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This area historically was part of the 19th century estate "Kalorama" and enjoyed a reputation for its natural ambience. It was not until the turn of the century that urban development extended the city of Washington into and beyond the borders of this area. The land that now comprises Kalorama Triangle was subdivided in the early 1880s.
It was the re-delineation of Connecticut Avenue (1897-1907) in conjunction with construction of bridges and the introduction of two major streetcar lines that formed Kalorama Triangle and established its urban character. His last home is for us today, as it was when he lived here removed from power and once again a private citizen, a place for the intimate reflection on his life as educator, president and world statesman. Kalorama Triangle, due to the contracted period of time during which it was developed, as well the awareness of architectural styles, is a particularly important illustration of the aesthetics of middle-class speculative housing during the early years of the 20th century.
The neighborhood is composed both of examples of high style architecture and modest builder-designed dwellings, but it is primarily a showcase for the stylistic variations of popular trends. Three important styles are abundant in Kalorama Triangle: English Arts and Crafts, Georgian Revival and Mediterranean (including both Italian and Spanish derivatives). Kalorama Triangle presents many building types and a variety of styles. Its buildings are important both individually and for their relationship to each other.
They present a visually rich medium composed of picturesque streets lined with rows of three-and four-story dwellings and anchored by solid blocks of multi-family apartments. Together, the form, size, scale, and the ornament materialize into a significant period piece. |
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