Cleveland Park History

From rural summer retreat to streetcar suburb to modern urban neighborhood

The Cleveland Park Historic District lies between Wisconsin Avenue on the west, Connecticut Avenue on the east, Klingle Valley on the south, and Tilden Street on the north. Served by a Redline metro stop and buses, the neighborhood is home to a collection of architecturally diverse residences and apartment buildings and a vibrant commercial corridor with stores and restaurants, schools, a library, fire station, and other amenities.

Early History

Named after President Grover Cleveland, who owned a summer home in the neighborhood, the area was originally part of a 1,000-acre estate called "Pretty Prospect," owned by General Uriah Forrest. The neighborhood's development accelerated in the 1890s with the introduction of the electric streetcar, transforming it from a collection of summer estates to a year-round residential community.

Architectural Heritage

Cleveland Park is known for its architectural diversity, featuring homes in various styles including Queen Anne, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Mission Revival. There is even an architectural style unique to Cleveland Park, known as the Sherman Cottage. Several of these homes were designed by prominent architects of the era, including Arthur Heaton, Ella Sherman, Harry Wardman, and Waddy Wood.

The neighborhood's architectural variety reflects its development over multiple periods, with each generation adding its own distinctive buildings while preserving earlier structures. This mix of architectural styles contributes to Cleveland Park's unique character and historical significance.

Historic Designation

In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, and thanks to the dedicated efforts of the CPHS Board and a group of passionate residents, Cleveland Park was designated as a Historic District in 1987 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The historic district designation helps protect the neighborhood's architectural heritage and ensures that new development respects the historic character of the area. This balance between preservation and growth has allowed Cleveland Park to maintain its distinctive identity while adapting to changing needs.

Notable Landmarks

Cleveland Park is home to several notable landmarks, including the Uptown Theater building, (1936), Tregaron Conservancy, and The Rosedale Conservancy, which has one of the oldest surviving houses in Washington, D.C. These landmarks serve as tangible connections to the neighborhood's rich past. The neighborhood also features Sam’s Park & Shop, a historic shopping center along Connecticut Avenue.

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Oral History Project

The Cleveland Park Historical Society's Oral History Project captures the memories and experiences of longtime residents, preserving personal accounts of neighborhood life across different eras. These interviews provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and architectural evolution of Cleveland Park.

Featured Interviews:

• George Idelson, now in his 90s, has lived in the neighborhood since 1967. George reflects on what’s changed and what hasn’t over fifty years in Cleveland Park.
• Philip Stone lived in the neighborhood since 1907 and vividly recalls sledding down the Macomb Street Hill in the days before the automobile.
• CPHS Board Member Margaret Lenzner recalls seeing growing up near the "Sheep Man" on Ordway and 36th, who used two big white wooly sheep to mow the grass on his lawn.

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Historical Videos

The Cleveland Park Historical Society has produced and collected various videos documenting the neighborhood's history, architecture, and community life. These videos provide a visual record of Cleveland Park's evolution and help preserve its heritage for future generations.