Sixteenth Street Historic District
The great variety of architectural styles along Sixteenth Street reflects the eclectic nature of American design c. 1850-1920.
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The Sixteenth Street Historic District is characterized by the linear experience of the street itself, one of the most important numbered streets in the Federal City, and a major element of the L'Enfant Plan. The physical aspect of Sixteenth Street, combined with the architectural quality of the buildings within the district boundaries and the historical importance of the area, constitute the essence of the historic district.
The buildings in the Sixteenth Street Historic District are varied in type and style but related in conception, scale, materials, and quality of design. Structures range from small office buildings to three- and four-story rowhouses, large detached houses, churches, and institutional buildings. Most contributing buildings date from about 1875 to the 1920s, and the eclectic variety of styles on display reflect the multifarious character of American architecture during that period.
Some of Washington's most prominent architects are represented in the buildings of Sixteenth Street Historic District. The district contains approximately 147 contributing buildings, dating from 1815 to 1959.
DC Inventory: preliminary identification November 8, designated March 9, 1977; expanded January 18, 2007 (effective March 11, 2007)
National Register: August 25, 1978 (expanded July 11, 2007)
