
About Ward 1
Some of the District’s best known residential neighborhoods can be found in Ward 1, many of which have great historic significance for the local African-American and Latinx populations.
While most of these neighborhoods are dominated by row houses, 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. Sixteenth 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 section of the city that serves many functions for many different people.
Planning in Ward 1
The Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: District Elements has Area Elements (chapters) that provide geographically-specific policy guidance. Area Elements that cover neighborhoods within Ward 1 include: Mid-City.
The Comprehensive Plan’s Area Elements use planning boundaries, not Ward boundaries. The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year plan, while Ward boundaries are political boundaries that can change every 10 years due to redistricting following the decennial Census
Neighborhood and corridor plans for Ward 1 include:
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Columbia Heights Neighborhood Investment Fund: a priority investment plan completed in 2008.
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Park Morton Redevelopment Plan: a planning initiative for Park Morton under the New Communities program, completed in 2008
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Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station Area and Corridor Plan: a Small Area Plan approved by the DC Council in 2006.
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DUKE Framework for a Cultural Destination on Greater Shaw-U Street : a Small Area Plan approved by DC Council in 2005.
Development Review in Ward 1
Historic Preservation in Ward 1
- Ward 1 Heritage Guide
- Greater U Street Historic District
- Kalorama Triangle Historic District
- LeDroit Park Historic District
- McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District
- Meridian Hill Historic District
- Mount Pleasant Historic District
- Sixteenth Street Historic District
- Washington Heights Historic District
Ward 1 Maps and Data
Contacts
Jonathan Greene, Community Planner
[email protected]
(202) 442-8816