Downtown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Messer Building

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 6, 2015

1. The Messer Building Marker

Inscription. The original Messer Building was developed by James A. Messer and occupied a portion of this site for over half a century until 1989. The Messer family, early Scottish immigrants who settled in the District of Columbia, have left their mark as skilled stone cutters on many government buildings, churches and private residences in the area. Their influence and efforts remain in areas of commerce, banking, government and civic leadership.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 38° 54.207′ N, 77° 1.687′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of 12th Street Northwest and L Street Northwest, on the left when traveling north on 12th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 L Street Northwest, Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Edmund Burke (within shouting distance of this marker); The Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Asbury United Methodist Church (about 500 feet away); Morrison-Clark Inn (about 500 feet away);

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The Leonard "Bud" Doggett House (about 500 feet away); Franklin Square (about 600 feet away); The First Wireless Telephone Call (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Asbury United Methodist Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Other markers no longer nearby. Jamila El Sahili (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Asbury United Methodist Church (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Franklin Square (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, December 21, 2025

2. The Messer Building Marker

The marker is located next to the entrance plaque that reads 1200 K Street.

The Messer Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 6, 2015

3. The Messer Building

The marker is mounted to the outside wall of the building, to the left of the entry doors.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 845 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on December 25, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 3. submitted on September 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.