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

Park Designers

Meridan Hill Park, National Historic Landmark

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

Park Designers Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

1. Park Designers Marker

Inscription. Noted landscape architects George Burnap and Horace Peaslee, who worked in the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds, designed Meridian Hill Park under the guidance of the Commission of Fine Arts. By 1914, Burnap had completed his basic design: a linear series of elements that included the Mall, the Great Terrace, the Hillside Gardens with Cascades, and the Lower Plaza with the memorial to President Buchanan.

After Burnap returned to private practice in 1917, Peaslee submitted revisions that greatly simplified the Mall. As automobiles were rapidly replacing horse-drawn carriages in the city, he eliminated vehicular access into the park. He added a pedestrian entrance on 15th Street and shifted the Buchanan Memorial off the main axis to the east of the plaza. When park construction began in 1918, landscape designer Ferrruccio Vitale was hired to develop a planting plan for Meridian Hill Park. Following Peaselee's lead, Vitale greatly simplified the lower park. He eliminated the 16th Street entrance to the Great Terrace, the bridge over the Cascades and the oval amphitheater, and simplified the pathways to the Hillside Gardens.

For more information go to: www.nps.gov/mehi

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #15 James Buchanan series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 38° 55.332′ N, 77° 2.128′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Columbia Heights. Marker can be reached from 15th Street Northwest north of Chapin Street Northwest, on the left when traveling north. This is one of four markers on the eastern side of Meridian Hill Park along the park paths paralleling 15th Street just south of the comfort station. It is across the street from 2407 15th St NW Washington, DC 20009. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Visionary and Park Champion (here, next to this marker); Creating the "City Beautiful" (here, next to this marker); Design Challenges (here, next to this marker); Mansions, Parks, and People (within shouting distance of this marker); An American Meridian (within shouting distance of

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

2. Park Designers Marker

This marker is on the far right.

this marker); College Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Campus to Army Camps and Back Again (about 300 feet away); Art for the People (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Also see . . . Meridan Hill Park. This URL appears on the marker. (Submitted on March 28, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)

Drinking Fountain Boxed Up image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

3. Drinking Fountain Boxed Up

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 2, 2013

4. The Lodge

"The lodge, first referred to as a comfort station, originally contained an office for Park Police as well as Men and Women's restrooms on either side. Several changes have taken place over time. First, the office was removed, creating an open air seating area. Then the restrooms were also removed, converting the lodge to a pavilion. The lodge has been restored to its original use as a comfort station." -- NPS Classified Structures List

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 536 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 28, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.