East Capitol Street Car Barn

The East Capitol Street Car Barn is a former streetcar maintenance facility in Capitol Hill built from red brick with a three-story central section and mansard roof. The structure has been converted into residential units while keeping its distinctive architectural details and original masonry work intact.

The building was constructed in 1896 by architect Waddy Butler Wood as a repair shop and administrative center for the Metropolitan Railroad Company. It was built during the period when Washington was transitioning from horse-drawn carriages to electric streetcar transportation.

The building shows how streetcars became woven into the daily life of Washington residents and shaped the way the city grew. It stands as a physical reminder of the pride the city took in modernizing its transportation.

The building is located on East Capitol Street in the Northeast quadrant and is easily visible from the street with its distinctive red brick exterior showing the full historic facade. Since it is now a private residential complex, visitors can observe the outside architecture from the street without access to the interior spaces.

The facade features intricate patterns made from glazed header bricks and circular arch entrances that show the careful craftsmanship put into the building. These details reveal how high-quality brickwork was considered important even for a utility building in the early 1900s.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1896

Architects: Waddy Butler Wood

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Address: 1400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20003 U.S.

GPS coordinates: 38.89013,-76.98466

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05