Beaux Arts Homes in Washington DC Metro Area

When it comes to historic architecture in Washington, DC and the surrounding Metro area, the Beaux Arts style abounds. Real estate buyers will find it especially prevalent when it comes to old row houses, former grand hotels and apartment buildings that have been converted to condos for sale. But you will find examples when it comes to detached single-family homes as well.

Beaux Arts Condos and Buildings in the Washington Metro

The Origins of Beaux Arts Architecture

Translated as “beautiful arts,” the style originated at France’s L’Ecole des Beaux Arts (originally Academie des Beaux-Arts), a fine arts school in Paris dating to the mid-1600s. Typified by ornate base relief and strong structural lines, the design movement found its footing in the United States from around 1885 to the 1920s. Beaux Arts’ popularity in this country was boosted considerably by the Chicago World’s Fair Columbia Exposition in 1893.

Beaux Arts shares some of its attributes with other architectural styles that emerged during the same period, including Neoclassical and Greek Revival. Common signatures include front columns, deep-set windows, blocky shapes and richly detailed cornice work along the roof lines. 

Where in Washington Metro is Beaux Arts Found?

While examples of this stately style can be found throughout the Washington Metropolitan area, it is more abundant in central parts of the District itself. This is due to the rapid expansion of the Federal City during the mid-to-late 1800s.

That said, neighborhoods like Penn Quarter, Chinatown and the Mount Vernon Triangle have experienced the loss of a number of older buildings over time in the name of redevelopment.

Nonetheless, you’ll still find fine examples of Beaux Arts architecture in Downtown DC neighborhoods like those above, as well as in popular communities such as Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Kalorama Triangle and many more.

Beaux Arts design also exists outside the Capitol, from Alexandria, Virginia (including Old Town Alexandria) to Arlington, Virginia and beyond. To learn more about Beaux Arts homes, townhouses and condos for sale, call District Partners at Compass, 202-798-3600.

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Listing information last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 1:00am EDT.