“Those gleaming mahogany doors whisper stories” I began my tour of Sedgwick Gardens. This stunning Art Deco apartment building at 3726 Connecticut Avenue Northwest is more than just bricks and mortar. Sedgwick Gardens is a piece of Washington DC history. Built in 1931 by the visionary architect Mihran Mesrobian for developer Max Gorin it opened as a rental building for a then impressive $500000.
Sedgwick Gardens isn’t just beautiful it’s historically significant. Its Art Deco design is a rare find. The building’s porte-cochere entrance is a masterpiece drawing your eye upward to the high relief female figures and bas-relief male figures. The rose window on the elevator tower is breathtaking. The red brick facade with its white bands is a testament to the era’s elegance.
Step inside Sedgwick Gardens. The lobby is something special. The original octagonal fountain still shimmers. Two dozen Moorish-style arches and columns soar. A hexagonal skylight bathes the space in natural light. The solid mahogany doors brass hardware and limestone-marble floors exude luxury. Imagine the elegant residents of the 1930s gliding through these halls. Each of the 120 apartments originally boasted a Murphy bed a common feature in smaller spaces of the time.
The building even played a role in World War II. The basement was converted into an air raid shelter. Residents contributed furnishings and supplies. This act of community highlights the spirit of Sedgwick Gardens. Victory Gardens once abutted the building’s western side. Today this space is a parking lot. Sedgwick Gardens has endured numerous renovations. DARO Realty Inc has meticulously upgraded kitchens while preserving the original architectural elements. The restoration involved skilled architects and artisans ensuring the building’s unique character remains.
Sedgwick Gardens is more than just an apartment building. It’s a living testament to a bygone era. It’s a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. It’s a reminder of the resilience of a community. It’s a place where history and modern living blend seamlessly. As you leave Sedgwick Gardens remember its story. Remember its beauty. Remember its enduring charm.