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An Overview of Truxton Circle Neighborhood
Justin Barone
January 5th, 2005
Truxton Circle Neighborhood of Shaw |
Truxton Circle, the eastern-most part of Shaw, is a dynamic neighborhood rich in history but replete with modern amenities. Technically, Truxton Circle is bounded on the north by Florida Avenue, on the east by North Capitol Street, on the south by New York Avenue, and on the west by New Jersey Avenue. Truxton Circle contains a mixture of residential, community, and commercial buildings resulting in a balanced neighborhood. Historically, the neighborhood was mostly Victorian and Federal style rowhouses. Now over a century old, many of these houses are being renovated to reflect the original architecture or converted to multi-unit residential buildings. Driving the renaissance in Truxton Circle is its proximity to commercial development, both recently finished and still underway, such as the XM Satellite Radio headquarters, a DC government building (the Peoples Building), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the New York Avenue Metro Station, all at the intersection of New York and Florida Avenues. To the south and west are the new DC Convention Center, Chinatown, Logan Circle, and the MCI Center. The continued growth of Howard University and the U Street Corridor to the north and west are also contributing to the growth of the neighborhood. Community retail establishments have recently opened to serve the community, with more in development. This centrality to many DC resources is without a doubt the greatest advantage of residing in the Truxton Circle. Only slightly farther away are Penn Quarter, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Columbia Heights, which are rich in retail and dining opportunities.
Although North Capitol Street, New York Avenue, Florida Avenue, and New Jersey Avenue are major DC arteries, the streets within Truxton Circle make it easy to walk, run, or ride your bike through the neighborhood. Traffic is lightest early morning and late evening for the fitness-minded. In addition, the entrance to Rock Creek Park is about 1.5 miles west for a more extended walk or ride. The topography of the neighborhood is basically flat but there are rises to the south and north of the neighborhood for people looking to not only get out and get fit but to challenge themselves. For a great stroll, a few minute walk down New Jersey will put you smack dab at the Capitol and the beginning of the National Mall.
Truxton Circle is part of Ward 5 in Washington, DC. More specifically, it is served by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C. The neighborhood civic associations are also a great way to meet your neighbors, voice concerns, organize events, or network and connect to the area. The neighborhood is well organized and uses community meetings, daily e-mail updates, and websites to inform the residents of daily occurrences. Whether you want to find a great place to grab some takeout or a reliable plumber to come over to fix your leaky faucet, whatever your needs, the members of the neighborhood are here to help.
