But that changed abruptly when the riots following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led to extensive looting and burning. For decades afterwards, boarded-up businesses and empty lots marred 14th Street between Irving Street and Park Road. Now change is sweeping the area again.

The 1999 unveiling of the Columbia Heights Metro station has spurred massive redevelopment, and exciting new structures are already drawing activity to the area. Apartment buildings and rowhouses have filled in some of the empty lots, and a large shopping complex is recently completed.
 
You’ll find a lot to explore in Columbia Heights. Check out a GALA Hispanic Theatre production en español, with simultaneous English translation. GALA operates out of the renovated historic Tivoli Theater.
 
Don’t forget to stroll down the side streets to see some of DC’s most elegant early 20th-century rowhouses, then grab a bite at one of the nearby small restaurants along 14th Street and Park Road.

Cultural Assets Inventory

Cultural Tourism DC published its Columbia Heights Cultural Assets Inventory and Map in September 2008. This detailed report highlights historic sites, architecture, cultural venues, and other institutions that shaped this vibrant neighborhood. It was developed with significant input from the Columbia Heights Roundtable, a group of community stakeholders Cultural Tourism DC convened in 2006-2007. To read a copy, download the pdf.

For More Information

Check out our Calendar of Events for up-to-date information on Columbia Heights happenings.

Tour Map