Kalorama is in the Northwest quadrant of Washington DC and is made up of 2 distinct neighborhoods: Sheridan-Kalorama (aka, Kalorama Heights) and Kalorama Triangle. Sheridan-Kalorama is the Southwest neighborhood and roughly bordered east by Connecticut Ave. NW and Florida Ave. NW, south by Q St. NW, and west and north by Rock Creek Park. The Northeast neighborhood and residential jurisdiction of Adams Morgan is Kalorama Triangle, which is bordered north by Calvert St. NW, southeast by Columbia Rd. NW, and southwest by Connecticut Ave. NW. The 2 surrounding Metro stations that service the neighborhood are Dupont Circle Metro and Woodley Park-Zoo Metro, both on Connecticut Ave.
The name Kalorama derives from classic Greek meaning “beautiful view,” and was coined by famed poet Joel Barlow in 1807. He initially used it to rename the home, once called Belair that Gustavus Scott first built, after it was redesigned by noted architect Benjamin Latrobe. It was re-purposed as a Union hospital during the Civil War before its fiery demise. After the war the home was rebuilt only to be demolished in 1887 by the expansion of S St. NW. Largely rural until the close of the 19th century, the area was further developed and became a haven for local captains of industry.
This high-end neighborhood has rich architecture and is situated between downtown and uptown Washington DC. Sheridan-Kalorama mostly consists of large manors with grand single-familyhomes, while Kalorama Triangle has many vintage and contemporary row-houses, condos, and apartment buildings. Most of the grand homes, styled in Beaux-Arts or Mediterranean Revivals, are now embassies housing international diplomatic staff and can be found on or near Massachusetts Ave. NW, aka Embassies Row. Many multi-family buildings were built on Columbia Rd. NW in the early 20th century, most notably, The Mendota, the area’s first apartment building erected in 1901. The highest point of this region gives panoramic views of the city and hence aptly named Kalorama.
Sheridan-Kalorama has had several American Presidents from the early 20th century as residents. President Woodrow Wilson lived in a Georgian-revival at 2340 S St. NW, which is now a National Historic Landmark and museum. The current Syrian Embassy at 2215 Wyoming Ave was once the home of William Howard Taft. Prior to his presidency, Franklin Delano Roosevelt lived at 2131 R St. NW; Warren Harding lived in the Federal-style home at 2314 Wyoming Ave., while serving as a Senator from Ohio. When Herbert Hoover was Secretary of Commerce, he lived in a Colonial Revival home at 2300 S. St. NW. This upscale neighborhood has a long history of powerful and influential inhabitants.
If you’re looking to buy a piece of this historical and beautiful view, then call one of our Exclusive Buyer’s Agents. We speak multiple languages and have first-hand experience working with international and domestic dignitaries using utmost discretion. Through additional training, we have been designated Accredited Buyer’s Representatives (ABR), which means we provide service with the highest level of integrity and professionalism. Additionally, our Buyer’s Agents have extensive knowledge and experience from living locally for many years and will provide peace-of-mind when buying in Kalorama or anywhere in Washington DC.
