H is for History

The Atlas movie theater in 1968

This event really should have been covered by Robert or Tim since they are the THIH history experts, but since the meeting was held above my office [at Atlas  Performing Arts Center ] I guess it was only right that I attend. I’m so glad I did, it was actually interesting. Or it could mean that my H Street NE Nerd status is far more dire than I imagined.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 10th, ANC6A co-sponsored an event with H Street Main Street in the lobby of the Atlas. A large crowd had gathered to hear the findings of a study funded by those two organizations along with Abdo Development. The three groups hired EHT Traceries to study the building stock along H Street NE and determine whether or not the area could qualify an an historic district.  EHT Traceries is a research and consulting firm specializing in architectural history and historic preservation.

Researchers Maria Dayton and Paul Weisher took turns speaking to the crowd and explaining the process the team went through to determine their findings. They took photographs of each of the buildings along the corridor, noting various details such as roof types, chimneys, facades and foundations. They then used maps used by Sanborn Fire Insurance company which logged the path of each building over time. The team chose four years they would use as their windows to the past, 1892, 1904, 1928 and 1968.

For the purpose of Tuesday’s event they briefly profiled several properties along H Street, describing the year each was built, the various uses and inhabitants of the building over time and any additions or changes owners may have made to the structure along the way. The oldest buildings along H Street began their lives as single family dwellings during the Victorian period. It is during the 1920s and 1930s that buildings built for commercial use came along. H Street was the second busiest commercial corridor in the city in the mid 20th Century and boasted car dealerships, bakeries, churches, factories, grocery stores, department stores and four movie theaters.

The newest building they profiled was the Hospitality Credit Union built in 1973. Unlike most of the other buildings on H, this one boasts a modern facade of white brick and arches and an arcade similar to that of the Kennedy Center. I have passed this building many times and have always thought it was so cool looking and have hoped it would come back to life in a new way.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center in 2006

The researchers then addressed the issue of whether or not H Street would qualify as an Historic District. They described the adaptation and reuse and changes in the various storefronts of these buildings as being “completely normal in an historic district.” It was clear they would recommend H Street for historic designation although the final decision on that will be up to the Historic Preservation Office in DC’s Office of Planning. This proposed district would run along H Street from 2nd Street NE  to 15th Street NE.

The effort to designate H Street as an Historic District is not the same “Beyond the Boundaries” effort of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society which is considering expanding the existing Capitol Hill Historic District.

What are your thoughts on the expansion of the Historic District? Should H Street be designated Historic?