Bloomingdale's History

Bloomingdale has a rich history dating back to the turn of the century. Kelsey & Associates, have provided us with a brief history of Bloomingdale and a study of the unit block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Please take a moment to read about Bloomingdale's past.

Historic Homes or Note-worthy Properties

Gage School
2035 2nd Street, NW
(Read more about the Gage School's History)

Built in 1904 and 1908 the 21,000 sq. ft. school was recently purchased by Howard University (March of 2002) from the Peoples Involvement Corporation (PIC) who was having problems completing this project among many others in area. The property currently sits vulnerable to the elements as debris, broken bottles and trash litter the property and sidewalks of the surrounding blocks.

In November of 2002 at a Howard University Community Association meeting, Dr. Minor mentioned that he had enlisted the help of an architect from Sorg Architects to help determine a viable use for the school. Sorg Architects are behind the Phillips School renovation in Georgetown (bounded by Olive, 27th, 28th and N streets NW, part of it backs up to Rock Creek Park).

ANC 5C04 Commissioner Vicky Leonard-Chambers reports that Howard University is considering mixed-income condominiums and building rowhouses, most likely to help pay for the renovation of the site. Previously, Vicky wrote:

The Old Gage School Likely to Become Housing, Not Dorms

At a recent Howard University Community Association meeting, HU Executive Vice President Hassan Minor indicated that he favored housing at the old Gage School site, most likely townhouses for the playground area, and apartment or condo-style units for the building itself. Dr. Minor also stated that the University should be issuing a RFP for development of the old Gage School site by mid-2003. Dr. Minor anticipates that the townhouses most likely would be priced as market rate housing, and apartment/condo being a mix of market rate and affordable housing.

Although it is uncertain what Howard University Officials plan to do with the site, a Developer has been selected to redevelop the school. CRA Real Estate Services, LLC has been chosen as is planning to meet with residents of ANC 5C04

Related Article:
Washington Business Journal: Former school passes test as residential development (Nov. 1, 2002)

View images of the Gage School (April 27, 2001)

Samuel Gompers House
2122 1st Street, NW

Home to Samuel Gompers founder of the American Federation of Labor (1886). Born in London, England on January 26, 1850 to poor Jewish immigrants from Holland. Gompers began working as a shoemaker at the age of 10. He soon switched trades to become a cigar maker, which brought him to New York City (with his family) in 1863. He Headed the AFL-CIO until his death on December 13, 1924.

Built c.1900
National Historic League designation 5/30/73
National Register listing 9/23/74
DC listing 3/3/79

McMillan Park
Bounded by North Capitol Street, Channing Street, First Street and Michigan Avenue, NW

The historic McMillan Park sand filtration site and McMillan Reservoir are part of a chain of public green spaces established in Senator James McMillan's 1901 plan for beautifying Washington. Following the death of Senator McMillan in 1902, the grounds of the site were renamed McMillan Park. In 1905 the sand filtration plant to purify the city's drinking water was built. The grounds of the site were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. The site was designated a historic landmark by the DC Historic Preservation Review Board in 1991.

Harry Wardman Houses

One of the few speculative builders of his era to hire architects, Wardman adapted his designs to diverse neighborhoods and economic groups. From Capitol Hill to Woodley Park, Petworth to Georgetown, Wardman constructed row after row of modest homes that government clerks and other workers could afford.

Bloomingdale is home to many of this Master Builder's homes. Take a look to see if your house is one of them.

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