Washington and Georgetown Railroad Car House

Washington and Georgetown Railroad Car House is a Romanesque Revival structure at 770 M Street that fills an entire city block with two stories of red brick. Its southeastern facade features medieval castle-inspired towers, and the building now functions as an event venue for about 850 people alongside a child development center.

The building was constructed in 1891 as a terminus for the city's first streetcar line and originally operated as a cable car facility. When electric streetcars replaced the cable system in 1897, it remained central to Washington's transportation network.

The building reflects how the city depended on streetcar transportation and how this shaped daily life in Washington. Walking through it gives a sense of the importance these vehicles held for people getting around the expanding city.

After significant renovations completed in 2021, the building is accessible as a public event venue and operates with good interior accessibility. Check opening times in advance since the space is primarily booked for private events rather than regular tours.

It is the only remaining building from the Washington and Georgetown Railroad's cable car era and preserves many original architectural details from that period. The towers and brickwork still display the craftsmanship typical of 19th-century industrial construction.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Architects: Walter C. Root

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.87889,-76.99583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24