Highland

Perched atop a series of high hills in Southeast Washington, D.C., lies the neighborhood of Washington Highlands. Overlooking the flowing waters of Oxon Run, Washington Highlands boasts a rich and complex history, mirroring the growth and transformation of the nation’s capital. Originally home to the Nacotchtank tribe, the area transitioned into farmland worked by enslaved African Americans. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of nearby Congress Heights, spurred by the construction of the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge. This development wave reached Washington Highlands in 1904, as developers began laying out roads and tracts. By 1906, Hungerford’s addition further expanded the neighborhood, and despite a brief lull, the formation of the Washington Highlands Citizen Association in 1925 signaled a growing community. The Great Depression and initial resistance from the city to install sewer lines couldn’t halt the area’s progress. The late 1930s brought over 200 new homes and finally, the connection to the city’s sewer system via the Oxon Run sewer main. World War II dramatically reshaped Washington Highlands. The influx of defense workers led to a housing shortage, addressed by the construction of Highland Dwellings, a 256-unit public housing complex. While this met the immediate need, it also fueled resentment among existing residents concerned about the changing character of their neighborhood. The post-war era continued this trend with additional housing and an eventual victory for the Washington Highlands Citizens Association, who successfully lobbied for the conversion of a Navy storage facility into a much-needed recreational center. Notably, Washington Highlands stood as a pioneer in desegregation. In the 1950s, when housing segregation was still the norm, the National Capital Housing Authority opened its complexes in the area to black residents, a move met with resistance but ultimately marking a turning point in the city’s history. Today, Washington Highlands is a mix of public and low-income housing. Highland Dwellings still stands, having benefited from 2009 stimulus funds for rehabilitation. Wheeler Creek, a HOPE VI project, offers a variety of housing options, from low-income rentals to market-rate and lease/purchase units. The Overlook, a renovated 12-story building, provides housing for senior citizens and families. The story of Washington Highlands is interwoven with that of the Park Southern Apartments, a large complex built in 1965 as a public-private partnership. Initially lauded for its management and community feel, the complex later faced decline, plagued by crime and disrepair. Recent controversies surrounding its management and financial struggles highlight the ongoing challenges facing the community. From its Native American roots to its role in desegregation and its ongoing struggles with housing affordability and management, Washington Highlands holds a significant place in the narrative of Washington, D.C.