Asher Corson discovered Foggy Bottom, like so many thousands before him had, as a student at George Washington University. He was so taken by his adopted new neighborhood that he never left.
That was seven years ago, making Corson a veritable newbie compared to many Foggy Bottom residents who see no reason to leave. The Northwest Washington neighborhood is a diverse mix of college students, young professionals and retirees that all share one thing in common — a love for a place first platted in 1768.
Lenore D. Miller has lived in Foggy Bottom for three decades.
“It’s a mixture of historic buildings, but it still has plenty of open space and great proximity to the river,” said Miller, director of university art galleries and chief curator at George Washington University. “It really feels like a neighborhood.”
Bordered roughly by Rock Creek Park, Georgetown, Pennsylvania Avenue and 21st Street, Foggy Bottom is a primarily residential neighborhood with some very famous neighbors, including the Kennedy Center, State Department, and the White House.
“We are very lucky to be close to the White House, which brings a lot of visitors into the neighborhood,” said Corson, president of the Foggy Bottom Association. “I think the residents really enjoy it.”
At times the neighborhood’s relationship with its biggest occupant, the university, can be trying, Corson said.
“Having students close by is a mixed bag,” he said. “It comes with its benefits and it comes with its problems.”
But many residents relish taking advantage of the cultural events and exhibits offered by the university. The Lisner Auditorium, for example, attracts national and international musical acts.
In October, the university was named one of the 25 best neighbor colleges in a survey conducted by Westfield State College. The ranking recognized the efforts of both the university and the surrounding community to build a mutually beneficial relationship.
Housing in Foggy Bottom is a mixture of primarily apartments and townhomes. In the early 19th century the neighborhood was the site of the city’s light industry, and its nearby factories encouraged a cluster of working-class homes. In the 19th and 20th centuries, residences were individually constructed flat-fronted, narrow brick row houses, some of which were built by well-known architects such as A. H. Beers and Norman Grimm. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, parking is at a premium. Recently A sign in a yard on 25th Street advertised a spot for $150 a month.
Perhaps that’s why so many residents ditch the car, and opt instead for myriad other ways to get around.
“If you’re a fan of public transportation, it’s perfect,” Miller said of Foggy Bottom. “The bus lines go right through the neighborhood. I walk, or ride a bike. I have not owned a car in many years.”
The Foggy Bottom Metro stop, on the blue and orange lines, is in the heart of the neighborhood. Residents can walk to a new Trader Joe’s grocery store on 25th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue, and there are many dining options available in nearby West End.
“It’s a unique neighborhood,” Corson said. “Even though it’s in the middle of the city, there are lot of small parks and open spaces. I don’t plan on leaving anything soon.”
