Washington’s built environment is the product of grand ambitions, fierce debates, and brilliant (and sometimes terrible) ideas across more than two centuries. These posts dig into the buildings, architects, and design decisions that shaped the city we know today.
Explore the beauty of Washington DC, the US capital, and why many people believe it is the most beautiful city in the world. Learn about the McMillan Plan, the unbuilt Grant Memorial, and Frederick Law Olmsted. Read the full article from 1907.
Take a rare look at Warder Mansion in 1937 – this castle-like building was much greener then with ivy growing on it and far more shrubbery. Check out the photo from Library of Congress.
Take a look into the history of the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington DC. Learn about the home of former Secretary of State John Hay and view rare photos from 1888 and 1898.
Take a trip back in time with this incredible photo of the Cuban Embassy at 2630 16th St. NW in Washington, DC in 1937
Take a look back at the Key Mansion, a two-story house located at 3518 M St. NW in Georgetown, Washington, DC. Learn more about the history of this house and its place in Georgetown today.
Take a look back at a really cool old photo of the Government Printing Office off of North Capitol St. Don’t miss this great story about a man who worked at the GPO and his family!
Visit the historic home of Bellevue in Upper Georgetown, DC, built around 1750 and once the residence of Joseph Nourse and a frequent guest of George Washington. Learn more and explore the area today!
Explore the history of 3rd Street in Washington D.C. with this fascinating look at the evolution of the area from 1923 to today. See the Sherman house in the 300 block Third Street N.W. in a National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
What a sad tale of progress – a beautiful old church, destroyed in the name of progress. Read the story of how this once grand building was lost forever, and the impact it had on its community.
