Many of Paul Cret's neo-classical and Arte Moderne designs grace Washington, DC, including the Federal Reserve Building (Constitution and 20th Streets, NW) and the Organization of American States (Constitution and 17th Streets, NW). His most graceful works in DC, however, are two bridges that span Rock Creek Park: this one, named after Edward K. "Duke" Ellington, and the Connecticut Avenue Bridge over Klingle Valley between Woodley Park and Cleveland Park.

The Duke Ellington Memorial Bridge was built in 1935 in the neo-classical style. It was placed on the DC Register in 1965.

Several suicide leaps from Duke's Bridge have necessitated security fencing that, unfortunately, has the effect of obscuring part of the marvelous view of Rock Creek Park.