Queen Anne's Lane - a New Addition to the Historic District
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
To leave Hughes Mews, take a left onto Queen Anne’s Lane. The 18 houses on Queen Anne's Lane (Nos. 2521-2538) were generally constructed between 1960 and 1962. Prior to their construction, the only entrance to Hughes Mews (then Hughes Court) was from 25th Street. Al Wheeler was the developer and Foggy Bottom resident Melita Rodeck was the architect for this row house development. The houses originally sold for $45,000-$50,000; 2022 estimate - $1.2M. Currently, some of the garages are being converted to extra bedrooms (to allow more room for additional residents).
Images
A look down Queen Anne's Lane towards the Potomac River and Georgetown
Melita Rodeck's drawing of Queen Anne's Lane, shortly before its construction
Melita Rodeck, architect and Foggy Bottom resident working on plans, 1970
The 26th St. Park and summer gardens offer a quiet and shady place to sit
The Foggy Bottom's dog park and visitors provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet while their dogs play
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Queen Anne’s Lane ends at 26th Street, which forms the western border of the Historic District. Directly ahead is the 26th Street Park. The Foggy Bottom Association Garden Committee maintains the park and its gardens. The park is often used for neighborhood gatherings. To the right is a fenced dog park and a children’s playground. Continuing past the children's park, 26th Street provides access to the sidewalk on K St. with a short walk to Georgetown or Washington Circle.
The west side of 26th Street - now parkland - was occupied by row houses and other buildings from the late 1800s to the 1950s. In 1914, for example, the area now occupied by the Park (then known as 932-934 26th St.) was the location of the Morning Star Baptist Church. These buildings were cleared for the Potomac Freeway highway construction. Cross 26th Street here and the tour continues to the left.
Sources
"Queen and Commoner Joined," Foggy Bottom News, Oct. 1960 at p. 1
International Archive of Women in Architecture (see link below)
Vogt/Leone, 2021
Foggy Bottom News, Oct. 1960
International Archive of Women in Architecture
Vogt/Leone, 2021
Vogt/Leone, 2021