Victorian Showpiece 1870-1901
As the city of Washington D.C. grew, complaints loudened about the dirt and disorder of the public market.
The Washington Market Company formed in 1870 and hired prominent architect Adolf Cluss to design a modern and lavish new market facility fronting Pennsylvania Avenue.
Featuring towers, turrets, and an embellished façade of red brick, the new market building was planned to hide any unsightly market activity.
"Center Market, 1870"
This sketch of Center Market reveals the Washington Market Company’s elaborate plans for the market. After a series of delays, construction ended in 1877.
Courtesy DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division
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"Plan on the Center Market and the Washington Market Company"
Architect Adolf Cluss presented this plan to Congress in 1874. He eventually abandoned the proposal for a grand hotel in the market, but did include restaurants and retail stores in the space.
Courtesy National Archives and Records Administration