Then and Now: New Hampshire and Rock Creek Church Rd.

History

Then and Now: New Hampshire and Rock Creek Church Rd.

by Kent Boese • December 11, 2010 12:22 pm

The northwest corner of New Hampshire Avenue and Rock Creek Church Road, NW, ca. 1927 (left), and today (right). Historic image from the Historical Society of Washington, DC.

The houses located on the west side of New Hampshire Avenue from 3600 to 3612 were built by Joseph J. Moebs. Construction began in 1909. Upon purchasing the land from Ernest Steiger for $7,800, some speculated that Moebs would erect an apartment house instead of residences. This view shows the row from the southeast, at the intersection of New Hampshire and Rock Creek Church Road.

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Tags: Columbia Heights, DC, history, Park View

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Kent Boese posts items of historic interest primarily within the District. He's worked in libraries since 1994, both federal and law, and currently works on K Street. He lives in the Park View neighborhood, and is the force behind the blog Washington Kaleidoscope.

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Note how the row of trees was cut down to widen the road and narrow the sidewalk

by JJJJJ on Dec 11, 2010 6:41 pm • link • report

^Yes, like many DC roads. These wide thoroughfares with narrow sidewalks are pretty horrible and they're everywhere. That said, which would be preferable: Make the road narrower again so there's more room for sidewalk and trees, or add bike lanes?

by Bob See on Dec 12, 2010 10:55 am • link • report

Bob, There's a third alternative. Let the bicylists ride on the wider sidewalks.

by Lance on Dec 12, 2010 11:25 am • link • report

Lance, sounds good to me.

by Bob See on Dec 12, 2010 11:41 am • link • report

I often pass through that rude bit of road. I had no idea that it once had ambiance and class. They should get rid of the median on that street and put back the wider sidewalks and trees. The same goes for Sherman Road. I have often wondered what can make it less depressing. Maybe all the streets should be treated like 13th Street, one lane of traffic each way, with parking, and wide sidewalks. While bike lanes are important, that can be sorted out later. The physical state of the block is by far the most important thing and at 3600 New Hampshire, it should be restored to its original state. Looking at the photos, it's obvious.

by Steve on Dec 12, 2010 9:22 pm • link • report

Bob, There's a third alternative. Let the bicylists ride on the wider sidewalks.

WAR ON PEDESTRIANS!

Seriously, though. Nah, just narrow the streets to their historical configuration. That'll "calm" the traffic to a reasonable speed, and cyclists will be able to ride in the streets where they belong. More than enough room to pass safely.

by oboe on Dec 13, 2010 12:36 pm • link • report

Narrower streets will be more than adequate as folks gradually shift to using Segways more for short trips instead of cars.

by Turnip on Dec 13, 2010 6:41 pm • link • report