American University Park (AU Park)

Nourse House historic farm residence A historic farmhouse in the Upper Northwest area, representative of the rural character before suburban development. Library of Congress.

American University Park, commonly known as AU Park, is a residential neighborhood in Northwest Washington, D.C. that developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries alongside the founding of American University.

Geographic Location

AU Park is bounded by: - Massachusetts Avenue to the south - Wisconsin Avenue to the east - Nebraska Avenue to the north - Western Avenue (Maryland border) to the west

The neighborhood includes some of the highest elevations in the city and is close to the District's highest point in neighboring Tenleytown at 409 ft (131 m).

Early Development (1890s)

The Croissant & Stone Subdivision

The American University Park subdivision was the product of real estate investors John D. Croissant and David D. Stone.

Key dates: - 1896: Croissant and Stone platted American University Park, covering 54.367 acres - 1897: A first addition was platted - The first house built was 4701 Fessenden Street, a large 2.5-story Queen Anne-style residence (c. 1880) - By 1897, ten more Queen Annes were under construction

The Catalyst: American University

The founding of American University, incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1891 and chartered by an Act of Congress in February 1893, was the catalyst for development of adjacent land.

Early Challenges

Development slowed in the Croissant & Stone subdivision, mostly due to lack of transportation. Only 7 new homes were built by 1903. One of these was a small Queen Anne designed for David Stone's son Robert in 1900 at 4901 47th Street.

The 1920s Boom

W.C. & A.N. Miller Company

The neighborhood's major development came in the 1920s through the W.C. and A.N. Miller Company, which also developed Spring Valley and Wesley Heights.

Key characteristics of Miller's development: - The neighborhood consists principally of detached single-family homes - A wide variety of architectural styles - Most homes have been modified or expanded since the 1930s - Development was planned specifically for residential use with only single-family dwellings

The Burrows Estate

In 1925, the remaining 50-acre tract of the Burrows estate was sold and platted into residential building lots. American University Park soon became a completed middle-class residential neighborhood.

Architectural Character

AU Park features a rich variety of architectural styles reflecting its development periods:

Early Period (1890s-1900s)

  • Queen Anne style homes

1920s-1930s

  • Colonial Revival
  • American Craftsman (Bungalow style)
  • Tudor Revival

Dominant Style

While there are numerous architectural styles, the majority of homes are center hall Colonial style. In all, there are approximately 2,700 homes in the community, many featuring welcoming front porches.

Historic Structures

The Burrows Farmhouse

The Burrows farmhouse, located near what is today the corner of 45th and Ellicott Streets, stood through all the subdivisions and commercial development. In 1924, it was relocated to 4624 Verplanck Street, where it still stands today.

Other Surviving Farmhouses

  • 4716 48th Street
  • 4308 46th Street (construction date debatable; possibly elements from the early 1800s, though much has been rebuilt)

Janney Elementary School

Janney Elementary School, built in 1925, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Municipal Architect Albert L. Harris, it was the first of Harris's "extensible" schools for the city.

The Neighborhood Today

Demographics

AU Park has evolved into a highly desirable residential neighborhood: - Affordable housing drew young families starting in the early 1990s - Real estate values have more than doubled since then - It remains one of DC's most sought-after neighborhoods

Character

The neighborhood maintains a distinct suburban character within the city: - Tree-lined streets - Single-family homes with front yards - Strong sense of community - Proximity to excellent schools

Schools Serving AU Park

  • Janney Elementary School (Pre-K through 5th grade)
  • Alice Deal Middle School
  • Jackson-Reed High School (formerly Wilson High School)

Connection to American University

The neighborhood's name and development are inextricably linked to American University: - The university's founding in 1891-1893 spurred initial development - The campus borders the neighborhood - The 1989 renaming of the Metro station to "Tenleytown-AU" reflects this connection - Many university employees and students have made AU Park their home over the decades