Spring Valley Shopping Center

Spring Valley Shopping Center is a retail complex of six connected commercial buildings along Massachusetts Avenue, featuring symmetrical facades and traditional American architectural details in Colonial Revival style. The complex spans addresses 4820 to 4874 and today houses retail spaces with tenants including Crate & Barrel, Starbucks Coffee, and other businesses.

The center was built in 1939 by W.C. and A.N. Miller as an early example of suburban retail development. The Garfinckel's department store opened in 1942 as an anchor tenant that established the complex as an important shopping destination in the growing neighborhood.

The design reflects inspiration from Colonial Williamsburg and suburban planning models that shaped the region's development. It shows how early shopping centers brought a specific way of living to neighborhoods through their architectural language.

The center is easily accessible along Massachusetts Avenue with parking available in front of the buildings for visitors. Different shops operate at varying hours, so it is helpful to check ahead before visiting.

Environmental cleanup work in 1993 discovered and removed over 100 unexploded ammunition shells from World War I on the grounds. The discovery revealed that the area had been used for military purposes decades earlier before being transformed into a shopping center.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1939

Architectural style: Colonial Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.94467,-77.09522

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40