Shaw

The urban neighborhood of Shaw is bounded by 11th Street NW, N Street NW, New Jersey Avenue NW, and Florida Avenue NW.

As in surrounding neighborhoods, the residential offerings in Shaw are primarily a mix of federal-style row houses and condominium buildings. Many of the homes in the neighborhood are well-maintained by community-minded residents who run the gamut from young professionals to long-standing families.

Rising up into the sky are the neighborhood’s relatively recent condominium buildings, including gems such as The Floridian, The Shay, Hodge on 7th, and 7th Flats. Inside these homes, you’ll find all the particulars of luxury living, from gleaming hardwood floors to private balconies with downtown views.

Homeowners of all stripes can enjoy easy access to two Metro stations that serve the Green and Yellow Lines: Shaw-Howard University and U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo.

HISTORIC ROOTS

Shaw’s roots are closely intertwined with DC’s African American history. The neighborhood (which originally went by the names “Uptown” and “Midcity”) was originally home to freed slaves who built up a vibrant community in the years after the Civil War.

Over time, the area gained a reputation as one of the vibrant centers of African-American culture in the city. Many of the historic buildings still around—such as Howard Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, and Dunbar Theatre—had their origins as places where African-American performers could innovate with blues, jazz, and other musical forms.

Shaw is also home to Howard University, the historic African-American college. Famous figures with connections to the neighborhood include Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes.

As with other nearby neighborhoods, Shaw was hit hard by the 1968 riots that swept the area in the wake of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

GROWTH AND ENERGY

In recent decades, Shaw has been the site of exciting new developments that have injected a renewed sense of attention on the neighborhood—while at the same time respecting the African-American heritage that’s so central to its story.

Massive mixed-use development projects like CityMarket at O and Atlantic Plumbing marry mid-rise urban living with retail fronts that include everything from high-end stores like Warby Parker to hip new restaurants like Convivial.

Recent years have also seen the restoration and preservation of entertainment venues like The Howard Theatre, opening up the beloved venue to a new generation of young professionals and family audiences.

In addition to growth and energy, Shaw’s long-standing location makes it the perfect home for urban living. Not only are its thoroughfares and side streets delightful to stroll, it’s easy to visit surrounding neighborhoods—or to head right downtown.

Move

Take advantage of two walkable Metro stations on the Green and Yellow Lines. Walk to nearby trendy neighborhoods including Logan Circle and Bloomingdale. Enjoy plentiful access to Metrobus routes and Capital Bikeshare stations.

Dine

Celebrate happy hours at popular spots like Nellie’s Sports Bar, Takoda, and Service Bar DC. Eat delicious food at restaurants such as Right Proper Brewing Company, Bistro Bohem, and Shaw Tavern. Relax with a coffee at The Royal.

Live

Dance the night away at U Street Music Hall or the 9:30 Club. Take in a show at the historic Lincoln Theatre or Howard Theatre. Catch an art film at Landmark’s Atlantic Plumbing Cinema. Swim and lift weights at the neighborhood YMCA.

Shop

Dress in style and look your best at shops like Warby Parker and Bonobos. Shop local foods and goods at Union Kitchen Grocery. Get a snazzy haircut or shave at Barber of Hell’s Bottom. Try Latin American wines at Grand Cata.