4010 18th Street

Washington, DC 20011

The Italian Renaissance Revival style in American architecture had its earliest beginnings in the mid- to late-19th century, primarily in large commercial and municipal buildings. It was a popular style that was represented throughout the United States as an expression of civic pride, much the way in which the Greek Revival style expressed the aspirations of a young democracy. It later found its way into residential applications, reaching its ultimate expression in the first quarter of the 20th century. The style is characterized by masonry construction, a symmetrical facade, classical decorations, enriched door surrounds, and a rusticated stone or stucco finish. Because this style looked to Italy and classical antiquity for its inspiration, there are usually exterior details reminiscent of the ancient world.The original owner of the house at 4016 built it as a wedding present for his daughter in 1927, a practice which was once not uncommon among affluent homeowners, yet by that time, already regarded as archaic. Instead of creating a work in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the builder presented a style sympathetic to its neighbor as well as a good fit within the range of historical styles found in Crestwood. It is a fine, vernacular example of a style that is not exceedingly common in Washington, DC. The current owners maintained the sensibility of the original floor plan, and the house still offers many of its c. 1927 details which include decorative plaster work, a large and exuberant medallion in the living room, and a pleasant sunroom with a terra cotta-tiled floor. The kitchen and bathrooms were given a contemporary look, and the basement was completely renovated to serve as additional living space. It is a very welcome meeting of a rare, period style with a comfortable and spacious interior.