Historically, Adams Morgan was comprised of parts of four neighborhoods: Kalorama, Lanier Heights, Shaw and Meridian Hill. In the mid 1950′s, the Adams Morgan Better Neighborhood Conference formed with the goal of quickly and peacefully desegregating two elementary schools, the all white John Quincy Adams School and the all black Thomas P. Morgan School. They accomplished this smoothly and efficiently, and the name “Adams Morgan” was coined.

Today, Adams Morgan is four neighborhoods. Two are disignated as historic: 1. Kalorama Triangle bordered by Calvert Street on the north, Connecticut Avenue on the west and Columbia Road on the east; 2. Washington Heightsm between 18th and 19th Streets, Forida Avenue to the south and Columbia Road to the north. 3. Lanier Heights, bordered by the National Zoo, Aedams Mill Road, Harvard Street to the north and Columbial Road to the east is the third , and 4. Reed Cooke, is bordered by 18th Street to the west, 16th Street to the east, Florida Avenue to the southe and Columbial Road to the north.

Updated June 1st, 2011:

For the latest information about Adams Morgan Road Construction, visit the official site at http://www.adamsmorganstreetscapeproject.com

The site is a little out of date, but here is their summary of work from May 2nd to May 17th:

General Summary:

Work in the intersection at 18th St NW and Florida Ave is very busy and crews are on schedule.  At this time a lot of electrical conduit work is occurring between manholes and involves a fair amount of work in trenches and in holes.  Depending on what the contractor encounters this is very complicated and complex work which involves coordination with DC Water, Washington Gas, as well as Pepco.  All agencies have personnel on site and coordination is working very well.  At times delays may occur while decisions regarding unmarked lines (utility and otherwise) are discussed in order to facilitate  new connections and conduits.  The work at this location (18th and Florida Ave)  also involves water line tie-ins and service connections.  While this work is being done interruption to water service will occur, appropriate notification will be made to affected customers by DC Water and their subcontractors.  It is possible that water service interruptions may last longer than anticipated depending on what the contractors find underground.  In this case, DC Water will notify their customers as fast as possible regarding any delays.

Work is also continuing north on 18th St. NW in the 2000, 2100 and 2200 BLK, east side, as electrical conduit and duct work continues.

Sidewalk and curb replacement will begin shortly on the south side of Florida Ave NW, and then proceed to the east side of 18th St, 2000 BLK.

 

NBC Washington reports that Adams Morgan is in for some growing pains as construction gets underway on the 18th street corridor. While this may be good new for some, it has some local businesses worried.

“I think everybody was very, very reluctant to move forward for fear of what happened on P Street,” Tryst and The Diner owner Constantine Stavropolous told the Washington Business Journal. “The nightmare stories we heard of businesses going out of business. The incompetence of some agencies to coordinate things. But most of us felt we needed a facelift, something dramatic that’s going to keep us in competition with a growing city.”

The P Street “nightmare” he’s referring to is the 18-month streetscape project from 2007 and 2008. Some restaurant owners reported losing more than half of their business.

But for those who traverse down the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare on 18th Street, the project will be a welcome addition. Just ask local blog The 42:

Adams Morgan Heritage Trail; a self guided bilingual tour that explains the neighborhood’s rich history. The city, previously known as Adams Mill was renamed in the early 1900′s after DC’s first two segregated schools. Once an elite area full of famous politicians and socialites, the name Adams Mill came from John Quincy Adams whose estate was located there.

Trail highlights also include the site of America’s very first Toys R Us, which opened its doors in 1948, the grand apartments of Kalorama Triangle and the lovely Victorian townhouses that line 18th street. The tour also includes all the neighborhood murals and tales of elite colonial families and revolutionaries.

Brew at the Zoo - August 20th from 6 -9 pm

The National Zoo – 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW. . You’ve never seen an event quite like this. Bring all your friends for a night of food and brew with all the animals at the National Zoo. Hang onto your ticket, it’s your access pass to over 35 beer samples. You’ll also receive a free commemorative mug to remember the special event.

Live bands, plenty of pizza, and barbecue food are also available. This event may sound strange, but your tickets while you can, they sell out every year.

Stump Trivia – Tuesdays 8-10pm

Madam’s Organ Restaurant and Bar – 2461 18th Street NW. A favorite event with the locals, Madam’s Organ Restaurant and Bar let’s Stump take over the pub for the evening. Stump is a company that is serious about their trivia. They set up teams of up to six contestants each and test their brains with random trivia questions. The hosts are fun and interesting and some of the games get pretty heated. Whether you are participating or observing, you’ll definitely enjoy this weekly event.

Adams Morgan First Tuesdays – The first Tuesday of every month

Adams Morgan Tuesday Shop and Eat Special is just in time to boost the economy. First Tuesdays offers discounted shopping and dining on the first Tuesday of each month. Patrons can enjoy the fine dining of select neighborhood restaurants and receive food and drink for two for a mere $25. Certain shops offer discounts that range anywhere from 10 to 35 percent.

If you are visiting the Adams Morgan community for the first time, the first Tuesday is the perfect time to do so.