The DMV region encompasses the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The architecture of this area has significant historical implications, as well as modern-day significance. Over the decades, this area has seen a unique blend of historic and modern-day architectural styles, creating a one-of-a-kind blend that many people travel from all around the world to view. From neoclassical monuments to cutting-edge sustainable contemporary developments, the region’s rich architectural landscape tells a fascinating story of change, preservation, and what’s to come in the future.

Fascinatingly, historical buildings can be transformed over time to keep up with a region’s ever-changing character. The DMV region boasts some of the best preserved examples of Colonial and Federal architecture in the United States. These styles were especially prevalent in the 18th and early 19th centuries and placed emphasis on symmetry, classical proportions and elegance with a side of practicality. Not only do these preserved buildings provide the foundation for the timeless architectural styles found throughout the region, they’re a testament to the birth of the landscape of a nation as we know it.

The Significance of the DMV Region’s Architecture Styles

The rich, complex, and fascinating history of the DMV region has significantly shaped the area’s architectural landscape. From early colonial settlements to modern urban developments, the region has buildings that reflect cultural, political, and economic evolutions over the course of several centuries. The Maryland and Virginia regions were among the first of the English colonies, with Jamestown settling in Virginia in 1607 and St. Mary’s City being established in Maryland in 1634. Architecture at the time could be best defined as Georgian style with brick construction and classical proportions, as well as Plantation Houses and colonial churches with utilitarian designs.

The Federal Period followed from the 1780s through the 1820s when Washington DC was established as the nation’s capital in July of 1790 per The Residence Act. At this time, the DMV became a hub for government institutions and political power — which it remains as to this day. During this period, architectural designs could be defined by the Federal Style and Neoclassical monuments signified by grand columns and domes.

Historical Landmarks Across the DMV

George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia is a plantation home that exemplified Colonial architecture, with striking symmetrical design, a gabled roof and wood-frame construction. The home was built in phases in the mid 1700s and to this day remains a testament to the styles of the time and the reflection of the life of one of America’s founding fathers.

The White House is arguably the most popular historical landmark in the DMV region, having been constructed over the course of eight years, starting in 1792 and finishing in 1800. The landmark is a prime example of Neoclassical architecture, more specifically influenced by the Palladian style. This style drew inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome, with a centralized dome-like structure, grand columns, and balanced proportions.

Tudor Place in DC was finished in 1816 as the home of Thomas and Martha Peter, Martha Washington’s granddaughter. Tudor Place embodied the Federal style with its elegant portico and well-balanced facade. The domed, marble-floored Temple Portico is the most striking architectural feature. Unlike the more common half-round porches attached to exterior walls of many early 19th-century houses, this circular structure extends into the house itself, with floor-to-ceiling windows serving as a transition between interior and exterior spaces. It is the only known full temple portico embedded into a USA residence standing today. The refined detail of the home exhibits the small details and the influence of classical ideals in early American architecture and it stands as a historical testament to the time even today. Throughout the 1800s, the property boasts a beautiful view of the Potomac River. Today, it is obscured by modern day urbanization of the neighborhood and tree canopy.

Once the early 19th century rolled around, the region experienced what can be described as a wave of neoclassical design, which took inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The style soon became the hallmark of many civic and government buildings, which still stand tall to this day and symbolize the democratic ideals of the nation. One such example is the U.S. Capitol Building, which was designed by William Thornton (and later expanded by multiple architects). The Capitol Building is instantly recognizable due to its massive dome, dominant columns, and expansive porticos. Another landmark that exhibits these same ideals is the National Gallery of Art, which reflects classical influences with a beautiful marble-clad facade, Corinthian columns, and a striking rotunda that’s reminiscent of the iconic Roman Pantheon.

Continuing still through the 19th century, Victorian and Beaux-Arts styles soon took the helm, characterized by their asymmetry and decorative moldings and carvings, as well as the emphasis on grandeur. Examples of this style include the Smithsonian Castle, which was completed in 1855, and Union Station, which was opened in 1907.

Through the mid-20th century, the DMV region also went through phases of mid-century modernism and brutalism — which is abundantly clear in the design of the HUD Building and the Hirshhorn Museum in DC. The exposed concrete surfaces, angular shapes and emphasis on function and mass are designed to be both imposing and durable.

Contemporary Architecture in Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia

As the years have progressed, the DMV region has made a defined shift towards sustainability and mixed-use architecture that integrates greenery and community-centered designs. This is reflective of the ideals of the city and society at large. Such examples of this modern shift include The Wharf and Maryland’s National Harbor. Both of these mixed-use developments incorporate recreational spaces and seamlessly blend the residential with the commercial for ultra-convenient living. This style of design can often be characterized by an emphasis on green space, as well as eco-friendly materials and integrated living, working, and leisure development to provide residents with efficiency and comfort.

Other recent developments in the DMV include Capitol Crossing, which is an impressive urban redevelopment project built above a recessed section of Interstate 395. The project successfully reconnected the East End and the Capitol Hill neighborhoods, which were divided by the highway in the 1960s. Featuring five mixed-use buildings, retail space, parking, and a 45,000+ square foot green roof — the project was a feat in and of itself.

The Importance of Preserving Historical Monuments & Landmarks

Historical sites, such as the Washington Monument, serve as tangible connections to our nation’s history. These monuments and landmarks help visitors understand and remember significant events, people, and cultural periods. Taking action to preserve them for generations to come is important to ensure that people can continue engaging with history firsthand, which oftentimes deepens one’s appreciation for the multitude of struggles, triumphs, and complexities that it took to reach modern day times.

Historical landmarks, especially the ones found across the DMV, attract an abundance of tourists each year. This helps to boost local economies through jobs, businesses, and a variety of cultural programming opportunities. Landmarks, such as the Old Post Office, that have been transformed into something to suit modern-day fancies (like a luxury hotel) draw in visitors from around the world who want to partake in a piece of history.

The Washington Monument

The iconic Washington Monument was constructed in two phases between 1848 and 1884. The monument’s design is reflective of 19th-century engineering feats and recent preservation efforts have been focused on maintaining the monument’s structural integrity while continuing to allow public access and enhancing visitor experiences. Nearly one million people visit the monument each year, snapping photos of the wildly impressive 555-foot tall obelisk that honors George Washington. At the time of completion, the monument was the world’s tallest structure.

Union Market

Washington DC’s Union Market was built as a food distribution center in the 1930s. The market has since evolved over time into the dynamic hub for artisanal food, retail, and cultural events that it hails as today. The market seamlessly blends historic preservation with modern amenities that suit the current population of the community. The act of preserving a historical site while adapting it for modern-day usage presents a unique set of challenges, as well as exciting opportunities. Regular upkeep is often needed to maintain the vintage charm, while also ensuring that updated amenities are in order for visitors. By revamping the market, the city has thus brought economic renewal to the area. In the same vein, this has also brought about concerns surrounding gentrification and long-time residents and small businesses potentially being displaced.

The Old Post Office

The history of the Old Post Office building dates back to 1892. The building was designed to house the U.S. Post Office Department and at the time of construction, it was the city’s first steel-frame building. The Romanesque Revival architecture was inspired by medieval European designs, featuring grand archways and an impressive 300+ foot clock tower — making it the third tallest structure in the city after the Washington Monument and the Basilica of the National Shrine. By the 1930s, the grand building was considered outdated and the Post Office moved to a newer facility. By 1983, the building was reopened as the Old Post Office Pavilion, which featured a mixed-use space of offices, retail shops, and a food court. Today, the building has been rebranded as the Waldorf Astoria under Hilton’s management. The Clock Tower remains a popular attraction, providing 360-degree views of the National Mall and Downtown DC.

Future Architecture Trends in the DMV Area to Look Out For

Looking towards the future, the DMV region is expected to continue prioritizing smart and sustainable design. Projects such as the Amazon HQ2 building in Arlington showcase the type of cutting-edge design and building practices that are being spearheaded in the area. Key trends to keep an eye out for over the next several years include adaptive reuse, which is the repurposing of historic buildings for modern uses, and sustainable urbanism, which is designed to promote walkability and environmental responsibility for residents and community members. Overall, the rich and diverse architectural landscape of the DMV region will continue to reflect a fascinating historical past and what’s shaping up to be an innovative, community-centric future.

Featured image courtesy of U.S. Navy photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons