Washington, DC's Building Height Limits? Blame it on the Cairo!
Back in the 1890's, the people of Washington watched The Cairo, Washington's first skyscraper apartment building, going up. And they didn't like it. Not one bit. It was way too tall! They were outraged! And there were demands that Congress do something!
And so they did.
The result was the Heights of Buildings Act of 1899, revised in 1910.
And to this day, the city of Washington has a pretty low skyline. And the Cairo towers above it's neighbors in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
The Cairo was a hotel, and the early residents included Thomas Edison and F. Scott Fitzgerald. But time was not kind to this building. By the time I moved to Washington in the early 1970's, the Cairo was a flop house (complete with a pack of ferral dogs that roamed the halls). In 1979, the building got a new lease on life when it was converted to condominiums.
Over the years, the building has maintained its architectural integrity, with many wonderful Moorish details worked into the facade - even a few gargoyles and elephant heads.
The apartments are not large. The range from studios to 2-bedrooms. And the 2-bedroom units are under 800 square feet. But they do have beautiful views, especially the ones on the front of the building.
Currently there are three condos for sale in the Cairo, ranging in price from $365,000 for a 2-bedroom, down to $209,999 for a studio just under 400 square feet.
If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help! I am licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. You may call, email or text me at:
Housepat@mac.com, 202-549-5167
