Kalorama Neighborhood
Section: Neighborhoods
Author: Susan Isaacs, Washington DC Real Estate Strategist
Kalorama is a prestigious and historic Washington DC neighborhood known for pricey homes, six former U.S. presidents, old money and new billionaires; all within two zip codes.
This residential enclave is renowned for its beautiful mansions and grand townhouses, representing a mix of architectural styles such as Beaux-Arts, Georgian Revival, and Colonial Revival. Notable past residents include former presidents Obama, Roosevelt, Hoover, Harding, Taft and Wilson, as well as ambassadors, corporate heads, and influential and infamous figures. Kalorama is also home to several embassies, adding an international flair to its cultural landscape.
The Kalorama neighborhood offers a selection of detached and attached single family homes, cooperatives and condominiums, creating a diverse range of housing options for discerning buyers. The demand for real estate in Kalorama is driven by its historical significance, proximity to cultural institutions like the Phillips Collection, and its tranquil, yet central location. The neighborhood’s allure lies in its picturesque streets, proximity to Massachusetts Avenue and Rock Creek Park, and its status as an established and sought-after residential haven in the city’s northwest quadrant.
As a result of its reputation and desirability, the Kalorama real estate market has remained robust, with properties often commanding premium prices, many sold off-market to protect the privacy of owners. The exclusive nature of the neighborhood, combined with its rich architectural heritage, positions Kalorama as a distinctive and prestigious enclave.
Secure
Exceptional homes
Platinum real estate values
Kalorama Heights differs from The Kalorama Triangle, a neighborhood within Adams Morgan, bounded by Connecticut Ave, Calvert St., and Columbia Rd. The Kalorama Triangle Historic District is located in DC’s Kalorama Heights neighborhood.
Kalorama Heights History
“Widow’s Mite”
Kalorama was a rural area until the close of the 19th century, located northwest of the original limits of Washington City from L’Enfant’s original plan. In 1795, DC Commissioner Gustavus Scott bought a portion of Anthony Holmead’s “Widow’s Mite” in 1795 and built a large home at 23rd and S Streets, naming it “Rock Hill.” Scott died 5 years later and his widow, Margaret, sold Rock Hill in 1803 to William Augustine Washington, who then sold it in 1807, to poet Joel Barlow before Washington’s death in 1810. Barlow renamed the property “Kalorama,” which means “fine view.” Barlow enlarged and improved the home during the short time he owned it, residing there until just before his own death in 1812. Perhaps the tract was apt in its original name.
Rebuilt and Razed
The residence burned during the American Civil War when it was utilized as a Union hospital. It was rebuilt and utilized as a single-family home until 1887, only to be razed by the DC government for the extension of S Street NW.
Exempt From The Grid
In 1893 Congress ordered L’Enfant’s design of the city of Washington extended outward to include the remainder of the District. Existing developments were exempted, which is why Kalorama is one of the few portions of DC not in compliance with the city’s street grid system. Calvert Street bridge and Taft Bridge were constructed over the Rock Creek Park gorge. It still spans Rock Creek Park today, adorned with imposing concrete lions. The Westmoreland was built as an apartment house at 2122 California Street in 1906 and was converted to a co-op in 1948.
Kalorama Triangle Historic District
The Kalorama Triangle Historic District is located in DC’s Kalorama Heights neighborhood. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, and on the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites since 1986, it is comprised of approximately 350 contributing properties.
Politically Connected
Sheridan-Kalorama was the home of these former Presidents in the early 20th century:
Woodrow Wilson at 2340 S Street, NW, in 1921. Woodrow Wilson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and became a museum dedicated to Wilson’s memory;
William Howard Taft at 2215 Wyoming Avenue. The house is now the Syrian Embassy;
Franklin D. Roosevelt at 2131 R Street. The house currently serves as the residence of the Ambassador of Mali;
Warren Harding at 2314 Wyoming Avenue. The house is now the residence of the Ambassador of Monaco;
Herbert Hoover at 2300 S St NW. The home is now the Embassy of Burma (formerly Myanmar);
Barack Obama at Belmont Road NW.
Other Kalorama residents include Supreme Court Justices Charles Evans Hughes, Louis Brandeis, Harlan F. Stone and Joseph McKenna, Federal Reserve Governors Adolph C. Miller and Frederic Adrian Delano, the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, historian Elizabeth Eisenstein, and former United States Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew.
Sheridan-Kalorama diplomatic residences include the home of the French Ambassador at 2221 Kalorama Road, several embassies on its south side and much of Embassy Row on Massachusetts Avenue.
Sources: Wikipedia, Library of Congress
Kalorama Heights Schools
Public Feeder Schools
Marie Reed Elementary School Public Grades PK-5 (located in Adams Morgan)
Hardy Middle School Public Grades 6-8
Jackson-Reed High School Public Grades 9-12
For a full, updated list of schools, visit EBIS.
Disclaimer
We are not attorneys, historians, legal experts, investment counselors, or CPAs. The content on this channel is presented for informational purposes only and derived from reliable sources, but should not be considered legal, financial, investment, transaction or real estate practice advice. Susan Isaacs and Compass, their principals and/or representatives, do not guarantee or warrant its accuracy, completeness, or applicability to any specific real estate transaction. Homebuyers should read applicable D.C. law and code as part of their due diligence, and seek help from licensed, qualified professionals for interpretation and application to their specific transaction.