It’s no secret that DC is always changing. There are physical changes to buildings, parks and landscape. And there are the cultural changes, like the shifts in neighborhoods, crime rates and popular nightlife spots. It is fascinating to look back at DC and how DC has changed and how much has stayed the same. These 14 photos from the past and from today give you a peak at how much DC has changed and how it’s stayed the same.
2922 M Street Northwest
Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments
Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments
Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in DC and it's always been a popular shopping destination. The shops may have changed but the buildings still look similar.
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Connecticut Avenue and Albemarle Street NW
Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments
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Courtesy of Lily Vernot/Park Van Ness Apartments
There are often changes to DC blocks like this one. What was once a shopping center has been transformed into luxury apartments.
In the 1920s, this section of Pennsylvania Avenue was home to a Chinese restaurant, a bank and a bar. The bar would later become a post office. There's still a post office on this block but this specific spot is now the Mills building.
The National Cathedral School was built in 1990 on the grounds of the National Cathedral. The building has remained relatively unchanged in the last 30 years.
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Sidney Lust’s Leader Theater — 9th Street Northwest
Sidney Lust came to DC to open a chain of theaters in the 1920s. The Leader Theater was the first one he opened. Today the location is a (much less fun) office building.
Georgetown University, Old North Building, 37th and O Street
Georgetown University's Old North Building was built in 1795. Many of the country's presidents have spoken here including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Center Market — 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
The Center Market was built in 1872. It was the district's central spot, halfway between the White House and the Capitol. It would become the biggest market in the district. Today, however it is the United States Archives Building.
