National Union Building, Office building in Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.
The National Union Building is an office structure in downtown Washington designed in Romanesque style with a solid stone exterior and rounded arches. Its interior was constructed with a fireproof steel frame, a technical innovation that made it stand out among buildings of that era.
Architect Glenn Brown designed the structure in 1890 specifically as the headquarters for the National Union Fire Insurance Company. The building pioneered the use of fireproof steel frame construction, making it a notable example of safety innovation in American office buildings.
The building anchors a corner of the historic Penn Quarter neighborhood and reflects the architectural values of the 1890s preservation movement. Its presence contributes to how people today understand downtown Washington's development and the role of fireproof construction in reshaping American cities.
The building sits at the corner of F Street Northwest in the heart of downtown and is easily accessible by foot from nearby transit stops. Today it operates as an event and entertainment venue, so visitors should check what activities or events are scheduled during their visit.
From 2013 to 2014, the building housed LivingSocial's experience center, a digital commerce company that tested new business models within these historic walls. The short tenure highlights how the structure adapted to modern ventures while maintaining its original character.
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