Our McMillan

Our Community. Our Choice.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Site Tour: COURTYARDS

Beautiful Boulevards

The above-ground structures on McMillan, the Sand Silos and Regulator Houses, are situated along two Courtyards, running east to west along the upper and lower portions of the site.
The dome and spire of Catholic University rise above McMillan's sand silos to the northeast.

From this vantage point, you can see the rowhouses along North Capitol Street. The northern courtyard is about 4 feet below grade on the eastern, North Capital, side. Further below street-level on the First Street side to the west. The southern courtyard is rises about 10 feet above street level.

Due north lies the Washington Hospital Center.

The towers and cottage-like red brick houses create a natural avenue.

Looking northwest, Children's Hospital is visible beyond the northern courtyard.
Notice the graceful undulations of the landscape. Under the hillock is one of the entryways to the vaulted chambers below ground.

The original landscaping included ivies and lush greenery to enhance the above-ground structures.
The leaves turn to brilliant golds and crimson in the autumn.