Washington, D.C.
The very Victorian Eisenhower Office Building, Washington, D.C.
This vast French Renaissance style office building was designed by Alfred Bult Mullett. As first conceived, it was for the use of the State department alone. The final design included the State, War, and Navy departments in separate wings.
Construction began in 1871, and with appropriation delays, etc., it was not completed for some 17 years and the final cost was in excess of $10,000,000. But what excess: the final bill came to approximately $1,000,000 per acre of enclosed office space. At that time, 1888, it was the largest office building in the world.
With the exception of the doors and hydraulically operated elevator cabs, the construction was designed to be fireproof, largely of plastered masonry with cast iron framing and decorations. The expansive french roofs were completely framed in iron, and much of the roof ornamentation, including the gables and towering chimneys were entirely ornamental cast iron.
Richard von Ezdorf, an amazing late Victorian architect, completed the impressive interiors, with three cast iron framed and ornamented libraries and suites of elegant offices. Originally there were more than 150 fireplaces.
Second quarter of the 20th century press photograph. Private collection.
This vast French Renaissance style office building was designed by Alfred Bult Mullett. As first conceived, it was for the use of the State department alone. The final design included the State, War, and Navy departments in separate wings.
Construction began in 1871, and with appropriation delays, etc., it was not completed for some 17 years and the final cost was in excess of $10,000,000. But what excess: the final bill came to approximately $1,000,000 per acre of enclosed office space. At that time, 1888, it was the largest office building in the world.
With the exception of the doors and hydraulically operated elevator cabs, the construction was designed to be fireproof, largely of plastered masonry with cast iron framing and decorations. The expansive french roofs were completely framed in iron, and much of the roof ornamentation, including the gables and towering chimneys were entirely ornamental cast iron.
Richard von Ezdorf, an amazing late Victorian architect, completed the impressive interiors, with three cast iron framed and ornamented libraries and suites of elegant offices. Originally there were more than 150 fireplaces.
Second quarter of the 20th century press photograph. Private collection.
Washington, D.C., Office of planning, Historic Preservation Office
The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) promotes stewardship of the District of Columbia's historic and cultural resources through planning, protection and public education. HPO is part of the Office of Planning and serves as the staff to the Historic Preservation Review Board and Mayor's Agent for historic preservation. HPO also implements federal historic preservation programs as the State Historic Preservation Office for the District of Columbia.
1100 4th Street, SW
Suite 650 East,
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 442-7600
Fax: (202) 442-7638
1100 4th Street, SW
Suite 650 East,
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 442-7600
Fax: (202) 442-7638
Washington, D.C. Historic Preservation office
The District of Columbia SHPO is one of the preservation offices established in each state and territory under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. SHPO duties include historic preservation planning, survey and identification of historic properties, public education, review of government projects affecting historic properties, and promotion of federal preservation tax incentives.
1100 4th Street, SW
Suite 650 East,
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 442-7600
Fax: (202) 442-7638
1100 4th Street, SW
Suite 650 East,
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 442-7600
Fax: (202) 442-7638
Washington, D.C. historic preservation review board
The Historic Preservation Review Board designates historic landmarks and districts, makes recommendations to the Mayor on construction affecting those properties, and serves as a forum for community involvement in historic preservation. HPRB is composed of nine professional members and private citizens appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council of the District of Columbia. It also serves as the State Review Board for the District of Columbia, under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
1100 4th Street, SW
Suite 650 East,
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 442-7600
Fax: (202) 442-7638
1100 4th Street, SW
Suite 650 East,
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 442-7600
Fax: (202) 442-7638
D.C. Preservation League
The mission of the DC Preservation League is to preserve, protect, and enhance the historic and built environment of Washington, DC, through advocacy and education.
D.C. Preservation League
1221 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 5A
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 783-5144
Fax: (202) 783-5596
E-Mail: [email protected]
D.C. Preservation League
1221 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 5A
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 783-5144
Fax: (202) 783-5596
E-Mail: [email protected]
Historic Districts Coalition
The Historic Districts Coalition is an informal alliance of organizations and individuals representing Washington, D.C.’s historic districts—those that have been designated under the provisions of the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 (D.C. Public Law 2-144)—as well as others interested in historic preservation, including residents of undesignated neighborhoods and representatives of neighborhood organizations, historic preservation organizations, and preservation-related businesses.
D.C. Preservation League
1221 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 5A
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 783-5144
Fax: (202) 783-5596
E-Mail: [email protected]
D.C. Preservation League
1221 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 5A
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 783-5144
Fax: (202) 783-5596
E-Mail: [email protected]
Capitol Hill Restoration Society
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) was founded 60 years ago to help preserve and protect the historic neighborhood’s architectural and residential character. Due to the efforts of CHRS, Capitol Hill won designation as a historic district in 1976.
CHRS, formed as a non-profit group, is now the largest civic association on Capitol Hill, and one of the largest in the District of Columbia. CHRS continues to play a key role in maintaining the integrity, history and appeal of the neighborhood which has been a diverse community for more than 200 years.
Mailing address:
Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS)
P.O. Box 15264
Washington, DC 20003-0264
CHRS office location:
420 10th Street, S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
Email: [email protected]
Office phone/fax: (202) 543-0425
CHRS, formed as a non-profit group, is now the largest civic association on Capitol Hill, and one of the largest in the District of Columbia. CHRS continues to play a key role in maintaining the integrity, history and appeal of the neighborhood which has been a diverse community for more than 200 years.
Mailing address:
Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS)
P.O. Box 15264
Washington, DC 20003-0264
CHRS office location:
420 10th Street, S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
Email: [email protected]
Office phone/fax: (202) 543-0425
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., is a community-supported educational and research organization that collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation’s capital. Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse audience through its collections, public programs, exhibitions, and publications.
Washington is known throughout the world as a monumental federal city. Less well-known are the stories of Washington’s many diverse and vibrant communities. The Society helps make this local history easily accessible to the public to promote a sense of identity, place, and pride in Washington and to preserve this heritage for future generations.
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
801 K Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-249-3955, main line
[email protected]
[email protected], general inquiries
[email protected], research inquiries
Washington is known throughout the world as a monumental federal city. Less well-known are the stories of Washington’s many diverse and vibrant communities. The Society helps make this local history easily accessible to the public to promote a sense of identity, place, and pride in Washington and to preserve this heritage for future generations.
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
801 K Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-249-3955, main line
[email protected]
[email protected], general inquiries
[email protected], research inquiries
The Jewish Historical society of greater washington
We explore the unique Jewish heritage of Washington as a hometown and as the nation's capital.
701 Fourth Street, NW #200
Washington, D.C. 20001
T: (202) 789-0900
F: (202) 789-0485
[email protected]
Historic 1876 SynagogueCorner of Third & G Streets, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
701 Fourth Street, NW #200
Washington, D.C. 20001
T: (202) 789-0900
F: (202) 789-0485
[email protected]
Historic 1876 SynagogueCorner of Third & G Streets, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Cleveland Park historical society
CPHS was founded in 1985 by a group of neighbors to promote interest in the history of Cleveland Park and to encourage preservation of its architectural heritage and character as a friendly residential neighborhood with a strong sense of community.
The Cleveland Park Historic District was designated in November 1986 after extensive research by CPHS and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1987. The Architectural Review Committee was formed in 1987 and meets monthly to review building permit applications and make recommendations to the D.C. Historic Preservation Office.
Mailing address:
Cleveland Park Historical Society
P.O. Box 4862
Washington DC 20008
The Cleveland Park Historic District was designated in November 1986 after extensive research by CPHS and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1987. The Architectural Review Committee was formed in 1987 and meets monthly to review building permit applications and make recommendations to the D.C. Historic Preservation Office.
Mailing address:
Cleveland Park Historical Society
P.O. Box 4862
Washington DC 20008
