Community Profile: LeDroit Park

LeDroit Park is a Historic District located in Washington D.C. near Howard University. LeDroit Park was developed by one of Howard University founders, Amzi L. Barber. LeDroit Park was originally a planned architecturally unified subdivision designed by James McGill and created between the years of 1873 and 1877. It is bounded by Rhode Island and Florida Avenue on the south; Howard University on the west; Elm St. on the north; and 2nd St. on the east. The Metro stop is called Shaw-Howard University. LeDroit’s houses include many mansions, houses and row-houses designed by James McGill. It currently contains 50 of the original 64 McGill houses constructed in the late 1880s and 1890s.
History:
In the early years their was a lot of controversy centered around LeDroit Park being a “whites only” neighborhood. They were also scrutinized for having a gated community which had guards to patrol the premises to ensure no unwelcome guest. After a few years and countless efforts to integrate the neighborhood, some unidentified students from Howard University tore down the fences that separated the neighborhood. This was the beginning of the neighborhood integration. Through the years it became integrated, then segregated and housed mostly African Americans to now integrated again.
LeDroit is uniquely positioned near Howard University, which has and still plays a major influence in the neighborhood. When it was first establishing itself LeDroit was known as an intimate, romantic neighborhood, unique from various other neighborhoods in the rest of Washington D.C. due to its quaintness.
Gail Watson is a 59-year-old native Washingtonian. Watson is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Bruce Monroe Elementary School in NW. Watson has lived in Ledroit Park for over 30 years and eye-witnessed various changes throughout in the neighborhood.

“When I first moved here to LeDroit from Northeast DC, the neighborhood had a reputation for being were the elite black folks stayed, so of course I wanted to be in that number. My husband and I bought this house for our family and now my grandkids are growing up here” said Watson.

By the 1940s, the neighborhood had become home to a number of famous African-American scientists, poets, and musicians including, Duke Ellington, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Senator Edward Brooke, and Dr. Ralph J. Bunche. LeDroit Park remains essentially intact today and serves as home to many prominent African Americans.

The adage “Things fall apart” is correct because even after a prestigious reputation and being home to some of African American’s finest, LeDroit Park began to fall apart. By the 1970s, 80s and 90s the old characteristics and culture which made the neighborhood special began to become memories of the pass. The Old Victorian mansions, and homes became distorted, some blocks turned into drug corners, and the tenacious spirit was a thing of the past.
LeDroit’s reputation as a good place to live had been distorted by the crime stint that was prevalent in the 1990s. Watson has seen the neighborhood go from good to bad, to back good since her time being here, and she says it’s just apart of life. “Every ten years or so it seems like the things just change, the people and everything. I’ve seen so many of my friends move out and now their houses are being renovated and rented to Howard students” said Watson.
Crime:
These percentages represent the risk of personal and property crimes for this area as compared to the national average.

*Table provided by Washingtonpost.com
Murder 1213% Rape 122% Robbery 424%
Assault 271% Burglary 63% Larceny 81% Vehicle Theft 281%
Total Risk203%

Neighborhood Watch Clubs were formed in the 90s when crime and drug trafficking became a community issue. “I’ve never been scared to walk around, but I definitely remember a time were drugs and crime were a big issue within the community. Some of the neighbors would ban together and try to come up with ways to get those thugs off the street” said Watson.

Despite the decline in the 80s and 90s these days LeDroit Park is positioning itself as an up-incoming neighborhood again; with houses being restored, and various blocks being renovated, the neighborhood is back to restoring its historic greatness.
Statistics:
Although the neighborhood only spans across a few city blocks, today the population exceeds 2,300 and the relationship demographic are as follows: Single- 72%, Married- 12%, and Divorced- 11% with the median age being 30 years old. *Statistics provided by Washington Post.

The wide mix of people living in LeDroit Park reflects the neighborhood’s in-between state. There are longtime residents, “pioneers” who invested when the area’s potential wasn’t quite so obvious, and renters who are finding that living alone or with four friends can be fairly inexpensive.

Watson admits she has considered relocating to another area, but none of the pitfalls have been off-putting enough to make her and her family want to leave. “Yes I’ve thought of leaving, but this is home- and honestly the neighborhood has gotten better. I still love sharing the history with my grandkids, and this is just home.”

Watson has learned throughout the years that
no neighborhood is perfect, and she takes the good with the bad and continues to be fulfilled. She did say if it ever got to the point were she feared her safety she would certainly move but she doubts she’ll live to see that day.

If you currently live in LeDroit Park, it is surely a joy to stay in and a convenience. With just a short bike ride away you have access to downtown, 14th Street, and Columbia Heights, and the neighborhood is near a number of bus and metro stations.