Waggaman–Ray Commercial Row
- Style
- Neoclassical
- City
- Washington, DC
- Collection
- the city beautiful
Waggaman-Ray Commercial Row comprises four historic structures at 1141, 1143, and 1145 Connecticut Avenue NW, two- and three-story buildings with planar facades and restrained classical, low-relief detailing. Built in 1915 by the newly formed partnership of Clarke Waggaman and George N. Ray, it was meant to rival New York's Fifth Avenue and establish Connecticut Avenue as Washington's premier shopping district. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 24, 1995.
the building
One of the partnership's first jobs. The row was among the first projects completed by Waggaman & Ray after they formed their partnership, using restrained classical motifs to project an image of sophisticated elegance meant to draw upscale shoppers to Connecticut Avenue.
the style
The row's Neoclassical architecture draws on the Ecole des Beaux Arts and the City Beautiful Movement that Waggaman & Ray favored, expressed here through planar facades with classical low-relief ornament rather than heavy sculptural detail.
More on Neoclassicalthe architect
Clarke Waggaman and George N. Ray practiced together as Waggaman & Ray Architects, known for their interest in Classical Revival design drawn from the Ecole des Beaux Arts and the City Beautiful Movement; this row was one of the partnership's first completed projects.
significance
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 24, 1995.
nearby
- Mayflower Hotel
- Elizabeth Arden Building
- Saint Matthew's Cathedral and Rectory
- Barr Building
- General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters
- Sumner, Charles School