K Street, Commercial thoroughfare in downtown Washington, D.C., United States.
K Street runs from Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown to Florida Avenue, forming a central corridor through the business district of Washington with tall office towers and government agencies nearby. The street crosses several neighborhoods, with the atmosphere shifting from historic brick facades in the west to modern glass fronts in the east.
The western section of this street was known as Water Street until 1895, when the city government systematically renamed the entire street grid according to a uniform plan. The transformation into a center for political lobbying began in the second half of the 20th century, as corporations and interest groups moved their offices closer to the federal government.
Law firms, trade associations, and advocacy organizations occupy many buildings along this street, and the name became synonymous with political lobbying in the United States. Office workers fill the sidewalks during lunch hours, while news crews often stand in front of corporate headquarters to conduct interviews or record statements.
The street connects with several Metro stations, including Farragut North and McPherson Square, so visitors can reach different sections on foot. Sidewalks remain busy during business hours, making it advisable to arrive in the morning or late afternoon when pedestrian traffic is somewhat calmer.
The term became shorthand for the lobbying industry in American political discourse, often appearing in speeches and news reports to refer to influence peddling. This linguistic shift occurred gradually during the late 20th century, as the concentration of advocacy groups in this corridor grew and journalists began using the address as a metonym.
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