Grant Building (Current Primary Name)
Mess Hall (Current Alternative Name)
Resource Identification
Name
Building Number
18 (Current Primary Number)
Evaluation
AFRH-W Historic District
-
Status
- Contributing (2007-01-01)
-
Period(s) of Significance
- Planning for the New Century (1901-1918)
-
Area(s) of Significance
- Military
- Architecture
-
Relative Level of Significance
- Significant (2006-10-29)
-
Quantitative Evaluation
-
Criterion A: 2 Criterion B: 0 Criterion C: 3 Criterion D: 0 National Significance: 0 Integrity: 3 Total Score: 8
Other AFRH-W Designations
none recorded
Other Designations
none recorded
Classification
NRHP Resource Type
Building
NRHP Resource Category
Domestic
NRHP Resource Subcategory
Secondary Structure
Wuzit (original purpose)
Mess Hall
Important Dates
none recorded
Location
Address
Primary Address
3700 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
Location Description
none recorded
Character Area
Central Grounds
AFRH-W Master Plan Zone
AFRH Zone - North/Northeast
Phase 1A Archaeological Zone
Zone 1
Description
Architectural Style
Renaissance Revival
Description
General Description
The Grant Building was constructed primarily to serve as the Home's second mess hall, and also provided dormitory space for residents. The building solidly marks the north end of the Home's campus, reflecting the Home's early-twentieth-century expansion plans. Exemplary of the Renaissance Revival style, the Grant Building has smooth ashlar walls that are symmetrically fenestrated. The imposing structure has a projecting center bay marked on the first story by an arcade-like entry of tapered Corinthian columns and semi-circular arches. Ornately carved medallions with eagles are located on the second story at the corners of the projecting center bay. Standing three stories in height, the building has a hip-with-deck roof largely hidden by the crenellated parapet, and torus-molded cornice adorned with brackets and dentil molding. It was designed by the notable firm of Baldwin & Pennington of Baltimore, Maryland. Located on the north side of the building is a below-grade access drive. The drive is part of the circular roadway, contemporary with the Grant Building that provided service vehicles access to the rear (north) through the North Gate. The notable yellow brick paving is laid in a herringbone pattern. Flanked by stone retaining walls surmounted by modern metal rails, the road provides access to the basement of the Grant Building.
Function and Use
Function
Not in Use
(Current Primary Function)
Mess Hall
(Historic Function)
Detailed Description
Form Type
none recorded
Measurements
none recorded
Components
none recorded
Modifications
none recorded
Map
Related Resources
Related Character Areas
Central Grounds (is contained within / contains)
Related People/Organizations
Baldwin & Pennington (Architecture/Design Firm, was designed by / designed)
