Then and Now: Capitol Quarter

HistoryHistoryBy David Alpert (Founder) September 1, 2009

Last Wednesday, the Capitol Quarter townhouse development in Near Southeast officially opened. The HOPE VI mixed-income project replaces 707 units of mid-century garden apartments with 1,500 new units, maintaining the 707 units of affordable housing. It also adds 700,000 square feet of office space and 50,000 square feet of retail.

Jacqueline Dupree has painstakingly documented the changes throughout the neighborhood. Her impressive site includes photographs of many corners, pointing in sixteen compass directions, throughout the last six years. She posted some before-and-after photos of the Capitol Quarter development; here are a few of my favorites.

Corner of 5th and L, SE, looking south-southwest in July 2004 (left) and June 2009 (right).

Corner of 4th and K, SE, looking east-southeast in October 2003 (left) and July 2009 (right).