Ward 1 is the smallest ward in terms of area and is the most densely populated ward in the District. It is dominated by some of the best known residential neighborhoods in the city, many of which have great historic significance for the local African-American and Latino populations.

While most of these neighborhoods are dominated by rowhouses, they are all distinct. Columbia Heights sits right in the middle of the ward, boasting beautiful historic townhomes, a major commercial core and landmarks such as the Tivoli Theater . Adams Morgan is home to an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and bars, and has long been a center for city nightlife. This activity extends along the U Street Corridor, much of which serves as the southern boundary of the ward.

Mount Pleasant is known for its unique townhouses, strong international cultural mix and leafy streets against the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park. The Pleasant Plains neighborhood is home to Howard University, which also abuts the townhouses and gracious Victorian homes of LeDroit Park and portions of the Shaw neighborhood. 16th Street, NW serves as a grand boulevard running through the center of the ward, lined with impressive apartment buildings, embassies, churches, and Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park. Ward 1 is a culturally rich, intricate section of the city that serves many roles for many different people.

For more information on the planning, development review, and historic preservation initiatives in the ward, please visit the links below or contact:

Joshua Silver
Ward 1 Neighborhood Planner
(202) 442-7600
joshua.silver@dc.gov

Related Information

• Ward 1 Development Summary and Activities - August 2014
• Georgia Avenue After Small Area Plan report - (ASAP)
• DUKE After Small Area Plan report – (ASAP)