Penn Quarter Neighborhood Profile
Section: NVA Neighborhoods
Author: Susan Isaacs, Washington DC Real Estate Strategist
The colorful Penn Quarter neighborhood offers a wide variety of restaurants, theaters and entertainment venues, museums and art galleries.
About Penn Quarter
Penn Quarter is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood known for its historical significance, cultural attractions, and urban energy. Once an industrial and commercial hub, Penn Quarter underwent a significant revitalization, transforming into a lively residential and entertainment district.
The neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks such as the Capital One Arena (formerly the MCI Center (1997–2006) and Verizon Center (2006–2017), the International Spy Museum, and historic Ford’s Theatre. Penn Quarter’s central location, with easy access to the National Mall and numerous dining and shopping options along its bustling streets, makes it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Penn Quarter Homes
Housing in Penn Quarter reflects the neighborhood’s urban revival, offering a mix of contemporary condominiums, lofts, and historic buildings that have been converted into modern residences. The demand for real estate in Penn Quarter is driven by the area’s cultural amenities, proximity to downtown offices, and a thriving arts scene.
Why it’s desirable:
Vibrant and busy
Shaw & Downtown amenities
Many dining options
Transportation options
Proximity to City Center
Nearby:
The Yards
The Wharf
Capitol Hill South
Barracks Row
Penn Quarter History
PADC
Penn Quarter began with the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation. Its “Pennsylvania Avenue Plan” called for a mixed-use neighborhood that included residences, offices, theaters and other cultural venues, retail, hotels, and restaurants in both new and renovated buildings framing new parks and plazas. The neighborhood’s revitalization initially involved a number of developments west of the FBI Building to 15th Street, including the building we know now as the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. New parks and plazas like Pershing Park, Freedom Plaza, and the Navy Memorial were created. Market Square, The Pennsylvania, and the former flagship store of Lansburgh’s department store on 7th Street were early revitalization efforts east of the FBI Building beginning in the mid-1980s. The MCI Center ( renamed the Verizon Center, then Capital One Arena) opened in 1997. This spurred development of adjacent blocks to the north and east and the Penn Quarter neighborhood to the south. Redevelopment has continued at a steady pace since.
Chinatown 華府華埠
Chinatown was once home to many immigrants who moved into the area in the 1930s, having been displaced from Washington’s original Chinatown along Pennsylvania Avenue by the development of the Federal Triangle government office complex. The newcomers marked it with decorative metal latticework and railings as well as Chinese signage. At its peak, Chinatown extended from G Street north to Massachusetts Avenue, and from 9th Street east to 5th Street.
In 1986, the District dedicated the “Friendship Archway,” a traditional Chinese gate designed by Alfred H. Liu, a local architect and chairman of the Chinatown Development Corporation. The colorful, $1M work of art includes seven roofs up to 60 feet in height, 7000 tiles, and 272 painted dragons in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Erected to celebrate friendship with Washington’s sister city of Beijing, it was hoped the arch would reinforce the neighborhood’s Chinese character. According to the plaque next to the arch, it is the largest such single-span archway in the world. In 1993, the Friendship Archway underwent a major renovation funded by DC and Chinese governments. Artisans from China performed extensive repairs on the archway and repainted details. In 1986, the Metro station was given its present name: Gallery Place-Chinatown. Many residents were displaced during this time, and in 1982, the city built the Wah Luck House apartment house at 6th and H Streets to accommodate some. Designed by architect Alfred Liu, the apartment building introduced modern Chinese design motifs due to the red-paneled balconies. Sadly, with completion of the MCI Center in 1997 (renamed Verizon Center in 2006 and Capital One Arena in 2017), little of the Chinatown neighborhood remained.
Sources: Wikipedia, Library of Congress
Penn Quarter Schools
Thomson Elementary School Public Grades PK3-5
*5th graders completing their time at Thomson also hold a secondary choice option to feed into Jefferson Middle School Academy
John Francis Education Campus Public Grades 6-8
Cardozo Education Campus Public Grades 9-12
Disclaimer
We are not attorneys, 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.