Meridian Hill Park is somewhat of a hidden DC gem located less than a half mile from both The Morgan and Apex. Its location by Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights posits the park as the perfect hangout for young professionals and families alike.
The park itself feels like an escape, despite its urban location. Neoclassical and French inspired architecture create a different atmosphere and contribute to the diversity that characterizes the park and its visitors. CCRE is pleased that future owners of our newest condominium complexes will have access to such an outdoor delight.
Previously the site of John Quincy Adams’ post-presidential mansion, Meridian Hill Park, also known as Malcolm X Park, is a 12-acre space in the center of district urban living. Rich with history since its 1936 opening, the park features the largest cascading water fountain in the nation.
“Long before the park, Native Americans traversed the hilltop along a well-traveled route. When the Federal city was being planned as the nation’s new capital, Thomas Jefferson promoted the idea of the Earth’s prime meridian running directly north of the White House, a route that is now essentially 16th Street, thus lending the name to the hill and, later, the park. The Meridian hilltop has been home to five presidents and was the site of an early African American seminary, a Civil War hospital, and the forerunner to George Washington University. In the early 20th century, a prominent resident of Meridian Hill, Mary Henderson, began promoting the idea of a park“ (Washingtonparks.net).
On Sundays from 3-9pm the upper portion of the park fills with drummers who form a drum circle and serve food to the homeless. This is a unique and interesting tradition that has been occurring since the 1950’s.