Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company Warehouse and Repair Facility, Art Deco industrial building in NoMa, Washington, D.C.
The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company Warehouse and Repair Facility is a seven-story building with geometric forms and decorative details on North Capitol Street. The structure combines industrial function with Art Deco style elements, where massive walls and repetitive windows define its character.
The building was erected in 1927 and served as a repair workshop and warehouse for the telephone company during the expansion of the telecommunications network. Its construction marks the time when the city was building its infrastructure for modern communication.
The building shows how communication technology became part of the city in the early 1900s and what role it played in daily life. Visitors can see on the facade how functional work spaces were combined with decorative elements to present industry respectfully in the city.
The building now houses the headquarters of National Public Radio after a renovation that added a modern office tower behind the original facade. Since it is an occupied administrative building, ask ahead about which areas are open to visitors.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 as part of a comprehensive survey of telecommunications resources in the city. This recognition highlights how important such infrastructure buildings are to understanding urban development.
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