The Luzon (The Westover)
The Luzon's completion during the first major wave of apartment building construction helped shape D.C. living.
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In 1896, the Luzon's presence in D.C. was evidence of further change in housing trends in the city. While Washingtonians remained hesitant towards apartment living for many reasons, the growing presence of apartment buildings made it clear that for many middle-class families, the affordability of an apartment could attract tenants, despite the concerns of other residents. The Luzon, however, also featured commercial space in its design, making it a multi-purpose building that allowed residents and non-residents alike to utilize it.
Built without any amenities available, the Luzon optimized its functional space over aesthetics in order to accommodate its middle-class residents. However, builder Nicholas T. Haller and architect John H. Nolan did incorporate Romanesque Revival elements to enhance the aesthetic value. The commercial space within the building changed over the years, with its storefronts including a drug store, grocery store, florist's shop, a restaurant, and then a liquor store. Even with the changes in the commercial space, the Luzon continues to stand as one of the earliest examples of changing housing needs as more people moved into the city.
DC Inventory: September 19, 1990
National Register: September 7, 1994
This site is a stop on the D.C. Apartment Buildings tour as an example of a Commercial-Residential apartment building.
