The DeSoto Cooperatives
Located at 1300 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Logan Circle
The Logan Circle neighborhood with its fascinating blend of modern and historic condominium buildings is not as well known for cooperative buildings, but the DeSoto is a noteworthy exception. Built around the turn of the 20th century, this lovely residential building with its Beaux-Arts design was formerly an apartment building before transitioning to co-op ownership. It has also been renovated throughout. There are 42 units spread across five levels, most of which are studios or one-bedroom layouts.
Located at the corner of Massachusetts Ave and 13th Street near the Thomas Circle roundabout, the DeSoto has a very distinctive appearance with both curved and square bays, and exquisitely detailed ornamentation and cornice work. Exampled from this grand era of architecture can often be found along the major diagonal avenues that intersect various traffic circles in Washington, DC. Other examples of cooperative buildings with landmark status include 2540 Massachusetts Avenue in Kalorama, the Avondale in Dupont Circle, Tilden Gardens in Cleveland Park, and the Westchester in Cathedral Heights.
More About the DeSoto, Washington, DC
The DeSoto is in an enclave known as Thomas Circle, named for the Thomas Circle traffic roundabout. This historic little community is associated with the significantly larger Logan Circle neighborhood, also eponymously named for a traffic roundabout. According to most accounts, the DeSoto was built in 1890. However, a plaque on the wall states that it was established in 1904. This could have to do with an early change in ownership or perhaps there is some discrepancy with the original construction and tax records. What is certain is that the historic building was ultimately renovated while maintaining much of its original charm, with wood floors, high ceilings, built-ins, and other period details, along with updated kitchens and baths. Some units also have balconies.
Residents at the pet-friendly DeSoto enjoy a front lobby, an elevator, a large community room, bike storage, and laundry. There are options for extra storage at a nominal monthly fee, as well as nearby garage parking rentals. The building is quite close to Downtown DC, and surrounded by great bars and restaurants such as Founding Fathers & Distillers, L’Ardente, Supra, Calico, Stan’s D.C. Restaurant, and tons more. This is a unique part of the District, where Logan Circle, Thomas Circle, and Downtown all converge. There are numerous nearby urban greenspaces including McPherson Square, Franklin Park, and the grassy inner parks at Thomas Circle and Logan Circle.
To learn more about co-ops for sale at the DeSoto, please call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, 202-400-3040.
The DeSoto, District of Columbia FAQs
Q: Can I keep a dog or cat at the DeSoto?
A: Yes. Even though some co-op buildings restrict animals, the DeSoto is a pet-friendly building.
Q: How does cooperative ownership differ from condos?
A: A condo owner typically purchases the unit, along with shares in common areas while co-op owners purchase shares in the entire building along with the right to live in a designated apartment.
Q: Do the co-ops come with washers and dryers?
A: No, there is a shared laundry room.
Q: Where is the nearest Metrorail station to the DeSoto?
A: The McPherson Metro Station is approximately 0.4 miles away, and the Mount Vernon Square station is about 0.5 miles away.
