Then & Now: Anacostia Bank

History

Then & Now: Anacostia Bank

by John Muller • December 19, 2011 3:03 pm

Although PNC, Bank of America, Sun Trust and the locally-owned Industrial Bank have a presence in Anacostia, the historic Anacostia Bank building no longer houses a bank, and in fact remains vacant.

Left: Anacostia Bank, circa 1909. Ad in the Weekly News, from the Library of Congress.
Right: The building in summer 2011. Photo by the author.

According to land records, the two-story red brick building at 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE was constructed in 1906. With more than 3,000 square feet, the building has held temporary office space for non-profits in recent years but is currently without a tenant.

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Tags: Anacostia, DC, history, retail

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John Muller is a former reporter for The Washington Times and current contributor to Capital Community News. He earned his degree in Public Policy from GWU and is currently working on a book, Frederick Douglass' Washington: The Lion of Anacostia to be published in October by The History Press. John is a late night Metro rider.

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Interesting you mention PNC -- I believe Anacostia Bank was later purchased by the National Bank of Washington. When NBW collapsed in the early 1990s, Riggs took over their accounts, and of course, PNC ultimately acquired Riggs.

NBW also bequeathed to us the lovely classical revival building at 14th and G NW with the shoe store signs at ground level.

by Arl Fan on Dec 19, 2011 4:17 pm

Didn't FLY used to be in this building? What a scam that group was. I know it all along.

by Old Anacostia on Dec 19, 2011 5:00 pm

That's vibrant looking building. Very cool. Brick has the best curb appeal. Ugh to that furniture store across the street.

by Green Line Pedro on Dec 19, 2011 10:22 pm

I think it would be a great location for a 2nd sit-down restaurant in Ana.

by Jamilah Fagbene on Dec 30, 2011 4:12 pm

I remember walking here with my grandmother in the late '50 and early '60. My little brother once got out of our yard at 1234 V St (18 months old) and is was caught crossing this Good Hope Rd trying to get to me at nursery school!

by Kathy Robertson on Jan 24, 2012 12:26 pm