Manhattan Laundry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Manhattan Laundry
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Washington, D.C.
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| Location | 1326-1346 Florida Ave., NW Washington, D.C. |
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| Built | 1877 |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Part of | Greater U Street Historic District (ID93001129) |
| NRHP reference No. | 94001327 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 1994 |
The Manhattan Laundry is a group of old buildings in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C.. These buildings are very important historically. Because of their history, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. This means they are officially recognized as special places that should be protected.
The Story of Manhattan Laundry
The buildings that make up the Manhattan Laundry complex have a long and interesting past. The very first building, located at 1346 Florida Avenue, was built way back in 1877.
When it was first built, this complex was not a laundry at all! It was used by a streetcar company. Streetcars are like old-fashioned trains that run on tracks in the city streets. This facility helped power those streetcars.
Later, in 1892, the complex changed its purpose. It became a printing plant, where books, newspapers, or other materials were printed. Then, in 1905, it changed again and was turned into a laundry. This was a big business that washed clothes for many people and businesses.
The Manhattan Laundry buildings are an important part of how Washington, D.C. grew. They show how the city's main areas and industries expanded along Florida Avenue over many years.
