Patent Ofce revitalization Navy Memorial create the city’s frst assassination of planned demolition of the Avenue is demolished list of landmarks National Register created Martin Luther King, Jr. Old Post Ofce Destruction of McGill Building leads to Watergate Complex Kennedy Center opens delay-in-demolition begun regulation

29 1990-2005: Toward a New Confdence page 46

Martin Luther King Jr. Post-modernism reaches its Italian Chancery is Museum of the American New Arena Stage opens Memorial opens on height with AARP building completed Indian opens on the Mall in SW the Mall 1991 1996 2004 1990 2000 2010 G. Bush Clinton G.W. Bush Obama

Gulf War War in Iraq / War in Afghanistan 1992 1994 1997 2003 2005 2008 2009 2011 2012 Thurgood Marshall Federal Finnish Embassy World Bank 14th Street revitalization Tivoli Theater Construction of Historic DC A series of new Construction begins DC Historic Preservation Award for Judiciary Building is constructed; becomes frst Headquarters takes of with reinvention reopened in Nationals Stadium, Courthouse public libraries on City Center public schools modernization completed, named after the LEED-certifed embassy in completed of old auto showrooms Columbia Heights frst major-league reopens opens across the encompassing fve frst African-American DC in 2010 stadium in US to be city city blocks Groundbreaking for the National Supreme Court Justice LEED-certifed Museum of African American History and Culture

30 2005-2020: A Growing and Vital City page 47 Martin Luther King Jr. Post-modernism reaches its Italian Chancery is Museum of the American New Arena Stage opens Memorial opens on height with AARP building completed Indian opens on the Mall in SW the Mall 1991 1996 2004 1990 2000 2010 G. Bush Clinton G.W. Bush Obama

31 A succession of eras B Living on the Native Land

1600 1730 stone tool manufacture. Ancient quarries remain along Piney Branch, and the presence of inhabitants in the Rock The land that became the District of Columbia lies Creek valley has been shown at many locations. Recently, a at the edge of the1730 Atlantic1800 coastal plain, where a major ceremonial site was unearthed near the mouth of the rolling topography of uplands and ridges gives way creek. as watercourses descend to tidal estuaries and gentle 1800 1835 fatlands. This native landscape remains, not just in our Native American occupation is documented all along the historic parklands and panoramic views, but also in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. The frst inhabitants recorded commanding placement of landmarks, like the Capitol, by history were the Nacotchtanke or Nacostan Indians, 1835 1870 Washington Cathedral, and Saint Elizabeths Hospital. whose ancestors established trading sites and hunting and fshing settlements on the shorelines as much as 2,000 Much of this land has been preserved for 18851870 public enjoyment. years ago. English explorer John Smith encountered these The beauty of the Potomac gorge was recognized from the people in 1608, when they were settled in a large village on city’s beginnings and remains protected in its natural state. river fats. The Anacostia was named for this settlement, and The valleys of Rock Creek and other Potomac1885 1900 tributaries the Potomac was similarly named after another Algonkian were set aside as wooded park landscapes beginning in group, the Patawomeke. 1890. The banks of the meandering Anacostia were molded by engineers, as were some streams like Oxon19151900 Run, but Scores of prehistoric archaeological sites have been these also have been reserved as parkland. identifed in the District, mainly on the banks and blufs along rivers and streams. But sites are present throughout Our native landscape supported long prehistoric1915 1930 American the city, discovered by archaeologists knowledgeable about Indian occupation. As early as 14,000 years ago, this area the ways of survival centuries ago. There are remnants of was an important economic location for Native Americans. houses, fre pits, and hearths. Recovered artifacts—cooking Hunting, fshing, and gathering sustained the population.19451930 pots, fshing gear, tools—reveal the culture and life patterns Native people preserved vast quantities of fsh during of early people. They also show how they made use of annual shad runs. Upland ridges became transportation natural objects: cobblestones from streambeds were routes, and stream valleys provided the raw materials1945 1960 for fashioned into tools, and soapstone quarried near Rock Creek was carved to make bowls. A Algonkian Native Americans, 1585 B East Branch of Potomac River, Washington August Kollner, 1839 19751960 A England Creates Colonies 1975 1990 farm homesteads and tobacco plantations. Initially, Archaeological evidence of colonial life is scattered across The arrival of Europeans and Africans in the region after indentured servants provided most of the labor to work the District, but few buildings or even fragments survive 1600 set of a century of contact and confict between two these plantations, which were the mainstay of the economy from the time. One rare example is the Rock Creek parish 20051990 incompatible cultures, one gradually displacing the other. for the next 200 years. But tobacco production came at a church, where parts of the early Saint Paul’s from about In 1622, a group of Jamestown settlers and their Native great human cost: in 1663, the Maryland Assembly ofcially 1719 remain in the structure rebuilt about 1768-1775 and American allies plundered and burned the settlement at authorized race-based chattel slavery, and it became 1921-22. Another colonial survivor is Rosedale in Cleveland 2005 2020 Nacotchtanke. Retaliation against European trading parties widespread by 1700. Park, which grew from a rubble-stone cottage built about soon followed, and it was not until the 1670s that a peace 1740. treaty was concluded between the settlers and the natives. Before 1750, the area of the present District was still the By the end of the century the native population had almost frontier of Maryland, although the Maryland proprietor Even where structures no longer stand, the sites of farms, completely disappeared, as the efects of war, disease, and had fully disposed of the area in grants to landholders by plantations, and taverns can still tell us much about colonial displacement destroyed their way of life. the 1720s. The area was largely open countryside, forest, life. Of particular value are artifacts that add to what little meadows, marsh and felds. Native American footpaths we know about the undocumented lives of enslaved African Today’s District of Columbia was carved out of the English evolved into a network of primitive country lanes across Americans who constituted as much as 90% of the settler colony of Maryland, which was itself severed from the the farmland. Many of these became rolling roads for population. domain of the Virginia Company, under a 1632 charter transporting hogsheads of tobacco to the rivers for granted by King Charles I to Cecil Calvert, the second Lord export. Former country lanes now known as Good Hope Baltimore. Settlers began arriving immediately along the Road, Alabama Avenue, Foxhall Road, Rock Creek Church 32 Potomac estuary, and by the 1660s, land as far upriver as the Road, Blair Road and Wisconsin Avenue still serve their Anacostia was being divided into land patents for transportation purpose. 1600 1730 B From Farms and Plantations to a City Plan

1730 1800 Like Alexandria, Georgetown originated as a tobacco trading station in the 1730s. It became the site of an ofcial By the mid-18th century, towns were established to meet tobacco inspection warehouse in 1745, before receiving a the needs of commerce: 1800Bladensburg 1835 in 1742, Alexandria in town charter from the Maryland colony. The two Potomac 1749, and Georgetown in 1751, each serving as a tobacco River towns were ultimately incorporated into the District of inspection port. These trade centers were fourishing Columbia, the permanent seat of the national government 1835 1870 when the Federal City was created, but Hamburgh and of the United States. For a time, both exceeded the Carrollsburg, platted in the 1770s, never materialized. population and productivity of the new Washington City. 18851870 A

1885 1900

19151900

1915 1930 C D

19451930

1945 1960

19751960

1975 1990

20051990

2005 2020 Construction of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal reinvigorated A Andrew Ellicott’s Ten Mile Square Map showing the City of Washington Georgetown as a four-milling center and a transshipment and the topography of Alexandria and Washington counties, 1794 point for Maryland coal and lumber, but its growth as a B Aqueduct Bridge and Georgetown, 1855 commercial and manufacturing center slowed after the Civil C Old Stone House, 1765 D Wisconsin Avenue Bridge, over Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, 1829 War. The municipal corporation was dissolved in 1871, and its responsibilities folded into a unifed government for the entire District. These pre-Revolutionary towns still refect their early beginnings, although they are much changed today. Georgetown’s and Alexandria’s grid plans and narrow streets seem quaint beside the grandeur of L’Enfant’s capital. Georgetown’s 18th-century buildings impart an antique character, and remind us of a hardscrabble way of life. The Old Stone House from 1765, for example, is built of blue granite from a local quarry, mixed with native feldstone and perhaps ballast from merchant ships. Much more evidence 33 of daily life awaits discovery in Georgetown and elsewhere. A Vision for a New Capital

In the quest for a national capital, the lands around Georgetown and Alexandria held several advantages. Situated at the head of ship navigation, the area ofered waterpower from the Potomac falls, tributaries leading to fertile hinterlands, and access to the world’s oceans. The location was a compromise between North and South, and was only a few miles upriver from Mount Vernon, George Washington’s beloved home.

President Washington proclaimed the site of the federal district in 1791. Only three months after arriving to survey the ground, Charles Peter L’Enfant sited the major public buildings and sketched out the new federal city around them. Like the prehistoric villages before it, the new city occupied the easily settled fat land of the coastal plain. It was ftted to the terrain and surrounded by ridges of woodland and farms that gradually became the uptown neighborhoods and suburbs we know today.

L’Enfant’s grand civic spaces, roundabouts, and broad, radial avenues came from European urbanism of the Baroque era. These he superimposed on a grid of streets that was the form favored by Thomas Jeferson. Brilliant in its conception, the Plan of the City of Washington expressed the aspirations and structure of the new republic in its civic spaces, and made provision for a thriving commercial and social life in its everyday fabric.

34 1887 reprint of Pierre Charles L’Enfant plan, Washington DC, 1791 A Pierre Charles L’Enfant, painting by Bryan Leister, 1992 B 1600 1730

1730 1800 The Federal City

1800 1835 ferries crossed the rivers, and ports handled goods. Congress’s unwillingness to fund improvements on the Not wanting to miss an opportunity, Washington Virginia side of the Potomac and the possibility of gaining entrepreneurs converted the Potowmack Company into a Although Pierre L’Enfant envisioned a majestic rival to the Established routes like Bladensburg Road and Georgetown pro-slavery representation in the House of Representatives larger venture to reach the Ohio River. The Chesapeake and capitals of Europe, for decades the1835 Federal 1870 City was just a Pike (now Wisconsin Avenue) led travelers to towns beyond. led the people of Alexandria and Alexandria County to seek Ohio Canal handled products like coal and grain, stimulating struggling town or, more accurately, a series of hamlets. Today, only traces of that life remain. The District’s farm and the retrocession of their portion from the District, which industry in Georgetown and along Rock Creek. It began In 1800, the government arrived to occupy a handful of country houses and outbuildings are extremely rare, and was accepted by Virginia in 1847. As a result, the District construction in 1828, and reached Harper’s Ferry in 1833, 18851870 incomplete government buildings. Clusters of houses many of these are now recognized as landmarks. Among lost about 10,000 residents, about a third of them African but before reaching Cumberland it was rendered obsolete and commercial establishments fronted unpaved streets, them are Rosedale (about 1793), Woodley (about 1805), and American. by the arrival of a newer technology. The Baltimore and although hotels and boarding houses made something Peirce Mill (1820). Ohio Railroad, frst chartered in 1827, gave Baltimore the 1885 1900 more of Pennsylvania Avenue. Well-established Georgetown Turnpikes were important for travel and communications, edge in commerce and western trade. By 1835, Washington was prosperous in comparison. But as Washington grew, As new turnpikes opened to serve the city, their toll stations and for the transport of local farm goods into the city, but was connected by a branch line to the B & O, with a terminal streets flled up around the public buildings and19151900 markets. and crossroads were the seeds of country settlements. they could not handle long-distance transportation or the at New Jersey Avenue and D Street, NW, just blocks from the Communities arose around the Navy Yard and the along Tenleytown originated about 1790 when John Tennally high volumes of bulky cargo that would be needed for the Capitol. the arteries of commerce—the roads, canals, and later, opened his tavern by the toll house at Georgetown Pike and nation’s westward expansion. Canals were the frst solution, railroads—bringing goods and travelers. By1915 1860, 1930 the city’s River Road. Brightwood arose after 1819, where the turnpike as George Washington had realized when his Potowmack more than 60,000 residents far exceeded the fewer than to Rockville (now Georgia Avenue) crossed the ford road to Company made canal improvements along the Potomac 9,000 in Georgetown, and about 5,000 in the farmlands of Rock Creek. Across the Anacostia, Good Hope developed in as early as 1785. But it was New Yorkers who frst achieved Washington County. 19451930 the 1820s at the hilltop intersection of today’s Naylor Road success with the Erie Canal, built from 1817 to 1825. The Erie and Alabama Avenue. Another settlement was Benning dramatically cut the cost of transporting goods to and from The White House (begun 1792) and Capitol (begun 1793) Heights, named for the landowner who helped fnance the new western states and helped make New York City the are the city’s oldest public buildings, built largely1945 by 1960 the 1797 wooden bridge where Benning Road crosses the nation’s major port. immigrant masons and enslaved African American laborers. Anacostia today. Navy Yard and Marine Barracks buildings date from as early as 1800, and the City Hall from 1820. Reconstruction19751960 of the A US Capitol - West façade,1803 White House, Capitol, Treasury and other public and private B The White House plan buildings followed the British invasion of 1814. A new 1975 1990 Treasury, Patent Ofce, and General Post Ofce were begun A in 1830s. B 20051990 Impressive stone construction gave most of the federal government buildings a feeling of permanence, but for the rest of the city, unassuming brick and frame structures2005 were 2020 the norm. Initial regulations requiring masonry construction of private buildings were soon abandoned.

Although outnumbered by detached residences, the rowhouse form was adopted very early—as at Wheat Row on 4th Street SW—and would predominate in inner-city neighborhoods. Houses evolved into a typical side-hall plan, often taking on the characteristics of the successive Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles, and with roof pitches fattening as new technology produced better materials. Many pre-Civil War houses and commercial buildings survive in Georgetown and on Capitol Hill, but most of the early city, especially its more modest architecture, has virtually disappeared. Scattered remnants can be found downtown, mostly near Judiciary Square and the White House, but early buildings also remain in Southwest, the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood, and Shaw.

Across the Potomac and beyond the city boundary at today’s Florida Avenue, agriculture continued to dominate Alexandria and Washington counties. Farmsteads and 35 houses sat on country lanes, mills operated creek-side, 1600 1730

1730 1800

1800 1835 Capital of a Nation Divided

1835 1870 A robert mills The Antebellum Era 18851870 Most famous for designing the Washington By mid-century, Washington County was an important Monument, Robert Mills had a greater initial locale for institutions seeking respite from the city. In impact on the character of Washington when 1851, the United States Military Asylum1885 (to 1900be renamed engaged as the architect of public buildings. the Soldier’s Home) began to care for aged veterans in a After fres devastated the US Treasury, Patent healthful country setting of Rock Creek Church Road. In Ofce and General Post Ofce, Mills was to 19151900 1855, the Government Hospital for the Insane (now Saint design and simultaneously superintend the Elizabeths Hospital) opened on the Anacostia heights to construction of their grander replacements. Planned in the most up-to-date Greek Revival provide “the most humane care and enlightened1915 1930 curative treatment.” In 1857, the Columbia Institution for the style, the beautiful edifces are illustrative Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and Blind, now Gallaudet exercises in the classical orders: the Patent Ofce (1836-1840) is Doric, the Treasury’s (1836- University, began on land donated by Postmaster19451930 General Amos Kendall. 1842) Ionic columns, and the slender Corinthian colonnade of the General Post Ofce (1839- Across the river federal neglect of Alexandria led1945 to 1960 its 1842). retrocession to Virginia in the 1840s, and the silting of B the Potomac River at Georgetown diminished its role as a D seaport. 19751960

Country suburbs arose at the same time. William Holmead subdivided the former racetrack parcel on Meridian1975 Hill 1990 in 1845, and Amos Kendall’s donation of the Gallaudet land began as a modestly successful development of two-acre “villa” sites. But Uniontown (now the Anacostia Historic 20051990 District) was the frst large and permanent suburb, platted by the Union Land Company in 1854. It was connected 2005 2020 to the city by a wooden bridge across the Anacostia River, making its narrow and afordable lots an attractive home for Navy Yard shipwrights and tradesmen. Still, the development only came into its own in the 1880s, with most of the modest frame dwellings dating to the turn of the century.

New cemeteries, now being designed in a picturesque landscape style, were required to locate beyond the city C limits. The same Romantic landscape ethic was applied to the National Mall by Andrew Jackson Downing. E

Buildings by Robert Mills: Patent Ofce Building, 1867 (Doric) A Treasury, 1842 (Ionic) B General Post Ofce, 1842 (Corinthian) C 36 Robert Mills, Architect D Slave House of J.W. Neal & Co., 1836 E The Civil War and its Aftermath

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Washington stood on the In contrast to the upheaval of society, the war years left Even as the nation’s resources were devoted to the confict, Matthew Brady’s sky-lit studio still remains on Pennsylvania frontier of rebellion and still within slave-holding territory. relatively little direct imprint on Washington’s architecture. President Lincoln decreed that one symbolic efort would Avenue. Ford’s Theatre and the house where Lincoln died Suddenly vulnerable, the government set the Union army Much of what was built was temporary, and dismantled continue: the completion of the Capitol’s iron dome. In the will always be places of national pilgrimage. to the task of constructing a ring of defenses to protect the at war’s end. The overall efects included higher rents winter of 1863, this task was accomplished as the statue of capital. This huge undertaking brought devastation to the and a denser development pattern; in Georgetown, for Freedom was hoisted to its crown. A sadder tribute to that As the war ended, Washington was the most heavily lands around the city as vast areas of woodland were cut to instance, many of the front yards disappeared as properties ideal can be found in the rows of gravestones at the city’s fortifed city in the world. Its defensive ring included 68 clear sightlines and felds of fre, and scores of buildings and were redeveloped or even received front additions. One military cemeteries, the largest of which lies across the forts, nearly 100 detached batteries, and miles of rife fences were pulled down to deprive attackers of potential innovation was a major residential subdivision of modest Potomac at Arlington. trenches and military roads. Once their purpose was served, cover. But the traumatic years of the war transformed even homes created by and for African American refugees of their more lasting efect lay in the communities of refugees more dramatically the urbanized areas of the city and its the war. In 1867, the Freedmen’s Bureau purchased the Washington did inherit a lasting legacy of history in the who settled near the forts, making new lives and changing culture. 375-acre Barry Farm as an experiment in resettlement of sites that witnessed the national ordeal. President Lincoln the city’s cultural landscape for decades to come. The Civil former slaves on their own one-acre plots bought on time. fnished the Emancipation Proclamation while in summer War set Washington’s course for the rest of the century. Washington more than doubled its population during the Renamed Potomac City and then Hillsdale, it later became a residence at the Gothic Revival cottage now restored on Newly confdent and reordered around an expanded course of the war. As the confict intensifed, government thriving neighborhood with its own churches, schools and the grounds of the Soldier’s Home. Clara Barton organized federal bureaucracy, the city was destined to prosper under expansion brought newcomers from the North, and many businesses. aid from 7th Street rooms unused since her departure; Walt President Grant as the government set out to ensure that Southern sympathizers departed. Thousands of soldiers Whitman nursed the wounded at the Patent Ofce; it would remain a permanent and ftting symbol of the encamped in the city, supporting hundreds of new bars, nation’s unity. brothels, and gambling houses. Government workers and entrepreneurs flled boarding houses. A B Also arriving by war’s end were an estimated 40,000 self-emancipated refugees from enslavement—termed “contraband” by the government—seeking both freedom and employment. These freedpeople crowded into alley dwellings and hastily built frame structures. They set up camps near the forts, sometimes expanding established free-black communities, as in Brightwood or “the Ridge”. These were settlements in the countryside, but much later they grew into neighborhoods and subdivisions at places like DePriest Village (Capital View), Chain Bridge Road, Burrville, Bloomingdale, and Lincoln. At times the toll of battle could swell the city by as many as 20,000 wounded, brought in by train, wagon, or ship for treatment in makeshift hospitals across town, or in tent camps thrown up on suburban estates. C The war accelerated modernization of the city and its infrastructure. In 1862, horse-drawn streetcars replaced the old omnibus services along the main business streets—from Georgetown along Pennsylvania Avenue to the Navy Yard, and from the wharves on the Potomac northward up 7th and 14th Streets. Aside from easing daily commerce, these conveyances helped deploy troops within the capital. Less benevolently, they also presented some of the frst instances of racial segregation of public accommodations.

City sanitation was still primitive, but by 1864, the aqueduct begun twelve years earlier by the Army Corps of Engineers fnally fowed into Georgetown and Washington. Advances in public health and medicine would be realized in years to A Fort Stevens, Detachment of Company K, 1865 come, but largely because the demands that war placed on B Street cars on Pennsylvania Avenue, 1862 the ofce of the Surgeon General and pioneers like Clara C Lincoln Cottage, 1842 Barton, known as the Angel of the Battlefeld. 37

1600 1730

1730 1800

1800 1835

1835 1870 The City Expands

18851870 A B

After the Civil War, a booming population, real estate speculation, and lavish public works spurred1885 1900 widespread development of new neighborhoods in the confdent capital. Indeed, much of the old city’s housing stock dates from this period, when speculative developers19151900 built rows of brick houses for the middle and working classes.

1915 1930 Gradually the city repaired the destructive wear and tear from the war years. Commercial corridors emerged along the streetcar lines reaching north along 7th and 14th 19451930 Streets, and outward from Capitol Hill. The fetid Washington Canal was removed from the Mall, making way for a new Center Market and a Pennsylvania Railroad terminal1945 1960 at 6th Street.

Finally released from doubt about whether Washington19751960 would survive as a capital, the government set about the task of making the city worthy of its status. Frederick Law Olmsted gave the Capitol its majestic terraces, and1975 planned 1990 the magnifcent landscaping of the grounds over a period of 15 years. By the White House, the famboyant State, War, and Navy Building began to rise in the fashionable French style,20051990 taking 17 years to construct and becoming the nation’s largest building when completed in 1888. Erection of the Washington Monument also resumed, topping out in2005 the 2020 same year.

Congress sought to make District government more efcient by revoking the charters of Washington City and Georgetown, discarding the outmoded Levy Court of Washington County, and instituting a unifed territorial government under an appointed governor. The Organic Act of 1871 set the precedent for appointed government which substantial building code and a requirement for building C persisted for a century. permits in 1877. New fre limits restricted frame buildings to the suburbs beyond the original city and Georgetown. The new system’s most immediate efect was felt through Just as the streetcars spurred growth within the city, they its Board of Public Works. Board member and then governor also promoted the creation of suburbs. At the terminus of Alexander Robey Shepherd, a real estate speculator the 7th Street line, LeDroit Park was established in 1873 as himself, expended huge sums in a frenzy of public works. an architecturally unifed suburb of picturesque villas and Very rapidly, paved streets, sewers, ornamental parks, cottages. Deanwood originated in 1871 from the carving up and modern schools appeared, concentrated in the of the Sherif farm into subdivisions that coalesced after a northwest quadrant where well-connected investors were streetcar connection. developing land. These improvements made possible much of the Victorian city, best exemplifed by Logan Suburbs also popped up along the railroad branches of Circle and the neighborhoods around 14th Street. Credited the Baltimore & Ohio, some springing from industrial for modernizing Washington, the Board’s campaign also operations. Ivy City, for instance, was platted in 1872 and plunged the city into insolvency and led Congress to abolish thrived as a brick manufacturing center supporting the city’s the new government. construction boom. Others were pure suburbs, promising A Benjamin Franklin School, rural beauty and quiet and with speedy access to the city. Architect Adolf Cluss, 1869 Efcient to construct and relatively afordable, rowhouses When Benjamin Gilbert founded Takoma Park in 1883, it B Adolf Cluss 38 quickly became the city’s predominant building type. To became clear that the suburbs would grow as far out as the C Center Market, adapt to this greater density, the District enacted its frst District boundary. Architect Adolf Cluss, 1871, razed 1931 1600 1730

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1885 1900 Summer breezes also attracted suburban development to Though land was plentiful, early conservationists feared C the highlands around the city. Estates and summer homes that the city’s most beautiful spots might soon be occupied The end of the 19th century was a time of continuing were at frst common here, but streetcar extensions soon by private homes. They sought to establish a huge public prosperity in Washington, with the city growing19151900 at a steady led to more concentrated development as subdivisions park, along the lines of New York’s Central Park, in the valley pace slackened only by the economic recession of 1893. just beyond the original city boundary followed in rapid of Rock Creek, then still in agricultural and industrial use. Soon the character of the entire District began to change, succession. Brookland was platted in 1887 on the old Jehiel Congress responded by establishing the National Zoo in as a denser city spilled beyond its original boundaries1915 1930 and Brooks estate; the 1889 streetcar line along the Seventh 1889 and the park in 1890, forever preserving the land for developers platted subdivisions far out into what was once Street Turnpike prompted the subdivisions of Petworth recreation. Similarly, Congress created Potomac Park in countryside. Tall buildings appeared in the downtown and Brightwood; and in 1890, Senators William Stewart 1897, ensuring that the land reclaimed from the Potomac 19451930 business district, made possible by reliable elevators and and Francis Newlands founded the Chevy Chase Land fats would be used for park purposes. improved construction using wrought iron and steel. Company to extend Connecticut Avenue and a trolley to Apartment houses appeared and gradually became1945 1960 an their suburban venture. Educational campuses also claimed The city’s height limit is another legacy of this era. It was accepted alternative to rowhouse living. tracts of suburban land—Columbian College (now GWU) frst adopted in 1894 in response to construction of the in Columbia Heights, Catholic University of America (1887) 156-foot, steel-framed Cairo apartments in a neighborhood The government continued to build on a grand scale.19751960 The in Brookland, and American University (1893) in Wesley of rowhouses. Its architect, Thomas Franklin Schneider, had Pension Building took fve years to build, the Library of Heights. just returned from a trip to the 1893 World’s Columbian Congress eleven, and the Post Ofce eight—long enough Exposition in Chicago, where he had been inspired by for it to be considered old-fashioned when completed.1975 1990 In the rush to develop new suburbs, there was at frst no that city’s new skyscrapers. But ironically, it was an entirely But an increasingly sooty coal-heated city forced the Navy plan like the one that guided Washington City from its diferent model from that fair that was about to capture to escape its Foggy Bottom location for a gleaming new beginning. Residential subdivisions were haphazard in the city’s imagination. Another Washington architect, observatory in the clear air of the hills north of Georgetown.20051990 location and often ill-connected to each other. The Highway Glenn Brown, had long been inspired by the US Capitol Act of 1893 directed the Commissioners to plan a suburban and L’Enfant’s vision for the federal city. As secretary of the street network that conformed to the original city. Thus the American Institute of Architects, he was about to make A 2005 2020 Highway Plan—really multiple plans—extended the broad, the AIA’s 1900 convention in Washington an opportunity radial avenues as well as the grid of secondary streets, with to celebrate the city’s centennial by renewing its founder’s a few adjustments for topography. Preparation of the plan vision. delayed further subdivision for a few years, but ultimately removed much uncertainty for landholders and developers.

A Street Car map, Rand McNally & Co., 1904 B Library of Congress, interior, 1897 C Rock Creek Park D Eckington Street Car 39

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19151900 The commissioners’ plan for Washington was completed in B 1901 after inspirational visits to European capitals. It sought With the turn of the twentieth century came the triumph of to revitalize and expand Washington’s government center the City Beautiful movement, a reform philosophy1915 1930 meant to suit a prosperous and mature country with imperial to transform the disordered industrial city into a place of ambitions fueled by victory in the Spanish-American beauty and order, inspiring harmony and civic virtue among War. While reafrming L’Enfant’s original conception, it the populace. Inspired by the “White City” fairgrounds19451930 of the also magnifed its monumentality by ringing the Capitol, 1893 Chicago exposition, cities across America embraced White House, and National Mall with a vast classical unity the grandeur of classical architecture, formal civic centers, of government buildings and memorials. The Mall was and majestic systems of boulevards and parks.1945 1960 extended out into the parkland reclaimed from the Potomac in the 1880s and 1890s, new memorials were placed astride Once presented at the 1900 AIA convention, these ideals L’Enfant’s open vistas, and the city fabric receded from 19751960 persuaded the US Senate to establish what came to be discrete government precincts. known as the McMillan Commission—led by the renowned architects Daniel Burnham and Charles McKim, landscape1975 1990 architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens—and no city embraced the movement more fervently than the nation’s capital. 20051990

Commission were among its frst appointees. Two years A C D 2005 2020 later, the position of Municipal Architect was created for the District of Columbia, so that local facilities would also be developed in sympathy with the plan.

Washington’s business elite responded in kind, with lavish commercial buildings in classical dress. Mary Foote Henderson, the infuential wife of a wealthy Missouri senator, guided the creation of Meridian Hill Park and began developing 16th Street as the “Avenue of the Presidents,” lined with mansions and embassies. Massachusetts Avenue became a fashionable address for the wealthy. Apartment buildings became grander, with more resident services. New suburban communities like Mount Pleasant, Park View, and Petworth cast of the bay-fronted red brick model of the old city in favor of a new fashion for classically proportioned buf brick houses with open front porches. A Union Station, Architect Daniel Burnham, 1908 B Meridian Hill mansions at 15th Street C Daniel Burnham In an era full of optimism for some, racial struggle and D Mary Foote Henderson discrimination also infuenced the cityscape. “Jim Crow” laws and customs led to an increasingly segregated city. The McMillan Plan looked beyond the original city to New housing developments were usually intended for encompass the entire District of Columbia. An interlocking whites, leaving African Americans to purchase or rent system of greenways and parks linked riverfronts to the old housing stock. A son of the South, Woodrow Wilson hilltop sites of Civil War fortifcations, and new facilities for increased segregation in the federal government. sanitation and health: a huge modern water purifcation plant at the City Reservoir, greenswards reclaimed from the In reaction to these exclusionary practices, U Street began Anacostia’s malarial fats, and recreation centers across the to develop as a commercial and social center for black city. Washington. The True Reformer Building, Howard Theatre, Anthony Bowen YMCA, and Industrial Savings Bank all date So that fulfllment of the McMillan Plan would not be left to from this era. Alley housing was still the only option for the vagaries of politics or commerce, Congress established many, but the frst attempts to produce decent afordable in 1910 the US Commission of Fine Arts, to advise on the housing began with Washington Sanitary Housing 40 siting and design of public buildings and guide the city’s Commission projects on Bates Street NW and Carrollsburg architectural development. Members of the McMillan Place SW. 1600 1730

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A more sober era followed the heady enthusiasm during the peak of the City Beautiful Movement after the19451930 turn of the century. Industrial abuses, war in Europe, and the repercussions of economic crisis—including the 1945 1960 establishment of income tax in 1913—led to an era focused more on progressive reforms than urban ostentation. The federal government had expanded greatly since 1900, 19751960 but without keeping pace in building new ofces. With America’s entry into World War I, the shortage became a crisis as wartime workers focked to the city. Sprawling1975 1990 temporary buildings were erected, many on the National Mall, as the Navy Yard, airfelds, and defense plants expanded along the river. 20051990

The war’s end released a pent-up demand for more housing. D Apartment construction boomed in the 1920s, outpacing2005 2020 single-family homes, and giving the city a proportion of apartment dwellers comparable to that in New York and Chicago. Rising automobile ownership and lower land costs promoted subdivisions of bungalows and middle-class homes in Brightwood, Tenleytown, Congress Heights, Good Hope, Deanwood, and other once-distant hamlets and villages.

The city’s social and geographic segregation continued, but if there was any positive consequence, it was the self- B sufciency of a fourishing African American community. Outstanding black teachers led black schools. Black entrepreneurs founded businesses, fnancial institutions and fraternal organizations. Black artists headed bands, troupes, and art schools. Next-door to Howard University, LeDroit E Park thrived as the home of the black intelligentsia and civic leadership. The U Street corridor attracted banks, fraternal organizations, and stores run by and for African Americans. These were among the most important and well-known black neighborhoods in the country, celebrated today for cultural achievements including the theaters and clubs that attracted the greatest African American musical and stage talents—and racially and culturally diverse audiences to appreciate them.

Prosperity favored ambitious plans for Washington. In 1927, the government broke ground for the Federal Triangle, the lavish ensemble that fnally addressed the need to house an expanded federal workforce. The Triangle was a magnifcent realization of the McMillan Plan. The work went A Temporary War Buildings on the Mall, 1918 ahead even as the stock market crashed, but it could not B Federal Triangle area/Pennsylvania Avenue C Lincoln Theater, U Street, 1921 escape the changing times that would ultimately prevent its D Woodward Building, 15th and H Streets, 1911 completion. E Model T Car Showroom, 14th Street NW, 1919 41 1600 1730

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19451930 the Pepco headquarters (1930), and Folger Library (1932), B the style fourished in government buildings from the In many ways the 1930s were contradictory times for Justice Department (1931-35) to the Federal Reserve (1937) Washington. Private construction slowed dramatically,1945 1960 but and Social Security Administration (1939-40), the latter building after building arose in the Federal Triangle. Banks buildings forming part of two more massive civic complexes failed, but government agencies grew by leaps and bounds. modeled on the Federal Triangle. Even In the midst of the Depression, the city prospered19751960 as workers focked to the capital in search of government As the population grew toward its wartime peak, it jobs. Luxuries still existed, but times were bleak for the city’s continued to be divided by race and class. Restrictive 1975 1990 neediest residents, particularly African Americans, until New covenants, most targeting African Americans and Jews, were Deal housing programs provided some relief. common in new developments. There were exceptions, like the rowhouse neighborhood of Kingman Park, which 20051990 A suddenly larger bureaucracy generated great demand for encouraged African American ownership, and Eastland housing. Federal workers flled homes and apartments and Gardens, which was largely designed, built, and occupied entire suburbs within the District, wiping out agricultural2005 2020 by African Americans. But most of the neighborhoods that land. Even the surrounding counties began changing from were rapidly flling out the city were restricted to whites. villages and farms to bedroom communities. Modernism Even the earliest public housing projects, like Langston arrived, although it was slow to catch on in architecturally Terrace Dwellings, were racially segregated. This practice conservative Washington. Government housing programs continued in wartime housing projects: the garden- helped introduce the new style, as President Roosevelt apartment complexes of Fairfax Village and Naylor Gardens and his advisers sought new ideas to lift the nation from its were for whites, while Mayfair Mansions and Parklands C despair. Indeed, the International Style apartment complex Apartments were for blacks. Langston Terrace (1935-38), by African American architect Hilyard Robinson, may be the District’s frst example of truly Private construction in the city came to a virtual halt in 1941 modern architecture. as materials rationing began in preparation for World War II. The government embarked on another huge building Far more common in Washington was Stripped Classicism, campaign, best symbolized by the wartime construction traditional in aura and outline but pared down and fattened of the Pentagon, the largest ofce building in the world, to in detail. After such early examples as Garfnckel’s (1930), house the Department of Defense.

A Garfnckel’s Department Store, 14th and F NW, 1929 B Folger Library, Capitol Hill, 1929 C Langston Terrace Dwellings, 1937 42 D War Department, Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and William Dewey Foster, 1941 1600 1730

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1945 1960 Classicism continued to reverberate through attempts at modernism, especially in government buildings of the The years after World War II have long been defned by late 1940s and early 1950s. But aside from style, massive the great mass migration to the suburbs. By the tens19751960 of buildings like the General Accounting Ofce (1949-51) and thousands, urban dwellers left congested cities for a new US Courthouse (1949-52) were more infuenced by changes lifestyle made possible by afordable automobiles, highway in building technology, as air conditioning and reliance on subsidies, lower land costs, and cheaper mortgages.1975 In 1990 artifcial lighting freed designers from constraints that had Washington as elsewhere, there was also a racial impetus, as long determined building size and shape. By the end of the prejudice or fear of desegregation led many to abandon the decade, new building materials and techniques—in metal, city centers they saw as dominated by African Americans20051990 glass, and concrete—fnally brought about a clear break who were unable to live anywhere else. with tradition.

2005 2020 The erosion of Washington’s traditional fabric could be measured in a myriad of ways: roadways widened, gas A stations and repair garages built, buildings demolished for parking, shopping districts dispersed, and entire neighborhoods threatened by highway and urban renewal plans. Civic leaders embraced the new future as swaths of the city were sacrifced and the streetcar system met its demise. Greater speed of travel even infuenced the way that buildings were designed and perceived, with streamlining and simplifed details and larger, lighted signage.

The most momentous redevelopment project of the D time arose from a campaign against alley dwellings and neighborhoods characterized as “slums” by planners, reformers, politicians, and developers. On this debatable premise, much of Southwest was leveled wholesale for new superblocks of high-rise apartments and townhouses. Most of the largely African American residents were displaced, with many families moving to apartments east of the Anacostia River, where poorly planned overbuilding led to a B concentration of poverty. Workers were separated from jobs, consumers from shopping, and thousands of residents from the social network of their previous communities.

The postwar years were a time of transition in Washington architecture. Recognition of Georgetown as the city’s frst historic district in 1950 probably perpetuated the popularity of Colonial Revival traditions. Residential construction remained largely conservative, as did the design of many churches built in mostly outlying neighborhoods. In contrast, synagogues were almost uniformly modern in style, and commercial facades became opportunities for fashy advertising using the latest graphics.

Georgetown rowhouses along the canal A Adas Israel Synagogue, Cleveland Park, 1951 B General Accounting Ofce, 1949 C 43 SW Urban Renewal, 1960 D 1600 1730

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explode after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. The 1960s began with a spirit of optimism about the future. The destruction of neighborhood commercial centers along The youthful enthusiasm of the Kennedy administration1975 1990 the old streetcar routes on 7th, 14th, and H Streets was a brought progressive ideas for tackling urban problems tragic result that would not be repaired for decades. and new attention to the arts. The growing need for federal facilities and the shabby condition of Pennsylvania20051990 The frst visible product of the new federal architectural Avenue motivated the new president to seek expert advice standards was the HUD building (1965-68), a dramatic in two areas that would greatly infuence Washington’s 2005 2020 modernist statement located symbolically in the Southwest future: improving the quality of federal architecture and urban renewal area. The plan for Pennsylvania Avenue rejuvenating the nation’s Main Street. led to the gargantuan and controversial FBI building

(1974), followed by the establishment of the Pennsylvania The commission on federal ofce space tendered its Avenue Development Corporation. But it was the proposed report in 1962, proposing three basic tenets for federal demolition of the Old Post Ofce that may have had the architecture: government buildings should embody the greatest impact, by galvanizing local preservation eforts fnest contemporary American architectural thought, through a newly formed activist group known as Don’t the government should not dictate an ofcial style, and Tear It Down, which would evolve into the DC Preservation buildings should be appropriately sited with careful League and become the city’s leading advocate for relation to their urban context. The President’s Council on preservation in the coming decades. Pennsylvania Avenue unveiled its vision in 1963: lining the avenue’s north side with a phalanx of government ofces, Indeed times had changed. Rising from despair, the city and carving out a gigantic National Square at its western opened its memorial library to Martin Luther King in 1972, end. While neither report brought immediate change, both housed in a building by Mies van der Rohe, one of the had a profound infuence on federal government building international giants of Modernism. Home Rule arrived and planning in the city. in 1973, Metro opened in 1975, and there was renewed

optimism that the citizens of Washington could chart a Largely in reaction to the destruction wrought by such better future for their city. urban plans, the 1960s also witnessed the rise of the historic preservation movement. In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy stepped in to rescue the 19th-century houses on Lafayette B C D Square, showing how redevelopment could beneft by keeping older buildings. The National Capital Planning Commission and Commission of Fine Arts established a Joint Committee on Landmarks in 1963, to create the frst list of District buildings signifcant for their history and architecture. And in 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act placed the federal government squarely in the forefront of historic preservation, proclaiming that the “spirit and direction of the Nation” are embodied in its historic heritage.

But federal preservation law did not establish local protections. Washington’s historic fabric continued to disappear as a new ofce precinct arose northwest of the White House and apartments encroached into Victorian E neighborhoods. Modern construction methods and rising labor costs often cheapened building materials and details, in stark departure from the handcrafted charm of older buildings. Residents began mobilizing against these assaults, and also in the grassroots fght against freeway proposals for the city. Aftermath of King assassination,1968 A “Don’t Tear It Down” rally at the Old Post Ofce B Model of Completed 8th Street Axis from the C Report of the President’s Temporary Commission on Pennsylvania Avenue,1969 44 Department of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Marcel Breuer,1968 D Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Architect Gordon Bunshaft, 1974 E 1600 1730

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19751960 Home Rule and Downtown Revival B 1975 1990 Under pressure from activists, the city adopted a delay- Dupont Circle, Downtown, and the Financial District, but in-demolition regulation in 1976 that established for the also Takoma Park, Strivers’ Section, and the landmarks of With local self-government, the District’s priorities began frst time at least some protection for historic buildings. African American culture on U Street. slowly to change, with an emphasis on jobs, community20051990 One of the cases considered was the demolition of Dunbar development, and the social and housing needs of the High School to make room for an athletic feld for the Even as grass-roots preservation was emerging as a city’s most disadvantaged residents. In its public projects, new modern high-rise Dunbar. The emotional debate stronger force, the Pennsylvania Avenue Development the local government sought to establish a new image2005 for 2020 about legacy and progress pitted alumni of the illustrious Corporation was charged by Congress with implementing the city, progressive in outlook, and for the frst time with school against younger leadership in the African American the grand plans for the nation’s Main Street. Competing African American architects and civic leaders guiding its community. visions for downtown brought confict between PADC and formulation. preservationists, but ultimately both sides of the debate Motivated by the loss of Dunbar, the McGill Building, and achieved some of their goals. PADC’s parks and public The role of historic preservation was also among the frst other architectural treasures, Don’t Tear It Down joined improvements, and its coordinated assembly of key sites policy questions addressed by the Home Rule government. with DC Councilmember John A. Wilson to push for for development, made reinvestment in the old downtown DC agencies supported the creation of historic districts in greater protections in DC law. Enacted in 1978, the Historic possible at a time when it had been virtually written of. As Anacostia and LeDroit Park, both to honor African American Landmark and Historic District Protection Act gave the confdence in the area revived, civic and business leaders cultural sites and to generate support for their renewal. But District one of the nation’s strongest municipal preservation turned their attention to creating a “living downtown” with with continued white fight to the suburbs, the downtown laws. At the same time, preservation activists redoubled apartments, an arts community, and a vibrant street scene. C business district declined and older buildings were left to their eforts to identify and designate historic landmarks Saving downtown’s architectural legacy became part of that decay or be demolished in eforts at revitalization. and districts. Successful campaigns protected not just vision.

Another landmark of the era, completed in 1978, helped downtown return to favor: I.M. Pei’s East Building for the A National Gallery of Art. A stunning addition to the Mall, it was the perfect foil to John Russell Pope’s 1941 masterpiece of late classicism—fully its equal in elegant materials, craftsmanship, and fnesse, and just as uncompromising in its stylistic conviction. While raw concrete Brutalism could be of-putting, the East Wing’s accessible refnement helped Washingtonians understand how high-style Modernism could coexist with the city’s architectural traditions.

In experiments with façadism and historicism, architects D struggled to fnd a balance between preservation and late 20th-century building realities. Results were not always successful, but the best became lessons in how to adjust huge buildings to the scale of 19th century streetscapes. Some community revitalization eforts, like the construction of the Reeves Center (1986) at 14th and U Streets, challenged conventional assumptions about what was possible, but it would take many years to realize the full potential of these brave beginnings.

By the end of the 1980s, the goal of a living downtown did move closer to reality as civic leaders, the business community, and preservationists worked together on the Joint Project to Preserve Small Downtown Buildings (1988). This cooperative efort established a strategy to build housing, promote retail, and accommodate both preservation and new development as the old downtown revitalized. It led to the adoption of zoning protections and incentives for preservation, retail, arts, and housing in A DC Metro the Downtown Development Zone (1991), and ultimately B National Gallery of Art, West Wing, 1941 helped set the stage for the impressive results to come. C National Gallery of Art, East Wing, 1978 45 D F Street historic buildings with new construction 1600 1730

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1975 1990 Toward a New Confdence A 20051990 these milestones showed the kind of accomplishments that would be needed to revive other city neighborhoods. The downtown revival begun in the 1970s continued to strengthen with the approaching millennium, and 2005 2020 The architectural trend known as Post-Modernism the reviving fortunes of downtown helped to burnish fourished in these years. In part a backlash against the city’s image overall. Toward the end of the century, Modernism for its association with the destruction of rising property costs in the suburbs, a lack of nearby urban character and human scale, it also helped architects amenities, and disillusionment with commuting began confront the question of how to place new buildings to make Washington comparatively attractive for some. within a historic context. Market Square (1990) is perhaps New immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Africa also the most prominent example, with its colossal columns of arrived, and began establishing community ties in relatively solid limestone responding to the National Archives, and afordable DC neighborhoods. At the same time many embracing facades creating a plaza for the Navy Memorial. African Americans, too, sought the dream of the suburbs Massive classical columns appeared on other buildings as and better educational choices for their children. well, as did picturesque towers, decorated facades, and other more conscious eforts to evoke historic architecture. The District’s changing demographics registered strongly The best of these projects could display a lively architectural in the 1990 US Census. For the frst time in 40 years, the wit, but the worst could descend into hollow pastiche. white population rose by a modest amount, and although still relatively small, both the Asian and Latino populations The experiment with Post-Modernism was not long lived, nearly doubled. In contrast, 50,000 African American but it did help bring about a more self-assured contextual residents, more than 10 percent of their number, had moved architecture refecting the particular challenges of building to the suburbs in the 1980s, and that was in addition to the in Washington. For many years, the city’s height limits, 90,000 who had relocated in the 70s. development pressures, and conservative traditions had been a recipe for humdrum buildings. But a new, more Gentrifcation was both a cause and a result of these inventive, architecture was now being created—more adept demographic trends. It had begun as far back as the 1930s at blending into historic streetscapes and less concerned B when professionals moving to Washington with Roosevelt’s about rigid rules of traditional or modern design. The turn New Deal administration rediscovered the charm of historic of the millennium brought a proliferation of fresh ideas to Georgetown. It continued in Foggy Bottom in the 1960s, in the cityscape—cadenced bays on Massachusetts Avenue Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill in the 1970s, Mount Pleasant apartments, buildings as glass sculptures on improbable in the 1980s, and many more neighborhoods at the turn of sites, and invigorating internationalism in a spate of new the century. embassies.

With a declining population, the building fabric in many DC neighborhoods had not changed much since the city’s peak in the 1950s, although in-town communities saw more demolition and rebuilding as downtown and the Capitol complex expanded. Certainly nothing approached the scale of urban renewal in Southwest. Elsewhere, new architectural ideas were mostly on display at a modest scale: glassy Modernist houses scattered along the fringes of Rock Creek Park, warehouse adaptations in Georgetown, and a handful of innovative ofce buildings near Dupont Circle.

By the 1990s, creative infll projects responding to Capitol Hill’s exuberant Victorian architecture caught the public eye. The exciting cultural mix of Adams Morgan drew weekend crowds from across the region, Eastern Market was no longer just a neighborhood gem, and new galleries lured art patrons to 7th Street downtown. In 1991, a downtown neighborhood began to take root as the frst apartment buildings in PADC’s housing program opened, 46 at Lansburgh’s and Market Square. The Warner Theatre Lincoln Theater restored, U Street NW A reopened in 1993, and the Lincoln Theatre in 1994. Each of United States Storage Company (1909) with Pennsylvania Avenue development, 1987 B 1600 1730

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20051990 A Growing and Vital City

2005 2020 The District government is modernizing not just its Washington’s recent architectural past has been much C schools, but other public facilities as well. New libraries and discussed in recent years. Landmark designation of the Washington has entered a new phase in its history as it recreation centers are opening, and fre houses are being Third Church of Christ Scientist was highly controversial, becomes once again a growing city. After a half century renovated. A massive project is under way to improve water but other modernist buildings have been widely accepted of decline from its 1950 peak, the District registered an quality and improve the city’s antiquated sewer system. as worthy of protection. Residents of Southwest have increase in population in the 2010 US Census. That growth New bridges are being built, a network of bike lanes is promoted recognition of their modernist apartment continues at a rate that now brings the city more than a expanding, and ambitious plans are moving forward to complexes, while an improved town center and plans thousand residents each month. return streetcars to the streets. Car-share and bike-share are for a revitalized waterfront promise to infuse new life realities, and temporary urbanism is no longer an untested into the neighborhood. Planners and the community This new vitality is changing the face of Washington. It is idea. are also beginning to work on a framework for bringing refected in the apartment buildings rising in Mount Vernon complementary new development with street-oriented Triangle, in NoMa, and in Southwest; in the new Woodson With a faster pace of development, the city is also struggling shops, better connectivity, a wider mix of uses, and and Dunbar high schools, and the reincarnations of Eastern with negative consequences. Strong demand for market improved amenities to the area. and Wilson; in the bustling center of Columbia Heights and rate housing is reducing the supply of afordable housing, the signs of new growth along Georgia Avenue. H Street is and despite new zoning requirements, the production of New ideas from creative non-profts are also changing the alive with new businesses and new buildings. Commercial new afordable units lags demand. High land prices have city. Cultural heritage trails are bringing a new appreciation development is fnally arriving at Fort Lincoln, Brookland, squeezed construction budgets, and made more common of the historic environment. Grass-roots education projects D and Skyland; new homes are under construction west of the compressed “design-build” schedules and “stick-built” are documenting the history of Ivy City, Deanwood, the park, east of the park, and east of the river. A visit to construction techniques that can lower the architectural Eastland Gardens, and Barry Farm. Urban art projects are almost any DC neighborhood will show home remodeling quality of new buildings. Over-scaled and poorly designed ofering new perspectives in unexpected places. Even in progress. projects have brought complaints from residents concerned the internet revolution has begun to infuence city life, as about neighborhood character. mobile phone apps help people navigate the city and keep track of everything from groceries to restaurants and transit A schedules to parking meters.

Even more ambitious redevelopment projects are just getting of the ground: Saint Elizabeths, McMillan Sand Filtration site, the Southwest Waterfront, and Walter Reed. To varying degrees, each of these will restore historic resources and bring new life to parts of the city that are hoping for new investment. Other projects like Capital Crossing over Interstate 395 and the Southwest Ecodistrict will begin to reconnect city street life across old scars in the historic L’Enfant Plan street network. Redevelopment of the E FBI site promises to bring new life to Pennsylvania Avenue. With these projects and more to come, Washington will continue to grow and transform itself in ways that sustain and enrich our living historic heritage.

A City Center, Foster + Partners, Shalom Baranes, construction begun 2011 B FBI Building, Architect Charles F. Murphy and Associates, 1975 C Howard Theater, Architect J. Edward Storck, 1910 D Howard Theater, Abandoned from 1970-2012 47 E Howard Theater, Restored and Reopened April 9, 2012 preservation achievements 3 What works about preservation in dc

Historic preservation is thriving in the District of Columbia. DC Inventory of Historic Sites DC Historic Landmarks More than ever, the city’s historic and cultural assets are being recognized as a key element of the city’s potential. The DC Inventory is the city’s ofcial list of historic All kinds of properties are DC historic landmarks. More Washington is a confdent city fnding renewed inspiration landmarks and districts. With more than 650 historic than a third are houses and apartment buildings, but there in its unique physical character and heritage. landmarks and 25,000 contributing buildings in historic are many other types of buildings, memorials, landscapes, districts, Washington has one of the nation’s largest engineering structures, and archaeological sites. DC This has not occurred by accident, but through the inventories of protected historic properties. landmarks also document all eras of the city’s history, 55 historic districts total: 712 sustained eforts of civic leaders and an informed citizenry architecture, and social heritage from prehistoric to modern over the past several decades. This section looks at ten times. 657 historic landmarks factors that make preservation work well in DC. 47,257 26,749 Modern City 22 3% historic property owners historic properties (including condos) Cultural, Educational, 10% 1 Pride in our heritage Scientifc Residential Government and 9% Washington’s national heritage and welcoming environment 24% 19% Diplomatic New Deal City 64 10% are treasured not just by Americans across the country, 36% Memorial and but by the local business community and residents of the Funerary 9% District of Columbia and its environs. There is a renewed sense of civic pride in the unique texture of a culturally Religious 8% diverse city: its majestic monuments, historic downtown, 0.4% Agricultural Business and Financial thriving neighborhoods, and visible reminders of history. 200,156 total owners 142,758 total properties 1% Mixed Use 5% A DC Inventory Properties 1.5% Military Commercial 5% 2% Archaeological Social and Recreational 5%

2% Landscape Transportation 4% City Beautiful 260 3% Manufacturing, 40% National Register of Historic Places Utilities, Service Three-fourths of the properties in the DC Inventory are also Historic Landmarks by Type listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and more than 10% are National Historic Landmarks. The District of Columbia has more National Historic Landmarks than all but seven states. A Navy Ceremony at Market Square DC Inventory Properties DC Inventory Properties 712 Protected historic properties 712 2 National Register Properties National Register Properties Victorian City 94 14% Washington benefts from a wealth of historic landmarks 584 and districts. Since the Nationalcreation Historic of the Georgetown Historic National Historic District in 1950, the city’sLandmarks inventory of has grown steadily to Landmarks encompass thousands of properties representing all aspects of the city’s history and75 culture. 75 Washington County 36 Civil War and Reconstruction 32 5% Under the DC preservation law, applications for historic designation may be made by property owners, government Federal City 55 8% 14% agencies, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and Georgetown 94 community historic preservation organizations. This 5% encourages broad public participation in the process of recognizing signifcant parts of our heritage, and is 50 ultimately refected in the diversity of the DC Inventory of 1600 1650 1700 1750 1760 1770 1780 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 NationalHistoric Register Sites. Properties National Register Properties Historic Landmarks by Era DC Historic Districts Map of Historic Districts

Washington is a city of neighborhoods as well as grand planning. Both of these qualities are refected in its many historic districts established over the past half century. The Old Georgetown Act of 1950 established the city’s frst historic district long before the city had home rule or a Historic Districts local historic preservation program. During the 1960s, with 55 attempts to itemize the built heritage of the national capital, the city’s most iconic public spaces and groups of buildings 27 Neighborhood Historic Districts were frst recognized as what we now call historic districts. 28 Other Historic Districts (Parks, Campuses, Military) Designation of neighborhood historic districts began in earnest in the 1970s, and many were created over the next two decades. Fewer neighborhood districts have been established since 2000, but community leaders continue to express interest in some neighborhoods. More recent designations have also recognized the importance of the planned campuses that are scattered across the city.

8000 contributing Capitol Hill 460 Anacostia buildings 450 Shaw

450 Strivers’ Section

4000 Georgetown 429 Mount Vernon Square 395 Woodley Park

388 Foxhall Village 3100 Dupont Circle 350 Kalorama Triangle 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 347 Washington Heights Georgetown 1950 Fort McNair 1964 Logan Circle 1972 Takoma Park 1980 Woodley Park 1990 Grant Road 2002 Majorie Webster Marine Barracks 1964 C & O Canal 1973 Fifteenth Street Financial 1981 Blagden Alley Saint Elizabeths Hospital 2005 Junior College 2011 200 Downtown Mount Vernon Capitol Hill 1973 Downtown 1982 Naylor Court 1990 Mount Vernon Triangle 2005 Immaculata Seminary 2011 1580 U Street Memorial Highway 1964 Fort Circle Parks 1973 Strivers Section 1983 Georgetown Visitation Washington Heights 2006 160 Takoma Park Convent 1990 National Mall 1964 Lafayette Square 1973 Mount Pleasant 1986 Foxhall Village 2007 McMillan Park Reservoir 1991 160 Pennsylvania Avenue National Zoological Park 1964 Gallaudet College 1973 Foggy Bottom 1986 Armed Forces Fourteenth Street 1994 1100 Mount Pleasant Potomac Park, Soldiers Home National Kalorama Triangle 1986 Retirement Home 2008 150 Massachusetts Avenue East & West 1964 U Street 1998 Historic Site 1973 Cleveland Park 1986 150 Blagden Alley / Naylor Court Rock Creek Park 1964 Mount Vernon Square 1999 Anacostia 1973 Sheridan Kalorama 1989 Rock Creek and LeDroit Park 1973 Shaw 1999 1000 Cleveland Park 147 Sixteenth Street Potomac Parkway 1964 Massachusetts Avenue 1973 135 Logan Circle Roosevelt Island 1964 Sixteenth Street 1977 Washington Navy Yard 1964 765 Fourteenth Street 135 Foggy Bottom Dupont Circle 1977 Ford’s Theater National 30 Lafayette Square Historic Site 1966 Fort McNair 1978 610 Sheridan-Kalorama 24 Mount Vernon Triangle Pennsylvania Avenue 20 Financial National Historic Site 1966 Federal Triangle 1968 13 Grant Road 474 LeDroit Park Seventeenth Street 1968 National Arboretum 1968 1978: DC Preservation Law enacted 51 Historic Districts by Size Washington Cathedral 1968 What works about preservation in dc 4 Responsible civic stewardship Government Properties The federal government has traditionally set a high standard The United States and District governments are major of responsible preservation stewardship in Washington. On landowners in the District of Columbia. The US government 3 Strong preservation laws DC Landmark and Historic District Protection Act the local level, civic leaders in both government and the owns more than one ffth of the city’s area, including large private sector have supported protection of historic heritage areas of historic parkland. The District government owns Strong national and local historic preservation laws protect The District of Columbia Historic Landmark and Historic while allowing for economic growth. Foreign governments more than 3,000 properties, several hundred of which are Washington’s heritage. These laws ensure that each year, District Protection Act has been equally important in and international institutions also contribute as stewards historic. Foreign governments are also important owners thousands of construction projects are evaluated for protecting the historic character of the city since 1979. of prominent historic properties in the city. The excellent of DC historic property, including many historic mansions compatibility with the city’s historic environment. These It is widely recognized as one of the strongest municipal condition of much of the city’s historic environment is due along Massachusetts Avenue’s Embassy Row. reviews protect historic properties from demolition and preservation laws in the nation. Since its enactment, the law in large part to the responsible stewardship of these civic inappropriate alteration, and encourage high standards of has been strengthened to include property maintenance leaders. design and construction in much of the city. standards, enforcement provisions, protections for Federal Government: 2793 properties archaeological resources, and a preservation review before A construction of District government projects. 19.4% Historic National Historic Preservation Act The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 commits the dc government project review federal government to protecting the nation’s irreplaceable cultural heritage. Federal laws and policies play a key role Before starting a construction project, DC in the outstanding quality of preservation in Washington, agencies must take into account the efect on especially in the city’s monumental precincts. The national recognized or potential historic properties, and preservation standards adopted under NHPA authority must provide the State Historic Preservation promote exemplary preservation of federal buildings and Ofcer a reasonable opportunity to comment. encourage high standards for local preservation eforts. This process is similar to Section 106 Review. DC Government: 3358 properties 8.0% Historic section 106 review B hprb review of private construction Before undertaking, approving, or licensing a construction project, federal agencies must Before the city issues a permit for work on take into account the efect on recognized a historic landmark or property in a historic or potential historic properties, and must district, or for new construction, the Historic provide the State Historic Preservation Ofcer a Preservation Review Board must advise on reasonable opportunity to comment. whether the work is compatible with the historic character of the property, and on its adaptation for current use.

Embassies and International 580 Federal Cases Organizations: 209 properties 600 5000 4941 Cases C 80.4% Historic 500 460 DC Cases 4000

400 3000 300 Government Properties by Type 2000 200 14 HPO Staf 1000 100 669 Cases 7 HPO Staf 50 Cases 6 Cases 0 0 A Old Executive Ofce Building 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 52 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 B Bryant Street Pumping Station Federal and DC Government Projects Private Construction Projects C Islamic Center Federal Government Stewardship A DC Government Stewardship D

Federal government leadership in historic preservation District agencies have also become leaders in historic has had a strong infuence in Washington since so many preservation, albeit more recently. The 2006 amendments federal agencies are housed in the city. Federal agencies are to the DC historic preservation law have meant that District required to treat historic preservation as a fundamental part agencies now plan for historic properties at the beginning of their mission, to establish agency preservation programs, of project development, when preservation concerns can to identify and nominate eligible properties to the National be addressed most efectively. The most striking evidence Register of Historic Places, and to assume responsibility for of this change is the remarkable modernization of the protection of their historic properties. These requirements city’s public schools and libraries. Top quality projects have played a key role in the outstanding quality of by these agencies, the DC Housing Authority, and the preservation in Washington. District Department of Transportation have all won historic preservation awards within the last four years. The healthy state of federal agency preservation programs was evident during the preparation of this plan. Even when The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Afairs and HPO contacted agencies directly to identify concerns, few District Department of Transportation also play a key role E if any issues surfaced for consideration. The routine contact in ensuring that government permits and licenses are between SHPO and federal agency staf throughout the B issued in accordance with preservation laws. DCRA’s role is year helps to resolve those issues. Particularly notable is particularly important in managing permit applications and the standard practice for the staf of the SHPO, Commission addressing vacant and blighted properties. of Fine Arts, and National Capital Planning Commission to meet jointly with agencies during project design. The As with federal agencies, daily working relationships Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the public between the SHPO and DC agencies are productive, and also participate routinely in review meetings with key the new project review system has tended to resolve issues agencies like the National Park Service, General Services that might have arisen for this plan. With Ofce of Planning Administration, and Smithsonian Institution. colleagues, HPO is also now engaged in joint facilities planning eforts with the Department of Recreation and Department of General Services. As a result, only a few concerns have been identifed in this plan, largely related to stronger advance planning, training, and coordinated enforcement of property maintenance standards.

Major Federal Agencies Number of projects in FY 2012 Involved in Construction afecting historic or eligible properties 50 100 150 200 250 C National Park Service Agricultural US Navy Mixed Use General Services Administration Major DC Agencies Military Number of projects in FY 2013 Archaeological US Army Involved in Construction afecting historic or eligible properties Department of Transportation Landscape 10050 Manufacturing, DC National Guard F Utilities, Service Smithsonian Institution DC Public Schools Agricultural Department of Homeland Security DC Housing Authority Mixed Use Department of General Services Military Armed Forces Retirement Home Archaeological Department of Health and Human Services District Department of Transportation DC Water Landscape Federal Reserve Manufacturing, Department of Agriculture Department of Parks and Recreation Utilities, Service District Department of the Environment Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development DC Public Library Major Federal Licensing Agencies DC Courts Fire and Emergency Medical Services Federal Communications Commission Housing and Urban Development Department of Commerce Environmental Protection Agency Other DC Agencies National Capital Planning Commission A Union Station D Eastern High School Department of Energy Housing and Community Development B Kennedy Center proposed addition Ofce of the Chief Technology Ofcer E Wilson High School 53 C DC War Memorial F School Without Walls (historic Ulysses S. Grant School) What works about preservation in dc US Commission of Fine Arts Other Partners Gives expert advice to the President, National Park Service Congress, and agencies of the federal and Efective preservation programs DC Historic Preservation Ofce DC governments on matters of design and The National Park Service develops 5 aesthetics, as they afect the federal interest historic preservation policy, standards, Preservation laws would not attain their potential without and preserve the dignity of the nation's and guidance, maintains the National the achievements of dedicated government workers who capital. Register, administers federal tax incentives, implement their mandates. These civil servants are guided Planning and funds heritage education and state STAFF: ESTABLISHED: by the panels of distinguished appointees who represent Policy and Planning 10 1910 preservation programs. Guidelines their respective professions and the public at large. Through STAFF: 20,000 ESTABLISHED: 1933 careful deliberation and collective wisdom, expert advisers 10% Agency Coordination chart the course of preservation programs and move projects forward in a way that meets the public interest. The Public Information National Capital Planning Commission District’s review boards and agency staf consistently earn cfa role in preservation Acts as the central planning agency for Outreach high marks for their competence and achievement. Community Outreach federal land and buildings in the National CFA reviews both government and private projects Capital Region, with an advisory role to the 15% afecting historic property. CFA’s Old Georgetown Website District for certain land use decisions. Board reviews most exterior construction in Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) Georgetown, greatly easing the workload of HPRB STAFF: 39 ESTABLISHED: 1924 Research and Survey and HPO. The Historic Preservation Review Board is the ofcial Inventory and Designation National Register Advisory Council on Historic Preservation body of advisors appointed by the Mayor and confrmed 10% Landmarks by the Council to guide the government and public on Administration Promotes preservation, enhancement, and preservation matters in the District of Columbia. As the State productive use of our nation’s historic Review Board, HPRB also assists with the implementation resources; advises the President and Congress Conceptual Design Review of federal preservation programs and the review of federal on national historic preservation policy. projects in the District of Columbia. STAFF: 38 ESTABLISHED: 1966 MEMBERS: 9 ESTABLISHED: 1984 National Conference of State Historic Preservation Ofcers Permits Old Georgetown Act Project Review Coordinates state government ofcials who DC Historic Preservation Ofce (HPO) carry out the national historic preservation 36% Project Review program as delegates of the Secretary The Historic Preservation Ofce promotes stewardship of of the Interior pursuant to the National Federal Projects the District of Columbia’s historic and cultural resources 49% Shipstead Luce Act Historic Preservation Act of 1966. through planning, protection, and public education. HPO is part of the Ofce of Planning and serves as the staf for the DC Projects DC Projects Historic Preservation Review Board and Mayor’s Agent for National Association of Preservation Commissions historic preservation. HPO also implements federal historic Tax Credit Review The only national nonproft organization Administration Federal Projects preservation programs as the State Historic Preservation dedicated to supporting local historic Ofce for the District of Columbia. GIS Data Management preservation commissions and the historic Archaeology Collections resources they help protect. STAFF: 17 ESTABLISHED: 1979 8% Research and Survey Homeowner Grants National Trust for Historic Preservation Monitoring Other Activities 2% Takes direct, on-the ground action to Inspection 51% preserve historic buildings and sites, and Enforcement Adjudication advocates on Capitol Hill and in statehouses 13% Administration and town halls nationwide for legislation that protects historic properties.

Management Administration Preservation Action Operations 54 8% Grants Administration Serves as the national non-proft grassroots HPO Programs CFA Programs lobby for historic preservation. 6 Non-profts and volunteers Advisory Neighborhood Commissions A Professional and Non-Proft Organizations Government programs alone cannot accomplish the work ANCs advise the District government on matters of public American Institute of Architects, DC Chapter of preservation. Agencies rely on the support and advice policy including decisions regarding planning, streets, American Society of Landscape Architects, DC Chapter of elected community representatives and partnerships recreation, social services programs, education, health, Archaeology Institute of America, DC Chapter with non-proft and volunteer organizations. These are the safety, budget, and sanitation in that neighborhood Archaeology in the Community groups and individuals who envision educational programs, commission area. ANC Commissioners are elected to Art Deco Society of Washington research landmark applications, and build appreciation two-year terms and serve as volunteers representing Association for Preservation Technology, Washington Chapter for neighborhood heritage. Their imagination has brought approximately 2,000 residents. Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of DC local history to our streets and inspired both young and Citizens Planning Coalition old to become part of the projects that breathe life into DC Committee of 100 on the Federal City communities. Citywide Partnership Organizations Historic Districts Coalition Historical Society of Washington, DC DC Preservation League Society of Architectural Historians, Latrobe Chapter Washington Architectural Foundation Preserves, protects, and enhances the historic built environment of DC through ANCs by Ward Historic District advocacy and education. Neighborhood Organizations 1A 1B LeDroit Park, U Street, McMillan Park Reservoir STAFF: ESTABLISHED: 2 1971 Capitol Hill Restoration Society 1C Kalorama Triangle, Washington Heights, Strivers’ Section W1 1D Mount Pleasant Citizens Association of Georgetown 2A Foggy Bottom B Cleveland Park Historical Society 2B Dupont Circle, Strivers’ Section, 14th, 16th, U Streets Humanities Council Dupont Circle Citizens Association 2C Downtown, Financial, Pennsylvania Avenue Provides grant support for community Dupont Circle Conservancy W2 2D Sheridan Kalorama programs that enrich the lives of DC Foggy Bottom Historic District Conservancy 2E Georgetown citizens through the humanities disciplines. Foxhall Village Community Citizens Association 2F Logan Circle, 14th Street, Shaw, Blagden Alley Historic Anacostia Block Association 3B Historic Chevy Chase DC 3C Cleveland Park, Woodley Park STAFF: 8 ESTABLISHED: 1980 Historic Mount Pleasant 3D Foxhall Village W3 3E Grant Road Cultural Tourism DC Historic Takoma 3F Rock Creek Park Kalorama Citizens Association LeDroit Park Civic Association 3G* Rock Creek Park (*3G is located in W3 and W4) Develops, delivers, and celebrates 4A Takoma Park, Walter Reed Logan Circle Community Association experiences that are authentic to DC; and 4B Takoma Park Sheridan-Kalorama Historical Association serves as a leading advocate and broker W4 4C Rock Creek Park Southwest Neighborhood Assembly of local, national, and international culture 4D Takoma DC Neighborhood Association 5A Armed Forces Retirement Home and heritage. 5B Tenleytown Historical Society 5C National Arboretum STAFF: 15 ESTABLISHED: 1996 Woodley Park Historical Society W5 5D Gallaudet, Langston Terrace C AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL, WASHINGTON, DC 5E McMillan Park Reservoir 6A Capitol Hill Congress Heights School Preservation Easement Holders 6B Capitol Hill W6 6C Capitol Hill 3100 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE American Easement Foundation 6D Navy Yard Te eight-room, brick Congress Heights Elementary Capitol Historic Trust School opened in 1897 to serve the new, whites-only 6E Mount Vernon Square/Triangle, Shaw partnership projects by the numbers Congress Heights development. Te iconic tower Foundation for Historic Georgetown and clock were added in 1913. After public schools 7B desegregated in 1954, Congress Heights became primarily L’Enfant Trust 7C African American. Te city closed the deteriorated school DC Preservation League 102 Designations sponsored in 1970, but neighborhood activists, determined to save National Trust for Historic Preservation 7D it from demolition, found new uses for the building. W7 Percent of ANC Tus it continued to serve the community, over time housing Ward 8 ofces, a Head Start program, and DC 7E Congress Heights School, sixth grade class, 1969. in Historic District Habitat for Humanity, and ofering outdoor space to a Collection of Florine Batchelor 7F 0% Humanities Council 78 Community Heritage Projects neighborhood festival and a farmers market. A charter Conservation Organizations 8A Anacostia 1-25% school moved into the renovated building in 2011. 8B 25-50% Funded by the DC Historic Preservation Office Alliance to Preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington 50-75% Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails 8C Saint Elizabeths 14 Dumbarton Oaks Conservancy W8 8D 75-99% 8E 100% Restore Massachusetts Avenue Cultural Tourism DC 100 African American Trail sites A Old Post Ofce, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Rosedale Conservancy B Ivy City Neighborhood and Oral History Project Tregaron Conservancy 55 Historic District Concentration by ANC and Ward C African American Heritage Trail sign Trust for the National Mall

What works about preservation in dc 9 Committed owners and workers F No matter how efective preservation programs or organizations may be, the actual work of preservation 7 Preservation advocates A is accomplished by property owners and their many agents: the architects, architectural historians, researchers, Sometimes hard-working professionals and volunteers landscape architects, archaeologists, attorneys, engineers, aren’t enough. A more forceful voice may be needed when developers, fnancial backers, contractors, builders, and ill-conceived plans threatened to damage communities. The construction workers whose expertise brings projects to massive urban renewal and highway programs of the 1950s, fruition and whose craftsmanship restores and enhances the 60s, and 70s are one example. But the District has been physical fabric of our historic environment. fortunate to have grass-roots leaders who have stood up and fought back, and their foresight should be remembered Washington is extremely fortunate that thousands of and honored. property owners are passionate about preserving their properties, dozens of developers embrace the challenge of preservation, and hundreds of professionals commit their talents and energies to the cause. historic preservation lifetime achievement award

“I think there’s a complacency today about the world around us, that we just assume things are going to continue to be like they are now. You move into a new condo in a neighborhood, and B D you think, ‘Well, I like this place.’ It never occurred to them that it was a battle royal for them to be G able to live here at all.”

-- Ann Hughes Hargrove

8 New and old residents Young and old, people are coming to Washington—40,000 new residents within the past three years alone. Whether empty nesters from the suburbs, seekers of a frst big job, or immigrants from abroad, these residents are adding a new dynamism to our neighborhoods. They come just as older E generations did before them, seeking to beneft from what the nation’s capital has to ofer, and ready to contribute C their talents and energies to the civic life of the District of Columbia. H

Ann Hargrove with Mayor Vincent Gray and OP Director Harriet Tregoning A at the 2013 Historic Preservation Awards Dr. Gail Lowe, Anacostia Museum B Columbia Heights Community Marketplace C Archaeology volunteer for War of 1812 site, Bladensburg Road NE D Volunteer restoring Methodist Cemetery gate E Earthquake repair at Armed Forces Retirement Home F 56 Surveying ceiling damage at Union Station G O and P Street restoration H B C 10 Results on the street The stone and glass results of Washington’s commitment to preservation can be seen throughout the city, in restored monuments and rejuvenated landscapes, and creative new architecture that brings another layer of artistic vision to the city.

People and places matter just as much: a vibrant historic downtown pulsating with crowds on weekday nights, festivals in the parks and on the avenues, and block after block of lovingly maintained homes in neighborhoods throughout the city. Front porches and local hangouts remain the places where communities are built.

Historic preservation in Washington is a system that does not lose sight of achieves positive results—to the lasting beneft of the District of Columbia, its residents, and the enrichment of our heritage.

A D E F

G H

Formstone removal from 1890s house, LeDroit Park neighborhood A Brownley Building restored façade, F Street NW B New Dunbar High School, 2013 C Restored storefronts, 7th Street, Shaw neighborhood D Archaeology excavation of 20th century glass milk bottles at Fort Lincoln E African American Heritage Trail ribbon cutting F NPR Headquarters, North Capitol Street G 57 The Boiler Maker building at the Yards H preservation challenges 4 Constituents talk about preservation Opposition to historic districts neighborhoods or property types were not getting enough attention: outlying areas, modernism, landscapes and vistas, The link between negative perceptions and opposition to cemeteries, archaeological heritage, and cultural artifacts In listening to constituents talk about preservation, the Poor understanding of preservation historic districts has been obvious to all. The failure of recent were all given as examples. Historic Preservation Ofce heard many ideas that helped proposals for historic districts in Barney Circle, Chevy Chase, develop this plan. Chapter 1 describes how HPO sought Many people said that inadequate communications have and Lanier Heights was cited repeatedly. community views about the challenges we face. led to a lack of understanding about preservation in some communities, or a misunderstanding of how the HPO heard a consistent appreciation of Washington’s process works at a practical level. Promoting awareness of Threatened resources historic character, and widespread support for the city’s neighborhood history was seen as a frst step, and there preservation programs. But HPO also heard complaints were calls for basic community education on “what is HPO heard much about the threat to historic resources about what isn’t working, and constructive criticism about preservation.” For areas already designated or considering where protections do not exist. Subsequent events how to address concerns in a way that benefts both current designation, many felt that more information on the highlight the basis for those fears. Tear-downs of usable citizens and our legacy for the future. practical “how to” would be helpful. There was a general buildings continue, as shown by recent raze applications. feeling that public attitudes about preservation were being The V Street “pop-up” (beginning to rise on the previous formed on the basis of wrong information, or through page) has become notorious. In Lanier Heights, a last- Limited fnancial and human resources misunderstanding for lack of access to information. ditch attempt at landmark designation aimed to forestall demolition of one of the neighborhood’s oldest houses, All activities operate within resource constraints, and which would have been protected by the proposed historic preservation is no diferent. As a city, Washington must deal Negative attitudes about preservation district. with the structural and resource constraints of its unique political status. While the city is growing and diversifying its While acknowledging there is much appreciation of the economy, it does not have the deep pockets and corporate city’s heritage, most observers admitted that there are Insensitive development presence that have allowed some cities to develop a long negative attitudes about historic preservation, especially Preservation program enhancements tradition of public philanthropy. in some DC communities. One speaker was blunt, saying Many complained that the city lacks tools to control preservation has a perception problem. unwanted development, leaving communities without Many of these public comments reinforce conclusions that Non-proft leaders and volunteer organizations face a a voice when faced with insensitive proposals. “Pop-ups” HPO and the Historic Preservation Review Board had already constant struggle for adequate resources to run their and out-of-place buildings were cited as more common begun to reach about the challenges facing the District’s programs. Some worry about future membership, or how to and troublesome. Barney Circle has seen its frst modest preservation program. organize and operate efectively to support their missions. example, and Chevy Chase now confronts an all-glass HPO resources have been stable, but the ofce sufered apartment block planned for the neighborhood’s largest There is clearly a need to establish a stronger basis for from two staf departures in lean budget times, leading open lot. making and explaining determinations about compatible to year-long rehiring delays. Vacancies also reduced the changes to historic properties. There is agreement that Historic Preservation Review Board’s capacity until a full communications should improve. There is also a recognition slate was reappointed in 2012. Need for new tools that more timely and transparent identifcation of eligible historic properties would beneft the community at large. Many people felt that a wider range of preservation Inadequate communications and information options are needed, including tools beyond historic district HPO and HPRB also recognize that it is important to designation. Some suggested that we should designate promote thoughtful strategies for dealing with architectural The internet has transformed expectations about access to small, interested areas as a frst step to larger historic modernism as part of the city’s historic legacy. Renewal information, and there were many complaints about not districts. The need for DC historic tax credits or other of modernist buildings will continue as they age. Careful having enough of it. Inefective communication was also fnancial incentives was cited frequently, as were stronger planning can help identify the most signifcant structures as seen as a problem. tools to address vacant properties and demolition by well as sites where replacement with new development is neglect. appropriate. Observers cited poor communications among community groups and residents, between government and ANCs, The most pessimistic assessment was that preservation Some of these initiatives have already begun, and are and among government agencies. Another frustration is seems arbitrary, elitist, and stuck in a rut—concentrated on Need for better services addressed in the next chapter along with other new ideas. not having ready access to information about how the a few core neighborhoods and constrained by the same old preservation process works. The cumbersome HPO website processes. One person observed that a lot of people are Identifying a wish list is usually easy, and HPO heard no and lack of interactive web resources—with photographs and scared of preservation, especially East of the River. Another shortage of ideas. Stronger enforcement topped some lists, more detailed material—were cited as specifc defciencies. pointed out a general perception that the review process is as did better access to information, stronger advocacy, or So was lack of access to archaeological artifacts for study. seen as impediment for individual homeowners. marking and interpretation of historic sites. Public education There are surely many causes of negative attitudes, but was a constant theme, whether about local history, as a More design guidelines and information about the practical whether formed by frm conviction, bad press, or listserv means to engage children and youth, or to prepare workers 60 impact of being in a historic district were frequent requests. banter, the consensus was that they make it hard for for jobs in rehabilitation trades. Some said more historic preservation advocates to convey a convincing message. resource surveys were needed, and others felt that some “Some communities “Many groups report that their ““We can’t do everything” “We need to engage public are underserved” membership numbers are down” and elected ofcials”

“We need more staf and “Community organizations are “A lot of misinformation goes “There should be better more awareness to combat underfunded and rely on volunteers” out on the blogosphere” distribution to listserves” demolition by neglect” not enough resources “Outreach eforts should more “We’re not communicating well about what be expanded” inadequate preservation is, especially to the younger generation” demand for communication services “We need stronger “HPO needs a “Enforcement rules are enforcement” better website” not understood”

“There is a need for DC “There should be Our “We need more interpretation historic tax credits or more interpretation need for lack of of the historic preservation other fnancial incentives” of historic sites” new tools Challenges: understanding process” “We need tools What did we hear “There is a lack of “Many residents have no beyond historic awareness of understanding or misperceptions district designation” sitting around the archaeology” of preservation” the table? “We need to deal “Vacant properties are a “Perception problems with campus plans problem, including are sometimes based and expansion” properties owned by incompatible negative on misinformation” non-profts and government” development perceptions

“Buildings get torn “There is a perception that “Preservation has a down without any the review process is an perception problem” public awareness” impediment for individuals” unprotected opposition historic to historic “Historic landscapes, parks, “Undesignated historic districts are at “Anti-development preservation and vistas are ignored” risk from tear-downs and pop-ups” resources districts gives preservation a bad name”

“We should designate small, “The next generation of preservation leaders “There is a perception problem with “People are worried that preservation interested areas as a frst step is not there; where are the future activists?” historic district designation—we need “might” get in the way and so are not to larger historic districts” to address it” supportive” 61 Another round of public dialogue Evaluating$600,000 government resources $500,000

The Historic Preservation Ofce received many written have been reorganized to express clearer priorities and To$400,000 be realistic, the program of action outlined in this plan two other sources of funding: District capital funds and the -- Projected -- Discretionary comments after releasing the frst draft of this plan in to emphasize the partnerships that will accomplish many cannot exceed the resources available to accomplish it. Historic Landmark-District Protection (HLP) Fund created by $300,000 Contractors February and March of 2013 for a 45-day review. More actions. Annual targets help suggest a clear sequence and a Many of the proposed activities will be led by the HistoricSalaries the DC preservation law. comments were provided in testimony at a meeting of the way to measure progress. Preservation$200,000 Ofce, so an accurate projection of HPO staf Historic Preservation Review Board in April 2013. resources and the discretionary funds available for HPO With more planning projects and preservation reviews initiatives$100,000 has been essential for sound planning. This will of District government projects, some HPO salaries are There was praise for the ambition and scope of the plan, but mean more local support as federal allocations decline. now drawn from District capital funds. Initiatives like the Commenting organizations $0 also constructive criticism. Some people took issue with the 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 development of GIS documentation for historic buildings plan’s assessment of the current context, while others raised Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B HPO Use of OP Capital Funds have also been paid for with capital funds. new ideas for consideration. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B Federal funding Capitol Hill Restoration Society HPO posted on its website a chart of written comments Citizens Planning Coalition Two announcements during the spring of 2013 will have a $600,000 organized by topic, and extended the public comment Committee of 100 on the Federal City signifcant impact on HPO’s discretionary resources through $600,000 $500,000 period for another 45 days to get a further exchange DC Preservation League 2016. The fnal federal budget for Fiscal Year 2013 reduced of views on the plan and ideas from the public. Written Dupont Circle Conservancy Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) assistance to HPO by 3% in $400,000 $500,000 Discretionary comments were accepted through July 2013. During this Greater Greater Washington 2013. Level funding anticipated in 2014 would reduce HPO’s $600,000 -- Projected -- Contractors period, HPO also consulted directly with government Historic Anacostia Design Review Committee federal$400,000 allocation by nearly 8% compared to 2012. $300,000 Discretionary $500,000 Salaries colleagues in the most active federal and District agencies, Historic Districts Coalition $300,000 Contractors $200,000 but few concerns were raised in these conversations. Holland and Knight At the same time, HPO salaries drawn from these federal $400,000 HPRB and -- Projected -- Discretionary Kalorama Citizens Association funds will begin to rise. New labor agreements concluded $100,000 $200,000 Mayor’s Agent Contractors Public comments were critical in preparing a fnal plan. A National Capital Planning Commission in 2013 include the frst pay raises in as many as seven years $300,000 -- Projected -- Salaries few suggestions were beyond the scope of the plan, but Southwest Neighborhood Association for$100,000 DC employees, and these increases will total 13% over $0 $200,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 most resulted in revisions that focus the document on major Tenleytown Historical Society four years. Assuming level federal funding after 2014, the $0 HPO Use of OP Capital Funds priorities. Both substantive and editorial comments helped combined2008 e f2009ect 2010 by 2016 2011 2012is a reduction 2013 2014 2015 of about 2016 20% in the $100,000 ensure that the plan’s message is clear. federal funds availableHPO Use for of HPO HLP discretionary Fund activities. $0 Partner organizations consulted Expenses2008 for 2009 the 2010 Historic 2011 2012Preservation 2013 2014 2015Review 2016 Board and Mayor’s AgentHPO functions Use of OP under Capital District Funds law—videocast of Refning a program of action Annual Conference on DC Historical Studies $600,000 $600,000meetings, transcripts, and stipends—are now drawn from -- Projected -- Cultural Tourism DC $500,000 $500,000the HLP Fund, which should remain an adequate source. As expected, many people expressed views on the plan’s DC Preservation League $400,000 proposed goals. Some thought there were too many goals DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division Discretionary $400,000 and actions, with unclear priorities, while others suggested H-DC, H-Net on the History of the District of Columbia $600,000 Discretionary Contractors Contractors more issues needing attention. Those concerns are Historical Society of Washington, DC $300,000 $300,000 Salaries $500,000 HPRB and addressed in Chapter 6. Humanities Council of Washington, DC $200,000 $200,000 Mayor’s Agent L’Enfant Trust $400,000 -- Projected -- Discretionary It was rightly pointed out that a campaign of public National Park Service, Heritage Education Services $100,000 $100,000 relations is no substitute for real improvements. It was National Trust for Historic Preservation $300,000 Contractors HPRB and also pointed out that a lack of resources has caused $0 $0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 $200,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Mayor’s Agent improvements and initiatives to be deferred. New action HPO Use of Federal Funds HPO Use of HLP Fund-- Projected -- items address these concerns as well. More detailed response to comments $100,000

$0 During the summer of 2013, HPO took another hard look at A more detailed response to public comments from Local funding $600,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 the goals and actions proposed in the plan. HPO also met organizations and individuals is part of HPO’s public -- Projected -- $500,000 HPO Use of HLP Fund separately with non-proft partner organizations to discuss record on this plan. The summary chart of comments and The forecast for federal funding is at least partly ofset at priorities, resources, and opportunities for collaboration responses is posted on the HPO website. Also posted on the local level. Announcements in early 2013 of continued $400,000 Discretionary over the next few years. These meetings helped to focus on the website is the implementation report on the 2008-2012 population growth and a larger-than-expected FY 2012 $600,000Historic homeowner grants are drawn from a separate Contractors the critical role that partnerships will play in reaching the preservation plan. Copies are available upon request. budget surplus brighten the more pessimistic picture that $300,000annual appropriation. The program-- is Projected limited -- more by HPO $500,000 Salaries goals of the plan. The enthusiasm for new projects was high, prevailed when public discussion of this plan began. administrative capacity than the availability of funds, which $200,000 and led to a major new initiative for 2015. $400,000is expected to be adequate over the next four years. Most HPO salaries and ordinary expenses are paid from Discretionary $100,000 Contractors The plan’s goals still refect high expectations for the Ofce of Planning operating funds. As HPO salaries for $300,000In summary, District revenue recovers from the recent Salaries 62 District’s preservation program from diverse constituent federally mandated programs have taken up more of the recession, $0 and federal funding declines, local support will $200,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 groups. Recommended objectives and actions, however, HPF grant, OP has sustained preservation activities by using become more importantHPO Use of forFederal the preservation Funds program. $100,000

$0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 HPO Use of Federal Funds New opportunities for a growing city government and community resources. The efectiveness of Many other jurisdictions ofer some state or local beneft for conservation districts and their potential impacts are properties in historic districts. Maryland, Virginia, and untested here in Washington, but continued public appeals nearly 30 other states ofer state fnancial incentives for During the year of intensive work on this plan, the efects of The plan proposes to celebrate this anniversary with a series have made it more urgent to address the possibility. preservation. Baltimore, Wilmington, and other cities rapid change in the city have become increasingly apparent. of events focused on DC history and cultural heritage. By ofer local property tax incentives for preservation. These The District’s population has grown by more than 40,000 in forging a stronger coalition of heritage organizations in The preservation plan now recommends exploration of measures assist homeowners and small businesses with three years, bringing both new vitality and new tax revenue. 2014, and through concerted planning, we can aim to bring conservation districts as a pilot project. It is projected that the cost of maintaining and adapting historic properties to If this trend continues, there may be stronger opportunities about renewed pride in the legacy of this great city. the frst district could be established by FY 2015, and if preservation standards, while also protecting the economic ahead for preservation. But the rapid infux of newcomers successful, the program might expand by FY 2016. value of historic communities and Main Streets. has also meant a new and more challenging dynamic in how some DC communities view preservation—as clearly A new tool: Conservation districts Given the District’s positive fnancial outlook, the prospect refected in the constituent concerns already discussed. for adoption of a DC fnancial incentive may also improve One efect of the city’s population growth is increased conservation districts over the next few years. The preservation plan encourages Preservation in the District of Columbia faces a sort of construction in older DC neighborhoods. Many of these In the DC Comprehensive Plan, a conservation serious consideration of proposals to support both paradox. In some ways, preservation in DC has never projects have been welcomed, but some have been seen as district is an area designated to recognize its homeowners and small businesses. been stronger. The number of recognized and protected incompatible with existing community character. particular design and architectural qualities and properties continues to grow, and historic neighborhoods encourage their protection and maintenance for are thriving. Federal and District agencies are achieving Most residents support reinvestment in their community, the beneft of the entire city. A city priority: Afordable housing higher standards for adaptive use and civic architecture. but are opposed to insensitive changes that damage the Private developers and businesses have made historic human scale and character that make their neighborhoods Another efect of the city’s population growth is more 14th Street NW and H Street NE the subject of glowing attractive. This concern is refected in sustained calls for a expensive housing. The city’s urgent need for afordable news reports. The working relationships that made these tool other than traditional historic districts, that would help A new possibility: Preservation incentives housing places it at the top of the list of policy priorities. In achievements possible are expected to remain strong. control the efects of undesirable change by focusing only 2013, the Mayor proposed and the DC Council approved a on major projects and impacts. The Comprehensive Plan An open question about conservation districts is the efect $100 million fund for the production of afordable housing. On the other hand, the preservation program is not serving recommends further study of conservation districts, and they may have on potential historic districts. In the absence the needs of some communities as well as it could. While public interest has been heard most recently in planning of any fnancial incentive ofered by the District, many In a city with scarce open land, it is less expensive to retain residents express concern about incompatible development eforts for the established neighborhoods of Mid-City East. homeowners do not see the advantage of new historic existing afordable housing than to construct it anew. Much in their neighborhoods, many are also unhappy with what districts even if they support measures to protect the of the city’s afordable housing efort must therefore be has been the single choice of historic districts without Creation of a conservation district or similar planning character of the neighborhoods where they live. In several concentrated on existing buildings. Many of these buildings fnancial incentives. This has perpetuated the frustrating tool would require legislation and new regulations. Its communities this has led divisive debates when historic are either located in historic districts, or are eligible for cycle illustrated in this Chapter’s diagram. If this cycle implementation would involve a signifcant commitment of districts have been proposed. historic designation. continues unabated, it could become the most serious threat historic resources in District neighborhoods. From 2003 to mid-2013, DC afordable housing providers A Bloomingdale rowhouses renovated more than 1,800 afordable housing units—one This plan seeks to sustain and improve what is working third of them new afordable units—in historic buildings. well, while setting more ambitious targets to engage These projects leveraged nearly $40 million in federal residents with new inspiration and new tools. A subsidy using the preservation tax credit. Sustained production of afordable historic housing at this rate represents a 10% contribution to the city’s goal of 10,000 A new dialogue: Celebrating our heritage new and 8,000 preserved afordable units in the next ten years. The plan frst proposes a new initiative in partnership with the non-proft organizations that can best help respond The District’s comprehensive housing strategy released in to this community challenge. It calls for a symposium of 2013 proposes to study the feasibility of creating a District DC heritage organizations in 2014, to compare notes and Low Income Housing Tax Credit (DC-LIHTC) to provide seek opportunities for collaboration. The aim is a stronger additional equity for housing production. Just months relationship among partners sharing a common interest. before the release of the housing report, two fnancial analysts from DC’s Ofce of Tax and Revenue released an A second reason for this symposium is to plan for a specifc independent study showing that having a state historic tax occasion. On July 16, 1790, President George Washington credit helps to increase the number of projects using the signed the Residence Act establishing the District of federal historic credit. Columbia. The 225th anniversary of that date will fall in the summer of 2015—the quasquibicentennial (!) of the For historic preservation eforts in DC, this means that there District’s creation. Even with a simpler name, this milestone may be new approaches in the ofng for rehabilitation of presents an opportunity to refect upon and broaden historic buildings for afordable housing. The preservation 63 appreciation of our living heritage. plan encourages this to happen. goals, objectives, and actions 5 Setting shared goals

This chapter lays out thirteen goals to be pursued as the Diferent Kinds of Goals District moves toward “Enriching Our Heritage.” These goals A align with the overarching principles of the Historic Features What kind of goals does this plan set? All of the goals preservation plan goals Element of the District’s Comprehensive Plan and its vision describe a desired outcome in general terms, but not for historic preservation as outlined in Chapter 1. all goals operate the same way. Some goals describe a condition that can be achieved, but likely well into the Recognizing Historic Resources The thirteen goals are grouped into four thematic sections: future. These goals help to set interim targets to strive for. Other goals describe an ideal that may never be fully A1 Complete the city survey Recognizing Historic Resources achieved. These goals require constant action toward reaching the ideal. Appreciating Our History A2 Make local history more accessible

Protecting Historic Properties More Detailed Objectives A3 Map what’s important Planning for Our Heritage For each of the plan’s goals, there is a more detailed objective that supports accomplishment of the goal. These Appreciating Our History objectives describe measurable activities that are necessary These four sections coincide with the major elements of the to achieve the goal. While goals often refect aspirations, District’s preservation program: identifcation, engagement, objectives are typically attainable within the plan’s time Tell community stories across the city protection, and planning. The four elements are all equally B1 span. important historic preservation activities. B2 Speak out about preservation A National Academy of Sciences, Constitution Avenue NW For each of the thirteen goals, there is a short description of the context for the goal, a single objective, and from four to Targeted Actions six action items, as shown below. B3 Make archaeology visible More specifc actions describe how the plan’s objectives will Diferent Kinds of Actions be attained. Some actions are concrete tasks like creating a specifc product for an existing program. The task can be Protecting Historic Properties Finish a task for an existing program defned, resources can be allocated, and the work can be goals, objectives, and actions fnished. The product can then serve a useful life for many Continue a priority activity years. C1 Designate signifcant properties A1 Statement of the goal Improve a priority activity Another type of action sustains or improves a priority C2 Communicate more clearly Establish a new service or activity A brief description explains the planning context activity. The task may involve assigning resources to meet Set an aspirational target and the reason for setting the goal service needs that cannot be fully quantifed in advance. Or the task may be to improve a system to achieve better C3 Act before it’s too late OBJECTIVE service delivery for constituents. The product is either an efective program or an improved procedure, but the The objective states the outcome to be outcome typically needs to be sustained indefnitely Planning for Our Heritage accomplished through continued attention. 6% Practice sustainable urbanism Some actions call for the establishment of a new service or D1 26% ACTIONS activity. Once the service is established, the initial task is 27% The identifed groups should accomplish: complete. D2 Improve DC’s review procedures Priority actions shown by an orange dot Finally, a few actions are intended to create a sense of Enhance campuses and landscapes urgency for a high-priority goal. It may be unclear whether D3 21% Other actions that follow the task can be completed within four years, but the action 20% still sets a target that we may be able to meet. If all goes Invest in afordable housing From four to six in total well, the task will be completed, but if not, there will at least D4 be measurable progress toward its accomplishment. 66 Percentage of each task type Taking action together

In thinking about what the Historic Preservation Ofce Tasks for Everyone Community Historical Societies Architects heard from constituents, it seems that our preservation Produce a brochure with a DC heritage grant Design creatively, but think about context challenges are interrelated, one leading to another in what WHAT WE CAN DO Do an exhibit with your community library Support the District Architecture Center can be seen as a self-perpetuating cycle. How can we break that cycle? The Historic Preservation Review Board and Historic Neighborhood Activists Architectural Historians Preservation Ofce will take the lead in many of the Photograph the efects of unwanted change Form an advocacy group for modernism Some challenges are relatively easy to address with the actions proposed in this plan. Here is what we can do: Participate in the Historic Districts Coalition Sign up to guide a local walking tour actions proposed in this plan. Better design guidelines can be written, communications can be improved, and getting Improve our communications Journalists Historians information can be made easier. HPO and District agencies Create a more informative website Write a story about a successful rehab project Share your insights at a local history conference can meet these challenges directly. Explain our procedures more clearly Interview a local preservationist Issue more helpful guidelines Archaeologists Other challenges are harder to address, and require more Strengthen our enforcement eforts Bloggers and Tweeters Explain artifacts to kids at Archaeology Day cooperative approaches. Even if the city’s revenue picture Identify eligible properties faster Speak out for respecting our heritage Advocate for a curation facility continues to improve, both government and non-proft Give more support to our fellow agencies Start challenging preconceptions programs will face limited budget dollars, especially from Plan more systematically Religious Congregations federal sources. A bumper crop of preservation volunteers Help build consensus Preservationists Preserve and share your historical archives will not suddenly appear. But through teamwork and Recognize achievement Don’t oppose change—help guide it Write a history of your congregation and building successful advocacy, we can begin by making a few critical Make preservation a tool for smart growth investments in the future. Universities WHAT YOU CAN DO Smart Growth Advocates Promote your campus heritage We cannot stop demolition of buildings or discordant Embrace preservation as a revitalization strategy Start working on a campus preservation plan development, but we can infuence the conditions that While the District government can lead, everyone Do a vision plan with a preservation group promote them. We cannot change perceptions overnight, should take part in the preservation of our city’s Schoolteachers but we can equip ourselves to respond persuasively with cultural heritage. Here is only some of what you can do: Sustainability Experts Be creative with a Humanities Council grant new solutions and better answers. Help make the case: the greenest building is Schedule an archaeologist with a teaching trunk Political Leaders already built Negative perceptions about historic preservation are Enact a rehabilitation credit for afordable housing DC High Schools symptoms caused not just by a lack of understanding, Create incentives for historic Main Streets Environmentalists Engage students in a community planning project but by underlying issues. The way to change them is by Replant the green canopy on a historic street fostering better understanding and by addressing the District Agencies Join a conservancy and help restore a park College Students issues. We must begin to meet those challenges by working Work with the SHPO to identify historic properties Do an internship with a local non-proft, OP, or HPO together. Engage OP in a facilities planning efort Landscape Architects Research a neighborhood landmark Create an agenda of landscapes to preserve Federal Agencies Homeowners A Partner with the SHPO to streamline procedures Developers Get advice from HPO on a home renovation Make preservation a part of due diligence Look into your house’s history Planners Take advantage of the federal tax credits Promote preservation as a revitalization strategy Moms and Dads Make zoning more preservation-friendly Business Groups Go on a heritage trail for a Sunday bike ride Market preservation as an asset, not a constraint Take your kids to the National Building Museum Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Identify the places your community values most Small Businesses DC Residents Start a planning and land use committee Apply for a storefront rehabilitation grant Think about why you value your neighborhood Join forces with a Main Street organization Support what we share as a historic community Non-Proft Organizations Extend your reach with a network of websites Take on a new partnership project

67 A District Architecture Center, Penn Quarter neighborhood A Recognizing historic resources A2 Make local history more accessible The course of history can be traced in a multitude of The thirteen goals in this chapter are designed to address the historic preservation challenges the District now faces. For places that reveal it. These places exist in every District each goal, there is a major objective followed by suggested actions that a wide range of players can take to help achieve the neighborhood, and can become a source of pride for objective. Priority actions are shown at the top of each list. residents all across the city.

A A remarkable amount of information has already been A1 Complete the city survey gathered to document these historic sites. Unfortunately that information is often not widely available to the Without awareness of the community history around us, public, even though it represents an important pathway to we will be unable to appreciate its value or plan for its understanding local heritage. These stories should become preservation. The frst step toward understanding is to more vivid and accessible to DC residents. They can also be identify the heritage we enjoy. tied more directly to neighborhood history, so that residents become engaged in the heritage closest to home. More than 100,000 buildings in the District are now documented in historic resource surveys. Comprehensive photographic records of the city are also available on both OBJECTIVE commercial and government websites. This vast archive Present local history to a wide audience can be used by everyone from scholars doing research to through public events and more engaging residents just curious about their homes. print and website materials.

OBJECTIVE B ACTIONS Complete a comprehensive source of basic Researchers, scholars, HPO, and preservation historical information on all of the city’s partners should: buildings. Create an interactive website for the DC ACTIONS Inventory to promote awareness of historic landmarks and districts. HPO and preservation partners should: Work together to prepare Community Document all primary buildings in DC’s Heritage Guides identifying important historic districts, with data sufcient to resources and preservation concerns in each evaluate their relative signifcance. of DC’s wards. B Complete a comprehensive survey and Launch an illustrated DC Timeline as an evaluation of the city’s oldest buildings. educational tool to promote understanding of DC history. Survey the outlying parts of the city—the C WARD 8 area once known as Washington County—to Celebrate DC neighborhoods through a HERITAGE GUIDE identify rare farmhouses and country homes. stronger partnership to bring community history to a citywide audience. Conduct a phased alley survey to identify and document alley resources including dwellings, Expand access to DC heritage resources service buildings, and other structures. through improved website portals and mobile phone applications. A Discussion of Ward Eight Survey and evaluate downtown architectural Cultural and Heritage Resources heritage between 30 and 50 years old. Preserve historical collections in secure archival facilities, both public and private, and improve Document all primary buildings in DC’s public access to these records. outlying wards beyond the original city and Georgetown. A Burrows Farmhouse, Verplanck Street NW B Naylor Court alley building NW D Hisotric District brochure 68 C Porch fronts in Petworth E Ward 8 Heritage Guide A3 Map what’s important LeDroit Park Historic District

Feet Feet OAKDALE PL NW Online maps are increasingly becoming a primary tool for ´ OAKDALE PL NW 0 200 400 ´ 0 200 400 distributing public information in a visual format. Maps can ELM ST NW ELM ST NW

5TH ST NW turn tedious data into visible information. 5TH ST NW

3RD ST NW U ST NW Boundary maps of the District’s designated historic 3RD ST NW U ST NW

U ST NW 2ND ST NW properties are available, but the citywide map is outdated U ST NW 2ND ST NW and out of print. Much better informational and analytical

W W N THOMAS ST NW maps would open new perspectives on the city’s heritage N THOMAS ST NW T T S S R R E E R R H H O of buildings, landscapes, archaeological sites, and places of O B B cultural importance. T ST NW T ST NW T ST NW T ST NW

T ST NW T ST NW T ST NW T ST NW

4TH ST NW OBJECTIVE 4TH ST NW FLORIDA AVE NW FLORIDA AVE NW Make information maps of historic properties routinely available to professionals and the SEATON PL NW SEATON PL NW

NEW JERSEY AVE NW NEW JERSEY AVE NW WILTBERGER ST NW ST WILTBERGER WILTBERGER ST NW ST WILTBERGER 3RD ST NW public. 3RD ST NW

6TH ST NW RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 6TH ST NW RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 5TH ST NW 5TH ST NW ACTIONS S ST NW S ST NW S ST NW S ST NW

HPO and preservation partners should: Year of Construction LeDroit Park Historic District Selected Architects LeDroit Park Historic District Date of Construction 1873 - 1883 Period of Significance Architects Beers, A. H. Period of Significance 1873-1883 1914-1929 1884 - 1896 1873-1929 A. H. Beers A. E. Landvoigt Cooper, George S. 1873-1929 Enhance the District’s geographic information January 2012 1897 - 1913 January 2012 Haller, N. T. This map is as accurate as currently available 1930-2011 This map is as accurate as currently available James H. McGill Landvoigt, A. E. data allows. 1884-1896 It is a planning and informational 1914 - 1929 data allows. ItGeorge is a planning S. and Cooper informational system (GIS) to create a series of ready-made document not intended for legal determinations. document not intended for legal determinations. 1930 - 2011 McGill, James H. analytical maps showing various building 1897-1913 N. T. Haller attributes for each of the city’s neighborhood historic districts.

Feet Feet OAKDALE PL NW OAKDALE PL NW 0 200 400 0 200 400 Map all properties eligible for historic ´ ´

ELM ST NW ELM ST NW

5TH ST NW

designation within the original L’Enfant Plan 5TH ST NW city boundaries.

3RD ST NW U ST NW 3RD ST NW U ST NW Produce a sequence of ward maps showing

U ST NW 2ND ST NW how DC communities developed. U ST NW 2ND ST NW

W W N THOMAS ST NW N THOMAS ST NW T Enhance GIS data layers to support T S S R R E E R R H H O O B identifcation and analysis of potential B

T ST NW T ST NW archaeological sites. T ST NW T ST NW

T ST NW T ST NW Produce a new citywide map of historic T ST NW T ST NW

4TH ST NW landmarks and districts. 4TH ST NW FLORIDA AVE NW FLORIDA AVE NW

SEATON PL NW SEATON PL NW

NEW JERSEY AVE NW NEW JERSEY AVE NW WILTBERGER ST NW ST WILTBERGER WILTBERGER ST NW ST WILTBERGER 3RD ST NW

3RD ST NW

6TH ST NW RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 6TH ST NW RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 5TH ST NW 5TH ST NW

S ST NW S ST NW S ST NW S ST NW

Selected Builders LeDroit Park Historic District LeDroit Park Historic District Contributing Buildings Contributing Buildings Period of Significance Builders Barr & Sanner Period of Significance 1873-1929 Contributing 1873-1929 Coon, W. R. contributing buildings January 2012Barr & Sanner Harry A. Kite January 2012 Non-Contributing Hough, Geo. C. This map is as accurate as currently available This map is as accurate as currently available Kite, Harry A. data allows. Itnon-contributing is a planning and informational buildings data allows. ItW. is a R. planning Coon and informational Thomas W. McCubbin document not intended for legal determinations. document not intended for legal determinations. McCubbin, Thos. W. George C. Hough 69 Appreciating our history B2 Speak out about preservation C Preservation works best when it engages community support. Many local organizations actively pursue B1 Tell community stories across the city A outreach programs aimed at raising public awareness and appreciation of Washington’s cultural heritage. Public Residents all across the city have stories about people and response to these activities has been strong, but more places they fnd signifcant to their lives. The Humanities coordinated eforts could have a greater impact on a wider Council of Washington DC records these stories. Cultural audience. Tourism DC has made walking trails a new way to rediscover community heritage. Local groups both large and small host Preservation advocates and neighborhood preservation lectures, house tours, archaeology days, and other events. organizations also play a vital role in promoting the value of the city’s heritage. In recent years, however, preservation Joint projects are a great way to showcase local history. advocacy has not kept pace with the proliferation of The 2012 Conference on DC Historical Studies, for example, blogs, listservs, and ways of communicating that now grab had eleven sponsors including the Association of Oldest people’s attention. Preservationists need to make their Inhabitants, Sumner School Museum and Archives, Friends voices heard more clearly in this new dialogue. D of Washingtoniana Division, H-DC Washington DC History, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, and Rainbow History Project. We should use this teamwork as a model. OBJECTIVE Strengthen public advocacy for historic OBJECTIVE preservation and heritage programs. Strengthen partnerships that promote local history and grass-roots heritage projects in ACTIONS DC communities. Preservation advocates and activists, with the support of professionals and non-proft ACTIONS organizations, should:

Community leaders, funding organizations, non- Develop a more efective advocacy network E MODERNISM IN WASHINGTON profts, and preservation advocates should: and strategy to promote the benefts of C heritage and historic preservation programs Strengthen established and efective history as a key District asset. programs like the Annual Conference on DC Historical Studies and the journal Washington Promote appreciation of DC heritage through History. preservation awards and expanded coverage in print, online, broadcast, and social media. Strengthen the DC Community Heritage B Project as an innovative opportunity to engage Make greater use of the Historic Districts DC residents in exploring their own history. Coalition as a collective voice for residents across the city, and as a mentor for new Establish a partnership between the Historical community preservation groups. Society of Washington DC and HPO to support DC history and heritage programs. Establish an advocacy group for DC Modernism and undertake a program of Enhance DC’s cultural heritage trail system activities. with new trails, updated trail guides, and interconnections among cultural and Promote tools to achieve development recreational trails. that protects community character and authenticity. Promote recognition and appreciation of landmarks of African American history. Respond to misinformation with understandable explanations and factual Develop a stronger partnership to take information about preservation rules and C 39th Annual DC Studies Conference 70 full advantage of National Park Service A Neighborhood Heritage Trail sign procedures. D Community Planning Meeting educational and youth programs. B Deanwood Neighborhood History program E HPO Modernism Brochure Make archaeology visible A B B3 D Washington’s landscape has been a place of human occupation for thousands of years, and the physical evidence of this history is both fascinating and important to our heritage. Unfortunately, archaeological artifacts too easily go unnoticed when they are underground or conserved in collections.

DC needs to take better care of its archaeological inheritance. There has been substantial progress toward making the wealth of local archaeology more accessible, more routinely investigated, and better understood as a public resource, but much more needs to be done. B OBJECTIVE Raise the profle of DC archaeological programs and make DC artifact collections available for research and public enjoyment.

ACTIONS The SHPO, DC government, archaeological community, and institutional partners should:

Establish an archaeological curation facility for the protection and study of DC artifacts.

Produce online exhibits of artifacts to create a public window into DC archaeological C collections.

Prepare DC archaeological collections for curation according to national professional standards.

Complete the transfer of data on all DC artifact collections into a consolidated computer database.

Increase awareness and appreciation of archaeology through public events, youth the three phases of archaeological investigation education programs, and other activities. Phase I – Site Identifcation Archaeologists conduct systematic survey including excavating small test pits and surface walk‐overs to identify sensitive areas and fnd sites.

A Taking fabric and tissue samples for analysis of Iron Cofn burial in Columbia Heights Phase II– Site Evaluation B Archaeology Day 2013 Archaeologists do more extensive excavation to determine the size and to C DC Archaeological Collections database assess the signifcance of the site. D Archaeological survey map of Anacostia and Saint Elizabeths Hospital Phase III – Mitigation/Data Recovery Archaeologists excavate larger units to sample and salvage portions of a signifcant site before it is destroyed if a project cannot avoid it. 71 Protecting historic properties C2 Communicate more clearly D District residents may frst encounter the practice of preservation through a home improvement project. C1 Designate signifcant properties A Communities may have the same experience when a new building or a historic district is proposed. For developers, it Washington’s heritage is protected through the public may be when a historic landmark application is fled. In each PRESERVATION AND DESIGN GUIDELINES process of designating historic landmarks and districts. This case, they deserve ready access to clear information. FOR BASEMENT ENTRANCES AND WINDOWS system must be fair to the interests of property owners, preservation advocates, and the city at large. Anticipating The government’s rules for the preservation process should likely designations helps to keep preservation and be understandable and easily obtained. Information on the economic development coordinated as the city grows. implications of historic designation should be presented in a straightforward way. Progress has been made to improve Ample information exists to identify many properties design guidelines, but more work needs to be done. HPO’s eligible for designation. While perspectives will always be website is also confusing and some of its informational evolving on the record of history, priorities for designation materials are outdated and inadequate. should emphasize properties that are highly signifcant or most likely to be at risk. OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE Develop better public information materials B and guidelines for the preservation review Promote an understandable designation process. process with clear priorities and advance information about known eligible properties. ACTIONS D.C. HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD ACTIONS HPRB, HPO, and technical advisors, working with community partners should: HPRB, HPO, community leaders, planners, and property owners should: Improve the HPO website using the new DC standards established by the Ofce of the Complete designation of the Meridian Hill Chief Technology Ofcer. and George Washington/West End historic districts. Update and improve HPO informational materials so that they cover a full range of Complete historic landmark and historic topics in a user-friendly manner. district designations in the old downtown. C Issue more detailed guidelines on additions Identify eligible historic properties as a way and alterations to historic properties. to inform the public and guide designation eforts. Develop a way to address diferent building types and the relative signifcance of Pursue determinations of eligibility and properties, so that guidelines are suitable to a nominations to the National Register variety of existing conditions. under federal preservation responsibilities, with simultaneous nominations to the DC Develop guidelines that address the Inventory. diferent issues and sensitivities of specifc neighborhoods or historic districts.

Prepare and apply guidelines for major development at historic campuses and landmarks.

Friendship Arch, Chinatown A 72 Embassy of Mexico, 16th Street B BF Saul and Colonial Mortgage Buildings C HPO Preservation and Design Guidelines for Basement Entrances and Windows D

C3 Act before it’s too late A C Whether deliberate or the result of neglect, demolition erodes the fabric of neighborhoods. Crude “pop-ups” and overscaled intrusions disrupt once harmonious streets. Construction violations and unpermitted work undermine property values and the character of entire communities.

The remedy for this kind of needless destruction and disfgurement is to take preventive action before the damage is irreversible. Stronger enforcement and new tools are needed if we are to protect the quality of life that DC residents treasure so highly.

OBJECTIVE Combat neglect of historic properties and develop better tools to control incompatible development in DC neighborhoods.

ACTIONS Public ofcials, preservationists, ANCs, developers, and communities should: D Adopt fne schedules and other regulations needed to enforce the property maintenance and demolition by neglect provisions of the DC preservation law.

Investigate conservation districts and other tools to control over-scaled and incompatible development in neighborhoods.

Take coordinated action to bring blighted and deteriorated properties into compliance B through enforcement of property maintenance standards.

Work together to identify and address deteriorated historic properties, illegal construction, and other community enforcement concerns.

Draw public attention to the unusual cost and importance of restoring damaged or neglected landmarks.

A Mount Pleasant mansion rescued from neglect B Restored commercial storefront, 1508 14th Street NW C Pop-up pair in Eckington neighborhood 73 D National Cathedral earthquake damage, 2011 Planning for our heritage D2 Improve DC’s review procedures D The District government is both a major steward of historic property, and the monitor of private construction that D1 Practice sustainable urbanism A afects the city’s historic assets. Following the long-standing practice of the federal government, the District now plans Preservation represents the best of environmentally ahead to consider the efects of its own construction on responsible urbanism. Reinvestment in the city’s existing known or potential historic properties. Key District agencies building stock, public transportation systems, and are working to improve coordination on these reviews, but neighborhood Main Streets helps to conserve renewable more work can be done. historic resources and the fabric of communities. Sustainable urbanism also supports economic growth: Similarly, the District’s procedures for reviewing private adapted buildings mean both resources saved and local construction can also be improved. The system manages an jobs created. ever-increasing number of cases, but periodic tuning will help ensure smooth operation of a system that businesses, By promoting this message and living by its principles, we residents, and communities rely on. E can strengthen the case for protecting our heritage. OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE Promote open and efective preservation Support preservation as a sustainable reviews of construction in historic economic growth strategy through public B neighborhoods and on DC government policies and incentives. property.

ACTIONS ACTIONS Architects, planners, environmentalists, District agencies, together with the SHPO, CFA, sustainability advocates, preservationists, ANCs and the public should: F developers, public ofcials, and property owners should: Revise notice requirements to ensure broad public awareness of major project proposals Develop a preservation strategy to support and a reasonable opportunity to comment. DC’s Main Street and Great Streets programs. Promote early consultation among the Promote walkable development by C Department of General Services, SHPO, and strengthening historic street patterns, public on DC construction projects. supporting streetcar development, capturing alley potential, and other strategies. Evaluate DC government properties to identify potential historic buildings, Develop zoning mechanisms and fnancial landscapes, and archaeological sites. incentives to promote preservation and adaptation of existing buildings. Protect DC historic assets by eliminating the loophole for charter school projects on DC Develop sustainability guidelines to promote government property. compatible adaptations for energy efciency. Avoid last-minute preservation conficts by Recycle industrial buildings as a sustainable integrating historic preservation concerns way to protect DC’s heritage and reimagine into capital improvements planning for DC unique architectural spaces. public facilities. A Capital Bikeshare Station B Historic 1919 Lumber Shed at The Yards Park on the Anacostia Invest in the restoration, revitalization, and C Lumber Shed adapted for shops and cafes, 2013 Develop plans to ensure preparedness for enhancement of Union Station, Metro, and possible disaster or emergencies afecting D Restored Takoma Park Library other historic public transportation facilities. historic properties. E Historic photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library F Award-winning Watha T. Daniel / Shaw Library and art installation 74 D3 Enhance campuses and landscapes D4 Invest in afordable housing The District’s historic landscapes include majestic parks, Washington is fortunate in its vast resource of modest but miniature green triangles, cemeteries, historic markers, and usable older buildings. Neighborhoods thrive where this green front yards in public space. These features should be fabric is intact and in use. Yet hundreds of buildings are recognized, maintained and protected as the city grows. decaying or outmoded even as they are most critically needed. As new development and new users arrive on established campuses, preservation routinely arises as a factor whether The federal tax credit has helped spur the renovation of anticipated or not. Prudent planning should assess historic more than 1,500 afordable DC homes over the past ten features before development plans are formulated. It will years, but other jurisdictions leverage even better results protect campus heritage and promote eforts to meet both with supplemental local support. The District’s fnancial institutional and community goals. incentives for reinvestment in historic buildings are few— the successful historic homeowner grant program is one— and we lag behind comparable jurisdictions both locally OBJECTIVE and nationally. Promote awareness of DC’s campus and landscape heritage, and make preservation an OBJECTIVE essential part of campus planning. Increase adaptation of historic buildings for afordable housing to help address the city’s ACTIONS urgent housing needs. Institutional and government campus owners, along with planners, preservationists and ACTIONS technical advisers, should: Political leaders, planners, government housing Identify campus historic resources as the ofcials, and partners in afordable housing, frst step toward routine consideration of working with HPO and HPRB, should: preservation in campus planning. Adopt a local fnancial incentive to support Sponsor and support designation of the rehabilitation of historic buildings for signifcant campus buildings, landscapes, and afordable housing. archaeological sites. Document the history and development of Promote historic properties as important afordable housing in Washington. assets in the campus experience by providing information about historic heritage on university Increase rehabilitation of older buildings for websites. afordable housing through the use of federal preservation tax credits. Follow exemplary preservation standards as development proceeds at the McMillan Sand Refne selection criteria and streamline Filters, Saint Elizabeths, Walter Reed, and the Hill application procedures for DC housing East Waterfront. programs to support more afordable housing in historic buildings. Increase recognition and protection of signifcant DC parks, cemeteries, landscapes, and Provide historic homeowner grants to help green areas in public space. limited-income homeowners and strengthen historic neighborhoods. Repair the District’s 1791 DC boundary stones and their protective fences installed in 1915-16. Establish a revolving loan fund for non-proft rehabilitation of historic buildings.

A George Washington University Historic District Guidelines B George Washington University residence hall project D Fort View Apartments in Brightwood C George Washington University University Yard E Webster Gardens in Petworth 75 F Hubbard Place (The Cavalier) in Columbia Heights implementation 6 Achieving our goals

This chapter lays out a more detailed action plan with Recognizing Historic Resources recognizing historic resources targets for each year. How will we accomplish the goals of this plan? And who will take the lead in carrying out the HPO is best equipped to sustain the efort to complete action items that are identifed? This is an ambitious agenda the city survey, and to create the technical capacity to A1 A2 A3 Who’s taking action requiring coordinated eforts. display survey information on maps. Much of this work will be done with the expertise of specialized contractors. City preservation ofcials will be responsible for a large But partnerships are essential for making history more Government agencies share of the more than 70 tasks proposed in this plan. But accessible to residents in all parts of the city. Partnership this is not a program plan for the DC Historic Preservation Communities and non-profts Ofce, and many other groups and individuals will also be involved. Communities, non-proft organizations, and 65% Property owners property owners are just as important in accomplishing the Partnership goals of this plan. Government agencies Also critical are the formal and informal partnerships that achieve shared goals. Joint eforts will vary, depending on the nature of each goal.

Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 TargetB1 for 2014 B2 B3 Target for 2015 Who’sTarget taking for action2016 A1 Complete the City Survey Government agencies Complete a comprehensive source of basic historical information on all of the city’s buildings. Partnership HPO and Document all primary buildings in DC’s historic Complete documentation of eight Complete documentation of the Communities and non-profts contractors districts, with data sufcient to evaluate their relative districts in downtown and the Shaw/ remaining 19 neighborhood historic Property owners signifcance. Mount Vernon Square area. districts. 63% Partnership HPO and Complete a comprehensive survey and evaluation of Complete identifcation and dating of Complete identifcation and dating of Create and post on the HPO website Evaluate the preliminary list of contractors the city’s oldest buildings. buildings in the original city (except buildings in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, a preliminary list of DC’s pre-Civil War buildingsGovernment to identify agencies those eligible for the Capitol Hill Historic District). and all historic districts outside the buildings. historic designation. original city.

HPO, interns, and Survey the outlying parts of the city—the area once Complete a reconnaissance survey of Conduct research on selected Conduct archaeological assessments Finalize brochure and begin work volunteers known as Washington County—to identify rare the old Washington County (mostly buildings from the 65 identifed to on selected properties. Draft an on a multiple property nomination farmhouses and country homes. Wards 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8). document properties that may be informational brochure for public addressing built and archaeological eligible for designation. distribution. resources. HPO, interns, and Conduct a phased alley survey to identify and Complete the survey of the original Establish a survey plan forC1 C2Survey C3 alley buildings in the Survey alleyWho’s buildings taking in action historic D1 D2 D3 D4 volunteers document alley resources including dwellings, service city and Georgetown, and compile neighborhoods outside the original rowhouse neighborhoods just north districts outside the original city. buildings, and other structures. a preliminary survey report on an city and Georgetown. Begin work on of Florida Avenue. Government agencies estimated 1,000 buildings. a preservation plan for alleys. Partnership HPO and Survey and evaluate downtown architectural heritage Complete a windshield survey of Prepare and distribute information on Complete evaluation of downtown Identify preservationCommunities priorities and for non-profts contractors between 30 and 50 years old. downtown modern buildings. the results of the survey. modern buildings. 50%47%modern buildings downtown. 50% 47% Property owners HPO and Document all primary buildings in DC’s outlying wards Engage a contractor and complete Complete basic documentation Partnership of contractors beyond the original city and Georgetown. basic documentation of the outer neighborhoodsGovernment dominated agencies by 78 rowhouse neighborhoods north of single-family housing. Florida Avenue. Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 Target for 2014 Target for 2015 Target for 2016 A2 Make DC History More Accessible

Present DC history to a wide audience through public events and more engaging print and website materials. HPO and DC Create an interactive website for the DC Inventory to Launch a test version of the website Evaluate the website and identify Add new features to the website. Consider options for assembling the Preservation League promote awareness of historic landmarks and districts. with basic information and search priority enhancements. Release an Prepare a new historic district or HPO historic district and thematic capability. Create a graphic format for illustrated fyer after each landmark thematic brochure for the HPO brochures into a book-type library new landmark announcements. designation. brochure series. format.

HPO and Work together to prepare Community Heritage Guides Post Ward 8 and Ward 7 guides on the Complete the Ward 5 guide and Complete the Ward 1 and 4 guides Complete the Ward 3 and 6 guides preservation identifying important resources and preservation HPO website, and prepare a Ward 5 begin guides for Wards 1 and 4. and begin guides for Wards 3 and 6. and prepare the guide for Ward 2. partners concerns in each of DC’s wards. guide.

HPO and partners Launch an illustrated DC Timeline as an educational Include the DC Timeline and a Make the timeline and DC history Develop the timeline and history Complete a more developed timeline tool to promote understanding of DC history. DC history narrative in the 2016 narrative available as a stand-alone in partnership with preservation for the 2020 DC Historic Preservation Preservation Plan. educational tool. partners, educators, and scholars. Plan.

DC Public Library, Celebrate DC neighborhoods through a stronger Launch a series of Know Your Expand the series of Know Your Hold coordinated events to celebrate Sustain the momentum of the 225th HPO, and partners partnership to bring community history to a citywide Neighborhood talks at DC libraries. Neighborhood talks and house history the 225th anniversary of DC’s with continued programming on DC audience. Develop dcbythebook.org as a fun workshops. Develop online access to establishment. neighborhoods and heritage. way to link readers to real DC sites. historic building permits.

Non-proft Expand access to DC heritage resources through Explore new technologies to expand Plan a DC History Portal to promote Apply for a planning grant to create Launch the DC History Portal as a organizations and improved website portals and mobile phone access to the H-DC discussion forum easy access to online community the website portal. Start developing new tool for public engagement and institutions applications. on the H-Net history network. history collections held by libraries a mobile phone application giving access to local history resources. and archives. information on historic landmarks.

DC Archives, DC Preserve historical collections in secure archival Begin to implement planned Begin digitization projects to aid Continue digitization projects at the Expand online access to collections Public Library and facilities, both public and private, and improve public improvements to the Moorland- researchers at the Historical Society Historical Society and DC Library. on DC neighborhoods and the city’s private repositories access to these records. Spingarn Research Center at Howard archives. Begin a program to post DC Begin in-depth planning for a new DC built environment. University. Library digital collections online. Archives building. A3 Map What’s Important

Make informational maps of historic properties routinely available to professionals and the public. HPO and Enhance the District’s geographic information system Complete maps of eight districts in Complete maps of the remaining 19 Post 2014 maps on the HPO website. contractors (GIS) to create a series of ready-made analytical maps downtown and the Shaw/Mount neighborhood historic districts. Post showing various building attributes for each of the Vernon Square area. 2013 maps on the HPO website. city’s neighborhood historic districts.

HPO and Map all properties eligible for historic designation Complete maps of the L’Enfant Plan Complete maps of Capitol Hill and Complete eligibility map and post on contractors within the original L’Enfant Plan city boundaries. city (except Capitol Hill Historic preliminary identifcation of eligible the HPO website. District). properties.

HPO and Produce a sequence of ward maps showing how DC Complete ward maps and a model Post maps and the Tenleytown history Post the Brightwood history on the contractors communities developed. for graphic depiction of community on the HPO website; and complete HPO website. development history, using a graphic history of Brightwood’s Tenleytown as the example. development.

HPO, interns, and Enhance GIS data layers to support identifcation and Update GIS with geoarchaeological Begin developing an archaeological Engage interns or contractors to Compare geoarchaeological data contractors analysis of potential archaeological sites. data generated by site surveys and site boundary layer and cut-and-fll develop a historic DC topography to current and historic topography investigation. analysis for specifc projects. layer based on the 1888 and 1892 to develop a GIS layer that can help topographical maps. predict archaeological site locations. HPO, OP, and Produce a new citywide map of historic landmarks Compile data needed for the map in Review and correct GIS data needed Prepare the new map. Print the new map and make it 79 contractors and districts. electronic format. for the map. available to the public. A1 A2 A3 Who’s taking action Government agencies Partnership Communities and non-profts 65% Property owners Partnership Government agencies

Appreciating Our History appreciating our history

For the past decade, the preservation program has Cooperative agreements between non-proft organizations accomplished most of its educational goals through and HPO will continue as the most efective way to engage B1 B2 B3 Who’s taking action partnerships between HPO and non-proft organizations. communities in local history. Community groups and non- These cooperative agreements are mutually benefcial, profts will also lead in preservation advocacy. In contrast, Government agencies drawing on the community strength and educational archaeology programs require the specialized expertise creativity the government cannot readily provide, while of both the HPO staf and private sector professionals, Partnership ofering non-proft partners the stability of continuing although there will be many opportunities for volunteer Communities and non-profts programs. Partnerships are especially important as a way to assistance. engage a broad public audience in historic preservation. 63% Property owners Partnership Government agencies

Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 Target for 2014 Target for 2015 Target for 2016 C1 C2 C3 Who’s taking action D1 D2 D3 D4 B1 Tell Community Stories Across the City

Strengthen partnerships that promote local history and grass-roots heritage projects in DC communities. Government agencies Partnership Historical groups Strengthen established and efective history programs Identify ways to reach a broader Hold the 40th Annual Conference, Use an audience survey to inform Expand the Conference with a and partners like the Annual Conference on DC Historical Studies audience and add resources to with Marching on Washington as the strategic plans for the conference. 47%preservation component,Communities tours, and or non-pro fts 50% and the journal Washington History. expand these programs. Inaugurate a theme. Make Jazz in DC the theme for Add photographic essays and papers50% other options. LaunchProperty an owners online more engaging journal format. a Washington History issue. on built environment47% to the journal. version of Washington History. Partnership Humanities Council, Strengthen the DC Community Heritage Project as Continue the DCCHP series of Participate in a workshop of city Launch marketing eforts to Increase Expand the DC Community Heritage HPO, and partners an innovative opportunity to engage DC residents in community preservation seminars, heritage institutions to plan for public visibility of DC community Project to includeGovernment a people’s history agencies exploring their own history. panel discussions, and small grants stronger partnerships and marketing heritage programs. of every DC neighborhood. for grass-roots community projects. of DC cultural heritage.

Historical Society Establish a partnership between the Historical Society Launch the Urban Photography Launch a cooperative agreement Hold coordinated events to celebrate Develop periodic programs including of Washington DC, of Washington DC and HPO to support DC history and Series on how to document DC to create and fund partnership the 225th anniversary of DC’s lectures, history workshops, and HPO, and partners heritage programs. neighborhoods. Identify partnership programs. Begin partnership with an establishment. research collaborations, to increase opportunities. Urban Photography Series. presence in social media and online.

Cultural Tourism DC, Enhance DC’s cultural heritage trail system with new Unveil the Logan Circle Heritage Trail Launch the Anacostia and LeDroit Support historical interpretation Launch the Women’s History, SW, federal agencies, trails, updated trail guides, and interconnections as the 15th in DC. Finish assessment Park/Bloomingdale trails. Secure or at Walter Reed with a heritage Federal Center, and NW Rectangle/ and partners among cultural and recreational trails. studies for SW Federal Center and NW explore funding for three trails, and trail, public displays, and digital Foggy Bottom heritage trails. Rectangle/Foggy Bottom trails. develop an Embassy Row trail app. presentations.

HPO, HPRB, Cultural Promote recognition and appreciation of landmarks of Post an updated website list of Reprint an updated Trail guide. Create a student tour guide training Continue to nominate properties to Tourism DC, DC African American history. 300 sites on the African American Collect U Street oral histories and program to make AAHT sites more the Trail, DC Inventory, and National Public Library, and Heritage Trail. Nominate a site to the post online. Add a property to the DC accessible. Add three properties to Register. partners DC Inventory and National Register. Inventory and National Register. the Trail and one to the Inventory.

National Park Develop a stronger partnership to take full advantage Add Frederick Douglass and Sewall- Commemorate the Battle of Fort As a 225th anniversary event, hold Continue to develop lesson plans Service, HPO, and of National Park Service educational and youth Belmont House lesson plans to the Stevens. Add three new TwHP lesson a DC Youth Summit to expose high and organize youth programs using non-proft partners programs. nine NPS Teaching with Historic Places plans. Continue Urban Archaeology school students to careers in cultural the NPS Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) plans for DC. Corps projects in Wards 7 and 8. heritage management. program. 80 Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 Target for 2014 Target for 2015 Target for 2016 B2 Speak Out about Preservation

Strengthen public advocacy for historic preservation and heritage programs. Heritage and Develop a more efective advocacy network and Identify advocacy needs and explore Convene a workshop of heritage Hold coordinated events to celebrate Use momentum to help develop preservation groups strategy to promote the benefts of heritage and potential partnerships through organizations and preservationists to the 225th anniversary of DC’s a Cultural Heritage Development with HPO historic preservation programs as a key District asset. informal planning discussions. plan a course of action. establishment. Strategy for the District.

DC Preservation Promote appreciation of DC heritage through Expand marketing of preservation Engage public relations support to Develop a public relations campaign Continue to identify outlets for League, non- preservation awards and expanded coverage in print, awards to engage wider audience. enhance outreach on preservation promoting DC heritage and promoting DC heritage and profts and media online, broadcast, and social media. Continue radio talks, blogs, and issues. Support press coverage of DC preservation to new and established preservation. participants articles on history and preservation. heritage. residents.

Historic Districts Make greater use of the Historic Districts Coalition as Develop a coalition webpage and Identify and pursue priority Express coalition views on proposals Participate in preparation of the Coalition and a collective voice for residents across the city, and as a keep membership informed through activities important to membership to create new preservation tools. Historic Preservation Plan for 2020. partners mentor for new community preservation groups. periodic newsletters. organizations.

Advocates of Establish an advocacy group for DC Modernism and Establish a DC Chapter of Docomomo. Identify organizational priorities and Hold events to celebrate DC Continue to bring attention to modernism undertake a program of activities. launch Docomomo activities. modernism in the 225th anniversary landmarks of modernism. year.

Preservation Promote tools to achieve development that protects Use photos and planning studies to Evaluate and advocate for new tools Support implementation of a pilot Continue coordinated advocacy advocates and civic community character and authenticity. highlight the efect of demolition to give DC communities a stronger project to test new tools to combat according to identifed priorities. leaders and inappropriate development on voice in neighborhood development. incompatible development. community character.

Preservation Respond to misinformation with understandable Organize and convene a working Develop sources for factual and Implement goals for access to and groups, HPO, and explanations and factual information about group to focus on information issues. objective materials to counter distribution of factual and objective advocates preservation rules and procedures. misinformation. information. B3 Make Archaeology Visible

Raise the profle of DC archaeological programs and make DC artifact collections available for research and public enjoyment. HPO, DC Establish an archaeological curation facility for the Document best practices for state Begin developing a curation facility Evaluate and refne needs through Seek federal grant money from IMLS government and protection and study of DC artifacts. and local archaeological collections plan in collaboration with peer the Museum Assessment Program to implement the revised plan based institutional management. advisers. Identify possible sites, (MAP) of the Institute of Museum and on MAP results. partners sponsors, budget, and funding. Library Services (IMLS).

HPO, interns and Produce online exhibits of artifacts to create a public Use intern assistance to prepare Complete the online exhibit and post Prepare another exhibit on a topic Use interns to prepare new and volunteers window into DC archaeological collections. an online exhibit using PastPerfect to the HPO website. selected to engage the interest of expanded online exhibits. software. Continue to photograph interns and the public. artifacts for the exhibit.

HPO and Prepare DC archaeological collections for curation Assemble DC-owned archaeological Add 32 new collections generated Obtain contract assistance to prepare Continue preparation of collections contractors according to national professional standards. collections in various locations, and from work at DC parks and recreation archival records associated with the for permanent curation. rehouse them to archival standards. centers, and rehouse them to archival collections. standards.

HPO and Complete the transfer of data on all DC artifact Expand the HPO catalog of 500,000 Upload old catalog data into the Complete the upload of data from Establish an online version of the contractors collections into a consolidated computer database. artifacts by preparing older records PastPerfect system, using contractor any remaining old artifact catalogs PastPerfect artifact catalog for public for conversion to the PastPerfect assistance. Prepare any remaining old into the PastPerfect system. use. database. catalogs for conversion.

Archaeologists, Increase awareness and appreciation of archaeology Promote archaeology through radio Present The Archaeology of DC Parks Develop a historical archaeology Contribute another archaeology volunteers, and through public events, youth education programs, programs, conference papers, and the at the DC history conference. Test the module and associated online exhibit module and online exhibit to a DC community and other activities. Day of Archaeology Festival. Native American Cultures lesson plan for an existing lesson plan on a DC history teaching plan. partners for the HPO Teaching Trunk. history topic. 81 A1 A2 A3 Who’s taking action Government agencies Partnership Communities and non-profts 65% Property owners Partnership Government agencies

B1 B2 B3 Who’s taking action Government agencies Partnership Communities and non-profts 63% Property owners Partnership Government agencies Protecting Historic Properties

Government action is required to protect historic properties, whether through designation or the enforcement of protecting historic properties planning for our heritage property maintenance standards. HPO and the Historic Preservation Review Board will take the lead in preparing and using design guidelines, but input from communities and property owners will be critical. To create new tools C1 C2 C3 Who’s taking action D1 D2 D3 D4 for protecting neighborhoods, joint eforts by planners, preservation advocates, and community groups will be Government agencies needed in coordination with the city’s political leaders. Partnership 50%47% Communities and non-profts 50% Planning for Our Heritage 47% Property owners Property owners—whether government, institutions, Partnership commercial developers, or homeowners—are most Government agencies important in planning for and preserving the physical fabric of the historic environment. While government programs and the vigilance of communities can help ensure success, it is ultimately the resources and commitment of owners that keeps our built heritage a living asset for the city.

Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 Target for 2014 Target for 2015 Target for 2016 C1 Designate signifcant properties

Promote an understandable designation process with clear priorities and advance information about eligible properties. HPO, community Complete designation of the Meridian Hill and George Complete community outreach and Complete outreach and guidelines sponsors, and HPRB Washington/West End historic districts. design guidelines for Meridian Hill. for the GW/West End district. Act on designations and National Register nominations for both districts.

Community and Complete historic landmark and historic district Begin community engagement on Act on the Chinatown expansion, Act on the Financial District Complete the designation of eligible owner sponsors, designations in the old downtown. the proposed Chinatown expansion and nominate the Financial Historic expansion and nominate the properties downtown. HPO, and HPRB of the Downtown Historic District, District expansion. Continue Judiciary Square Historic District. and continue landmark nominations. landmark nominations. Continue landmark nominations.

HPO and Identify eligible historic properties as a way to inform Use methods like the ANC 1A and Prepare and post on the HPO website Add additional properties identifed Add additional properties as they are preservation the public and guide designation eforts. Tenleytown Historical Society website a list of properties identifed as in surveys of the L’Enfant city, pre- identifed. partners lists, or the DC Preservation League eligible for historic designation or Civil war buildings, farms and estates, Most Endangered List. noted for historic interest. and downtown modernism.

Federal agencies, Pursue determinations of eligibility and nominations Nominate the DC War Memorial to Complete updated Register Nominate Anacostia Park to the Nominate the Judiciary Square planners, and HPO to the National Register under federal preservation the Register. Evaluate eligibility of nominations for the National Mall Register and update the nomination and Northwest Rectangle districts. responsibilities, with simultaneous nominations to the the Home Loan Bank Board, FBI, and Historic District and Washington for the Bulfnch Gatehouses and Update the NHL nomination for the DC Inventory. GSA properties in Southwest. Monument Grounds. Gateposts. Plan of the City of Washington.

82 Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 Target for 2014 Target for 2015 Target for 2016 C2 Communicate More Clearly

Develop better public information materials and guidelines for the preservation review process.

HPO, OP and OCTO Improve the HPO website using the new DC standards Convert the HPO website to the new Review and assess the converted Add new content and features as established by the Ofce of the Chief Technology DC standard, as scheduled by OP and website and identify needed staf resources permit. Ofcer. OCTO. improvements.

HPO and Update and improve HPO informational materials so Revise all standard notice letters Prepare a scope of work and strategy Complete a full range of FAQ sheets Post materials on the HPO website contractors that they cover a full range of topics in a user-friendly and attachments used with historic to develop new materials. and informational materials covering and distribute as needed. manner. landmark and district designations. all preservation programs.

HPO, HPRB, and Issue more detailed guidelines on additions and Complete an outline of issues Draft guidelines for additions and Complete and adopt guidelines for Contract for and complete guidelines contractors alterations to historic properties. and principles to be included in circulate for public review and additions. Prepare a scope of work for other alteration and rehabilitation guidelines. comment. for updating other guidelines. topics.

HPO, HPRB, and Develop fexibility in guidelines to address a range of Include a prototype evaluation Apply the system to new historic contractors building types and relative levels of signifcance. system in George Washington/West district guidelines. End Historic District guidelines.

HPO and HPRB Develop guidelines that address the diferent issues Prepare guidelines for the Anacostia, Refne guidelines for the Chinatown Prepare guidelines for the proposed Continue with guidelines for other and sensitivities of specifc neighborhoods or historic George Washington/West End, and area of the Downtown Historic Judiciary Square Historic District in districts. districts. Meridian Hill historic districts. District and its proposed expansion, coordination with other planning in consultation with the community. and review agencies.

Property owners, Prepare and apply guidelines for major development Apply design guidelines to promote Prepare, review, and adopt new Use guidelines for Saint Elizabeths Apply preservation standards and HPO, and HPRB at historic campuses and landmarks. compatible additions at MLK Library tenant guidelines for Union Station. Hospital to inform development on guidelines for rehabilitation of Walter and McMillan Reservoir. both the West and East campuses. Reed buildings. C3 Act Before It’s Too Late

Combat neglect of historic properties, fund critical projects, and develop better tools to control incompatible development in DC neighborhoods.

HPO, DCRA, and Adopt fne schedules and other regulations needed to Correct the code citation in the Adopt fnal demolition by neglect OAG enforce the property maintenance and demolition by existing fne schedule, and issue regulations. neglect provisions of the DC preservation law. proposed demolition by neglect regulations for public comment.

HPO, OP, and Investigate conservation districts and other tools to Obtain community feedback through Develop a proposal for conservation Undertake a pilot conservation Evaluate the pilot project and community control over-scaled and incompatible development in planning projects and review best districts, conduct public review, and district project in a Mid City East continue implementation, or consider partners neighborhoods. practices for conservation districts establish authorities. neighborhood. alternative strategies. and other tools.

HPO, DCRA, and Take coordinated action to bring blighted and Complete implementation of the HPO Evaluate improvements and meet Maintain the blighted property list Continue priority enforcement partners deteriorated properties into compliance through electronic tracking system and other with the Historic Districts Coalition and pursue priority enforcement actions using the blighted property enforcement of property maintenance standards. efciency improvements. and community groups about actions. list. enforcement issues.

HPO, ANCs, and Work together to identify and address deteriorated Solicit community comments Develop a clearer process for Maintain a system of periodic contact Continue periodic contacts and community groups historic properties, illegal construction, and other about deteriorated properties and public engagement with the HPO among HPO, ANCs, and community coordination on enforcement issues. community enforcement concerns. enforcement priorities. enforcement system. groups about enforcement issues.

National Trust, Draw public attention to the unusual cost and Use Partners in Preservation to award Collaborate to identify priority Use the National Treasures program Continue to pursue identifed foundations, and importance of restoring damaged or neglected $1 million to DC area historic places. preservation needs at Union Station. to support earthquake repairs at restoration projects on major government landmarks. Repair earthquake damage at the Seek adequate funding for MLK The National Cathedral and plan for landmarks as a priority. 83 NHL Sherman Building. Library renovation. enhancement of Union Station. Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 Target for 2014 Target for 2015 Target for 2016 D1 Practice Sustainable Urbanism

Support preservation as a sustainable economic growth strategy through public policies and incentives. HPO, OP planners, Develop a preservation strategy to support DC’s Main Identify and map historic resources Develop an incentive for Adopt a DC preservation incentive preservationists, Street and Great Streets programs. on Main Streets. Study property tax reinvestment in older buildings on to promote reinvestment in historic and civic leaders or other preservation incentives for retail Main Streets. retail Main Streets. small businesses in historic buildings.

HPO, planners and Promote walkable development by strengthening Use projects like City Center DC, SW Promote creative revitalization ideas Promote reconnection of historic Reconnect G Street across I-395 as developers historic street patterns, supporting streetcar Ecodistrict, and Capital Crossing over in a preservation plan for DC alleys. streets in plans for the Forrestal, FBI, part of Capital Crossing. Reconnect L development, capturing alley potential, and other I-395 as models. Finish preservation Review the study of premium transit and other superblocks. Review the Street west of North Capitol Street in strategies. reviews of two initial streetcar lines. from Union Station to Georgetown. Benning Road streetcar extension. Northwest One.

Preservationists, Develop zoning mechanisms and fnancial incentives Finish a study of how local incentives Adopt zoning changes to support Adopt an incentive to promote Evaluate conservation districts as civic leaders, and to promote preservation and adaptation of existing leverage use of federal tax credits. adaptation of historic buildings. adaptation following preservation part of a comprehensive strategy to planners buildings. Develop a fnancial incentive for standards. Add preservation into the conserve the resources embodied in energy retroft of historic buildings. DC Sustainability Plan. existing buildings.

HPRB, property Develop sustainability guidelines to promote Identify partners and funding Identify issues, evaluate best Finalize and adopt guidelines. owners, and civic compatible adaptations for energy efciency. sources. Maintain HPO website links practices, obtain funding, and leaders to information on green practices. prepare a draft for public comment.

Developers, HPO, Recycle industrial buildings as a sustainable way Use successes like the National Reassess the HPO warehouse survey Protect signifcant structures through Protect signifcant structures through HPRB, and partners to protect DC’s heritage and reimagine unique Public Radio building as models for and identify priorities for reuse of historic landmark designation and historic landmark designation and architectural spaces. adapting other industrial buildings. industrial heritage. creative adaptation. creative adaptation.

Property owners, Invest in the restoration, revitalization, and Convert Union Station to 100% wind Initiate Union Station Preservation Complete Union Station Preservation Continue coordination among developers, and enhancement of Union Station, Metro, and other power, fnish bus deck improvement, Plan. Evaluate the Metro system for Plan. Complete Main Hall ceiling the Union Station Redevelopment preservation historic public transportation facilities. and work with Preservation Coalition historic eligibility and coordinate on restoration and implement other Corporation (USRC), Union Station partners to celebrate National Train Day. new station entrance canopies. building improvements. Preservation Coalition, and partners. D2 Improve DC’s Review Procedures

Promote open and efective preservation reviews of construction in historic neighborhoods and on DC government property.

HPO and HPRB Revise notice requirements to ensure broad Test potential requirements for Based on the results of the test, public awareness of major project proposals and a applicants to notify nearby owners of consider adopting revised notice reasonable opportunity to comment. projects on the HPRB calendar. procedures.

HPO and DC Promote early consultation among the Department Coordinate with DGS on potential Update training and informational Use DDOT procedures as a model Add in-house expertise at DGS agencies of General Services, SHPO, and public on DC improvements in the consultation materials for DC agencies and post on for DGS, including development of to manage submission of DC construction projects. process for DC projects. the HPO website. a Memorandum of Agreement to construction projects for SHPO, HPRB, expedite routine project reviews. and CFA reviews.

HPO and DC Evaluate DC government properties to identify Conduct a reconnaissance survey and Post a preliminary list of designated Add and revise list in consultation Complete GIS mapping of designated agencies potential historic buildings, landscapes, and updated evaluation of DC Parks and and eligible DC-owned properties on with DC agencies. and eligible DC-owned properties. archaeological sites. Recreation properties. the HPO website.

HPO, community Protect DC historic assets by eliminating the loophole Propose a DC preservation law Act on legislation to close the Distribute information on the groups, and civic for charter school projects on DC government amendment for consideration by the loophole for charter school projects preservation review process to leaders property. DC Council. on DC government property. afected charter schools.

DC agencies, HPO, Avoid last-minute preservation conficts by Identify potential historic properties Identify potential historic properties Identify eligible historic buildings and community integrating historic preservation concerns into capital as part of the DPR master plan, and for the Public Safety Facilities Master to inform preparation of the DC partners improvements planning for DC public facilities. review archaeological impacts of the Plan, and seek alternatives to door Municipal Facilities Master Plan. Play DC projects at 32 playgrounds. widening at landmark fre houses. 84 Government Develop plans to ensure preparedness for possible Establish a continuity of operations Develop better information materials Evaluate preparedness and identify Develop and implement any needed agencies disaster or emergencies afecting historic properties. plan (COOP) for OP and HPO. on procedures in emergencies. any further disaster planning needs. improvements. Goal Action Agent Objective or Action Target for 2013 Target for 2014 Target for 2015 Target for 2016 D3 Enhance Campuses and Landscapes

Promote awareness of DC’s campus and landscape heritage, and make preservation an essential part of campus planning. Universities with Identify campus historic resources as the frst step Consider the 2007 GWU campus Compile existing information on Develop a plan for surveying and Develop standards for campus HPO and OP toward routine consideration of preservation in plan as a model for comprehensive historic resources on DC campuses, evaluating campus properties, and preservation plans to support new campus planning. evaluation of historic resources. and make it available to the public. begin implementation. zoning standards for campus plans.

Universities, HPO, Sponsor and support designation of signifcant File nomination of the George Act on the George Washington/West Add archaeology and all of Nominate the Howard University and preservation campus buildings, landscapes, and archaeological Washington/West End Historic End nomination. Observatory Hill to the Naval Main Quad (a National Historic groups sites. District. Observatory nomination. Landmark) to the DC Inventory.

Universities and Promote historic properties as important assets in the Evaluate interactive maps and the Compile information on campus Assess opportunities to promote Identify resources and partnership preservation campus experience by providing information about history sections of various university history, buildings, and other features appreciation of campus heritage and opportunities for developing partners historic heritage on university websites. websites as models for promoting for websites and other uses. historic resources by students and the informational materials. appreciation of campus heritage. public.

Developers Follow exemplary preservation standards as Complete the Small Area Plan for Complete Coast Guard projects at Begin project reviews at Saint Continue project reviews at Saint and agencies in development proceeds at the McMillan Sand Filters, the east campus at Saint Elizabeths, the Saint Elizabeths west campus. Elizabeths and review of the master Elizabeths and begin reviews at coordination with Saint Elizabeths, Walter Reed, and the Hill East and the preservation agreement for Act on a Walter Reed Historic District plan at Walter Reed. Walter Reed. HPO and HPRB Waterfront. transfer of Walter Reed. nomination including archaeology.

Property owners, Increase recognition and protection of signifcant Identify needs for new guidelines Research the history of public space Use public space history to inform Adopt new guidelines to reinforce preservationists, DC parks, cemeteries, landscapes, and green areas in to support review of public space regulations and their intended preparation of better guidelines for existing public space regulations and and DC agencies public space. alterations. Complete a nomination purpose. Identify and document a public space alteration. Identify and enable more consistent review in to designate Glenwood Cemetery. cemetery eligible for designation. document another eligible cemetery. accordance with intended goals.

DC and federal Repair the 1791 DC boundary stones and their Survey the condition of all boundary Clean, stabilize and repair the stones Complete the project with major agencies, HPO, and protective fences installed in 1915-16. stones, develop a treatment plan, and in repairable condition. Repair and repairs to the most badly damaged partners conclude a work agreement with the refurbish the protective iron fences, stones and a possible replacement for National Park Service. or replace in kind if necessary. the missing stone. D4 Invest in Afordable Housing

Increase adaptation of historic buildings for afordable housing to help address the city’s urgent housing needs. Preservationists, Adopt a local fnancial incentive to support the Document the importance of historic Support adoption of a DC Low- Adopt and implement a DC fnancial housing providers, rehabilitation of historic buildings for afordable buildings as a resource for afordable Income Housing Tax Credit and incentive for afordable housing and civic leaders housing in Washington. housing and an opportunity to promote an extra incentive to including a provision for historic leverage federal tax subsidies. leverage federal historic tax credits. buildings.

HPO and partners Document the history and development of afordable Assemble existing studies and Identify and survey known historic Research DC’s history of afordable Use this study to support National housing in Washington. research materials. examples of afordable housing. housing, and document the context Register listing of eligible buildings. for National Register purposes.

Housing providers Increase rehabilitation of older buildings for afordable Identify older buildings with Section Maintain and rehabilitate these Identify more opportunities to Pursue designation of eligible and HPO housing through the use of federal preservation tax 8 housing contracts expiring before afordable units using federal tax maintain or create afordable housing buildings in order to qualify for credits. 2020. credits. in historic buildings. federal tax credits.

DC agencies and Refne selection criteria and streamline application Organize and convene a working Coordinate DC agencies to identify Implement improvements, promote afordable housing procedures for DC housing programs to support more group to focus on afordable housing improved procedures to facilitate opportunities for afordable historic providers afordable housing in historic buildings. in historic buildings. afordable housing in historic housing, and evaluate efectiveness. buildings.

Preservation Provide historic homeowner grants to help limited- Sustain the homeowner grant Sustain the program and consider Document program efectiveness and Continue the program at a funding supporters and civic income homeowners and strengthen historic program at a funding level suited to alternatives to increase administrative positive outcomes for homeowners level suited to city resources and leaders neighborhoods. HPO administrative capacity. capacity. and communities. management capacity.

L’Enfant Trust and Establish a revolving loan fund for non-proft Organize a revolving fund and hire a Obtain seed money for the fund and Complete the initial project and Continue with rehabilitation projects partners rehabilitation of historic buildings. fund manager. launch a pilot rehabilitation project. reinvest proceeds into the program. and expansion of the program. 85 resources and appendices 7 Bibliography Historic Preservation Planning Preservation Laws and Regulations Economic Development and Revitalization

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Preservation Planning National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended Capital Assets: An Inventory of Heritage and Cultural Resources for the Tourist in (National Park Service, 1983) DC Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 Washington, DC (DC Heritage Tourism Coalition, 1999) Statewide Historic Preservation Planning, (NPS Heritage Preservation Services, DC Historic Preservation Regulations (DC Municipal Regulations, Title 10C) The Economics of Historic Preservation www.nps.gov/history/hps/pad/stateplan.html, accessed 2012-13) You Can’t Tear it Down: the Origins of the DC Historic Preservation Act (Donovan D. Rypkema, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2005) (Jeremy W. Dutra, Georgetown University Law Center, 2002) Washington, DC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (DC OP, 2010) Protecting Older Neighborhoods through Conservation District Programs Retail Action Roadmap: The Future of the District of Columbia’s Retail Markets DC Historic Preservation Planning (Julia Miller and Byrd Wood, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2004) (DC OP, 2010) Historic Preservation Law (J. Peter Byrne and Sara Bronin, Foundation Press, 2012) DC Development Report, 2011/2012 edition Historic Contexts for the District of Columbia (HPO, 1991) (Washington, DC Economic Partnership, 2011) District of Columbia Historic Preservation Plan, 1996 2011 Neighborhood Profles and 2013 Neighborhood Profles District of Columbia Historic Preservation Plan, 2000 Comprehensive Planning (Washington, DC Economic Partnership, 2011 and 2013) Preserving Places and Character, DC Historic Preservation Plan, 2008-2012 Leveraging Federal Economic Development Resources with State Historic Rehab (HPO, 2008) Growing an Inclusive City: The Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital Tax Credits (Jefrey Oakman and Marvin Ward, 2013) Annual Work Plans (HPO, 2009-2013) (DC Ofce of Planning, 2006) Annual Reports to the Council of the District of Columbia (HPO, 2009-2013) The Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements (NCPC, 2004) Federal Historic Preservation Element (NCPC, 2012) Afordable Housing and Rehabilitation Credits Federal Urban Design Element (NCPC, draft, 2013) Other State Historic Preservation Plans District of Columbia Census 2010 Atlas (State Data Center, 2012) Historic Housing Rehabilitation Strategy: District of Columbia Historic Districts and Moving Forward: Building an Inclusive Future, The DC Comprehensive Plan Main Streets (Lipman, Frizzell & Mitchell, 2004) The Maryland Historic Preservation Plan, 2005 (Maryland Historical Trust, 2005) Progress Report (DC OP, 2013) Bridges to Opportunity, a New Housing Strategy for DC Putting Virginia’s History to Work, 2010-2015 (Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force, 2013) (Virginia Department of Historic Resources, 2010) Planning for the Past: Preserving Delaware’s Heritage, 2008-2012 Planning Strategies (Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Afairs, 2008) Sustainability Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Plan 2011-2015 A Special Place: Creating a historic preservation/mixed-use district in downtown (Massachusetts Historical Commission, 2011) Washington DC (Joint Project to Preserve Small Downtown Buildings, 1988) The Greenest Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Reuse New Hampshire’s Five Year Preservation Plan, 2011-2015 Extending the Legacy: Planning America’s Capital for the 21st Century (NCPC, 1997) (National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Green Lab, 2011) (New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources, 2011) The City Center Action Agenda: Toward a Vibrant, Global Washington DC Sustainability DC: The Sustainable DC Plan (DC OP, 2012) Using Vermont’s Past to Build a Better Future: Vermont’s State Plan for Heritage (DC OP, 2008) Realizing the Energy Efciency Potential of Small Buildings Stewardship, 2011-2015 (Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, 2011) Monumental Core Framework Plan: Connecting New Destinations with the (NTHP Preservation Green Lab and New Buildings Institute, 2013) National Mall (NCPC and CFA, 2009) Capital Space: A Park System for the Nation’s Capital (NCPC, DC, and NPS, 2010) DC History and Heritage Creative Capital: The Creative DC Action Agenda (DC OP and Washington, DC Economic Partnership, 2010) AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington DC, 4th and 5th editions One City Action Plan (DC Executive Ofce of the Mayor, 2012) (G. Martin Moeller, Jr., Johns Hopkins U, 2006, 2012) Southwest Ecodistrict: A Vision Plan for a More Sustainable Future (NCPC, 2013) Buildings of the District of Columbia (Pamela Scott and Antoinette J. Lee, Oxford U, 1995) DC Inventory of Historic Sites, thematic version (HPO, 2004) DC Inventory of Historic Sites, alphabetical version (HPO, 2009) Growth, Efciency and Modernism: GSA Buildings of the 1950s, 60s and 70s (GSA, 2003) United States Census, 1790-2010 US Commission of Fine Arts: A Brief History (CFA, 1995) Washington in Maps (Iris Miller, Rizzoli, 2002) Worthy of the Nation: Washington DC from L’Enfant to the National Capital Planning Commission, 2nd edition (Frederick Gutheim and Antoinette J. Lee, Johns Hopkins U, 2006) HISTORIC LANDMARK AND HISTORIC DISTRICT PROTECTION ACT 2012 ANNUAL REPORT HPO fles (DC Inventory and National Register documentation, historic resource HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE DC OFFICE OF PLANNING 88 surveys, thematic studies, architect and builder directories, and historic district brochures) A List of Abbreviations B

AIA American Institute of Architects ANC Advisory Neighborhood Commission CFA Commission of Fine Arts CTDC Cultural Tourism DC DCCHP DC Community Heritage Project DCHA DC Housing Authority DCPL DC Preservation League DCPL DC Public Library DCMR DC Municipal Regulations DCRA Department of Consumer and Regulatory Afairs DDOE District Department of the Environment DHCD Department of Housing and Community Development DDOT District Department of Transportation DGS Department of General Services DMPED Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development DOMA Defense of Marriage Act DPR Department of Parks and Recreation DRES Department of Real Estate Services FAQ Frequently Asked Questions FEMS Fire and Emergency Medical Services FY Fiscal Year GIS Geographic Information Systems GSA General Services Administration GWU George Washington University HPO Historic Preservation Ofce HPRB Historic Preservation Review Board LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design NCPC National Capital Planning Commission How to contact us NHL National Historic Landmark This plan was developed with input from many interested individuals NPS National Park Service and organizations. We welcome and encourage your thoughts and NR National Register of Historic Places comments by email, in writing, or by calling the Historic Preservation Ofce. OAG Ofce of the Attorney General OCFO Ofce of the Chief Financial Ofcer To obtain copies of this plan, to provide comments on it, or to be OCTO Ofce of the Chief Technology Ofcer included on the SHPO mailing list, please contact us: OP Ofce of Planning Historic Preservation Ofce OPEFM Ofce of Public Education Facilities Modernization DC Ofce of Planning OTR Ofce of Tax and Revenue 1100 4th Street, SE, Suite 650 SHPO State Historic Preservation Ofce Washington, DC 20024 USRC Union Station Redevelopment Corporation P: (202) 442-8800 F: (202) 442-7638 E: [email protected] A Washington Monument restoration following 2012 earthquake W: www.preservation.dc.gov 89 B Door detail of the Franklin School Credits and acknowledgements Page 52: C) David Gaines Page 53: A) LoC Page 55: A) LoC; C) Cultural Tourism Photographs Page 56: C) Columbia Heights Community Marketplace; D) Dr. Noel Broadbent Page 69: Brian Kraft Unless otherwise noted, all photos were taken by HPO and are property of the Page 70: B) Humanities Council of Washington DC Ofce of Planning. Library of Congress is abbreviated as LoC, and photos in the Page 71: A) Dr. David Hunt, Smithsonian Public Domain are abbreviated as PD. Page 73: B) PrinceofPetworth/Popville.com; D) Tim Everson Page 74: E) Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; F) DC Preservation League Cover: Roberson photos Page 75: C) The George Washington University Page 3: DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division, Martin Luther King, Jr. Page 87: A) Angeliki Kourelis Memorial Library Building Photographs Page 89: B) Angeliki Kourelis Page 7: C) Patrice Gilbert photography; E) Angeliki Kourelis Page 90: A) Angeliki Kourelis Page 8: C) Staf Sargeant Christopher Reese USMC Old Post Ofce, detail of entry façade, 2012 A Page 9: B) Peter Fizgerald; C) Big Berto Page 13: Matt C. Johnson For pages 14-31 photos are listed in chronological order: A Page 14-15: Montgomery US History images; PD; Lossing US History Images; Robert Lindneux, Woolerac Museum; Senaca Falls Convention; LoC; Washington State Historical Society; LoC Page 16-17: LoC; LoC; Gutenberg; HPO; LoC; LoC; LoC; The Albert H. Small Collection; NCPC; NCPC; NCPC Page 18-19: PD; PD; PD; Southern Maryland This is Living Magazine; Louise Hienton; KNS; Valentine Richmond History Center; PD; LoC; LoC; PD; LoC; LoC Page 20-21: LoC; LoC; LoC; LoC; LoC; LoC; US Naval Observatory; LoC; PD; Courtesy of The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association; Historical Society of Washington Page 22-23: HPO; LoC; LoC; PD; Krossbow; HPO; AgnosticPreachersKid; Gutenberg; Smithsonian Institution Archives; LoC; HPO; LoC; HPO Page 24-25: LoC; LoC; LoC; PD; LoC; LoC; HPO; LoC; Smithsonian Institution Archives; HPO; Patricia Kennedy; HPO Page 26-27: LoC; HPO; LoC; AJSupreme; LoC; LoC; HPO; PD; LoC; LoC; LoC Page 28-29: LoC; HPO; Kjetil Ree; AgnosticPreachersKid; PD; Postdlf; Samual Ruaat; LoC; LoC, Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive; GSA; PD; HPO Page 30-31: Kenya Allmond; PD; Slowking4; Simon P; LoC; HPO; PD; Nic Lehoux, Bing Thom Architects; Eric Taylor; LoC, Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive; HPO; HPO Page 32: A) LoC; B) LoC Page 33: A) LoC; B) Historical Society of Washington DC; C) Historical Society of Washington DC; D) LoC Page 34: A) LoC; B) Bryan Leister Page 35: A) LoC; B) LoC Page 36: D) LoC; E) Historical Society of Washington DC Page 37: A) LoC; B) DDOT Page 38: A) LoC; B) Goethe Institute; C)LoC Page 39: A) DDOT; B) LoC; C) LoC; D) Columbia Historical Society Page 40: A) LoC; B) Historical Society of Washington; C) PD; D) LoC Page 41: A) LoC; B) LoC, Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive; C) Smithsonian Institution Archives; D) LoC Page 42: A) DC Public Library, Star Collection; D) AgnosticPreachersKid Page 43: A) Glyn Lowe Photoworks; B) AgnosticPreachersKid ; D) DDOT Page 44: A) LoC; B) DC Preservation League; C) US Government Page 45: C) Matthew G. Bisanz 90 Page 46: A) Angeliki Kourelis Page 47: A) US Coast Guard; C) PD Government of the District of Columbia A Steering Committee Members

Vincent C. Gray, Mayor Gretchen Pfaehler Chair, Historic Preservation Review Board Catherine Buell Former Chair, HPRB Tersh Boasberg Former Chair, HPRB Ofce of Planning Charles Cassell Former Chair, HPRB David Alpert Greater Greater Washington Harriet Tregoning, Director Fay Armstrong Historic Mount Pleasant Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director for Javier Barker Eastland Gardens Development Review and Historic Preservation Rick Busch Dupont Circle Sean Cahill DC Building Industry Association Marisa Gaither Green Door Advisors Historic Preservation Ofce Erik Hein Committee of 100 on the Federal City Nancy Metzger Historic Districts Coalition David Maloney, State Historic Preservation Ofcer and Capitol Hill Restoration Society Steve Callcott, Deputy Preservation Ofcer Rebecca Miller DC Preservation League Anne Brockett, Architectural Historian Loretta Neumann Takoma Park Toni Cherry, Senior Enforcement Ofcer Lyn Stoesen Coalition for Smarter Growth Joyetta Delaney, Administrative Assistant Bernard Suber National Association of Minority Architects Timothy Dennée, Architectural Historian Jane Waldmann Tenleytown Historical Society Kim Elliott, Architect Patsy Fletcher, Community Outreach Coordinator Keith Lambert, Enforcement Ofcer C. Andrew Lewis, Senior Preservation Specialist Frances McMillen, Preservation Specialist J. Brendan Meyer, Preservation Specialist The Historic Preservation Plan for the District of Columbia has been funded in Amanda Molson, Preservation Specialist part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Chardé Reid, Archaeology Assistant Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily refect the views Ruth Trocolli, Archaeologist or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names Kim Prothro Williams, Architectural Historian or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Bruce Yarnall, Operations and Grants Manager Department of the Interior.

This program has received federal fnancial assistance for the identifcation, Historic Preservation Review Board protection, and/or rehabilitation of historic properties and cultural resources in the District of Columbia. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Gretchen Pfaehler, Architectural Historian, Chair Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of the Interior Rauzia Ally, Architect prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or disability in Andrew Aurbach, Historian its federally assisted programs. If you believe that you have been discriminated Maria Casarella, Architect against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire D. Graham Davidson, Architect further information, please write to: Nancy Metzger, Citizen Robert Sonderman, Archaeologist B Ofce of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Joseph E. Taylor, Architect Washington, DC 20240. Charles Wilson, Citizen

2016 dc historic preservation plan produced by the DC Historic Preservation Ofce designed by Kim Elliott printed September 2013

Detail of the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building A (Department of Housing and Urban Development) 91 Detail of Eastern Market B