One of world’s coolest neighborhoods*

It’s happened, that in the last year, ‘One of coolest neighborhoods*’ (*by Forbes) has been just outside my window. So, this post dedicated to Navy Yard (other names: the Yards, Capitol Riverfront) which situated on the bank of Anacostia River in DC, USA.

Until recently, not many people wanted to spend their time here because of unsafe and ‘nothing to look at’ environment. But one big institution discovered the potential of the riverfront area and things began to change.

Couple words about name and history of the area. Its name related to The Washington Navy Yard (which was established here in 1799). Very simple, right? But looks like organizations affiliated with development of this land are ‘not ok’ with this simplicity. That’s why alternative names appeared (I think marketing managers trying to do their best).
The area itself is considered to be earliest industrial neighborhood of the city (and I believe this is one of the reasons why the river was affected by pollution and even now isn’t suitable for swimming or fishing). After World War II things went down when Navy Yard cut its operations to a smaller campus. The area became neglected and overrun with crime* (*see wiki for more details). Only in 2008, when the baseball stadium was opened, ordinary people began visiting this neighborhood. And big companies turned their eyes to this area (now, most of the land have been purchased). First residential construction began in 2007.

And 10 years after, in 2018, this place was listed as one of world’s coolest neighborhoods.

First time I saw this area was in fall 2015 and it seemed to me like an endless construction site with few nice spots like contemporary white bridge and loft style brewery. But in summer 2017, the strolling area became wider and now even more. So, at this point, Navy Yard is definitely one of the most notable areas in terms of architecture (both: contemporary and old) in DC.

So, if you happen to be in the Capital and will have a bit of free time - welcome to Navy Yard!