Wasn’t John Peter Van Ness a remarkable man? Van Ness the neighborhood is named after him. He was Washington’s ninth mayor. He arrived in the city shortly after 1800. He even served in President Jefferson’s city militia. This led to his resignation from Congress. The separation of powers was strictly enforced back then. No one could hold both legislative and executive positions. He remained in Washington. He married Marcia Burns an heiress. Her father owned land near the White House. Van Ness became one of the city’s biggest landowners. He remained involved in civic life until his death in 1846.
Now picture this. Van Ness Centre a huge apartment complex. It was built between 1964 and 1970. This enormous project spanned 18 acres. It cost $50 million. Robert I Silverman and Milton and Howard Polinger spearheaded its development. Joseph Abel a famous architect lived in Van Ness North. He designed most of the complex. He lived there from its opening until his death in 1985. His career spanned forty years. He designed over a hundred luxury apartment buildings in Washington DC. His architectural style evolved over the decades. He started with Tudor Revival and eclectic designs. Later he embraced Art Deco and International Style. Van Ness Centre was his last major project before retirement. Van Ness North was eventually sold in 1979. It was sold for $26 million to a corporation headed by Conrad Cafritz. The aim was to convert it into a cooperative. The residents formed a tenants association. They tried to buy the building but failed. However many tenants purchased their units at discounted rates. Van Ness East followed suit. It was sold to its tenants for $20 million in 1980. They converted it to condominiums. Efforts to convert Van Ness South into condos failed twice. Tenant opposition thwarted those efforts.
The Van Ness Metro station opened in 1981. This significantly increased the neighborhood’s accessibility. Van Ness has always attracted diplomats and professionals. It combines convenient metro access and urban amenities. It also boasts the beauty and serenity of Soapstone Valley and Rock Creek Park. The area’s natural resources are highly valued. Smart transit-oriented development is embraced. The neighborhood has undergone significant changes. It transformed from a federal campus to an office district. This shift happened fifty years ago. The Bureau of Standards vacated its facilities. This was spurred by a growing suburban population. Plans for the Metro Rail system played a role too. Van Ness today stands at another turning point. Demand for transit-oriented housing is high. A preference for downtown office space creates exciting opportunities. Van Ness is evolving into a beautiful and vibrant place to live and work.