City Hall, Government building in Washington Avenue Historic District, US
City Hall is a three-story administrative building in the Washington Avenue Historic District featuring a symmetrical stone facade with tall columns and detailed cornices across its central section. The structure displays classical architectural proportions and currently serves as home to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Construction began in 1820 under architect George Hadfield's design, but financial limitations led to a phased completion stretching until 1849. During the civil rights era, the building housed federal courts and the Recorder of Deeds office under the leadership of Frederick Douglass.
The building carries a name rooted in civic governance and serves today as a symbol of the city's administrative heritage. Its spaces reflect different eras of how the institution functioned and the various roles it fulfilled for residents.
The building remains an active courthouse and visitors should know that access may be limited to specific times or require prior arrangement. Appropriate dress and awareness of security procedures are advisable when planning a visit.
The two wings were not completed at the same time: the eastern wing finished in 1826 while the western wing waited 23 more years for completion due to lack of funds. This unusual building history shaped the structure's appearance and represents a rare example of the financial struggles of early American urban development.
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