The Mendota Cooperatives
Located at 2220 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 | Kalorama
Known as Washington, DC’s first luxury cooperative building, the Mendota is also featured in James Goode’s “Best Addresses,” a seminal book about the District’s finest apartment houses. Originally built in 1901, the Beaux-Arts structure can be found at 2220 20th Street NW at the corner of Kalorama Road. Not only was the Mendota the first co-op in Washington, it was also the first apartment building in the Kalorama Triangle neighborhood.
Designed by James G. Hill, the Mendota is a stunning work of architecture when viewed from the street, with buff brick, limestone, and terra cotta details, and elaborate molded cornices. The seven-story building is home to 48 residences, with unusually spacious floorplans. These apartment homes were created as roomy alternatives to owning a rowhouse, with the larger units also having domestic staff quarters. The layouts range from tidy little studios to four-bedroom dwellings with up to 2,000 square feet of living space. The building was home to many notable politicians and businesspeople in its early days and continues to be one of Kalorama’s most desirable co-ops. Other residential buildings in the neighborhood include 2101 Connecticut, the Wyoming, the Dresden, and the Westmoreland.
Inventory for Sale at The Mendota
More About the Mendota, Washington, DC
From the smallest efficiency to the largest four-bedroom layout, cooperative apartments at the Mendota offer timeless elegance and extraordinary Old World craftsmanship. The old heart of pine floors have been lovingly preserved, and the unusually tall double-hung sash windows invite the natural sunshine right inside. The corner U-shape of the building along with its many projecting bays translates to some intriguing interior nooks and shapes. The galley kitchens have been updated over the years, and there are also decorative fireplaces that once burned wood. Large walk-in closets are supplemented by basement storage lockers. The bathrooms have often been remodeled in ways that feel faithful to the original vintage style while also offering modern touches. In-unit washers and dryers are allowed on a case-by-case basis, an opportunity that is not always available with cooperative buildings.
The common areas of the Mendota also reflect a time gone by, beginning with a welcoming vestibule at the entrance, with stairs leading up and into the to the vast lobby with its marble wainscoting, terrazzo floors, and original polished brass mailboxes. The elevator has been rebuilt to modern standards while still maintaining its historic appearance. There is also an additional service elevator. Residents enjoy a staffed front desk, a lobby parlor, a lovely courtyard garden, extra storage units, a bicycle storage room, and a laundry room for those who don’t have in-unit machines. There is even a communal vault of old and original elements such as flooring, oak doors, and old doorknobs to help owners maintain the vintage charm of their apartments. Of course, the neighborhood itself plays an important role, with the triangular-shaped Kalorama Park a block away, and the neighboring communities of Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle also close by.
To learn more about co-ops for sale at the Mendota, please call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, 202-400-3040.
The Mendota, District of Columbia FAQs
Q: Does the Mendota have a parking garage?
A: No, the building was constructed prior to the popularity of automobiles. There is on-street parking, however.
Q: Where is the nearest Metrorail station?
A: The Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station is about 0.6 miles to the northwest, while the Dupont Circle Metro Station is about 0.7 miles to the south.
Q: Are there restaurants in the area?
A: You’ll find many restaurants in neighboring Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle, including along 18th Street.
Q: Is the Mendota a pet-friendly building?
A: Cats are allowed but not dogs. You should check with the building’s management for the latest pet policy.
