The Balfour
A Beaux-Arts Landmark since 1900
Historic Elegance in the Heart of D.C.
From its intricate façade to its meticulously maintained interiors, every detail of The Balfour reflects a commitment to quality and style. Step outside to find yourself minutes away from the city’s best dining, cultural institutions, and lush green spaces. Discover a residence that isn’t just a place to stay, but a piece of Washington’s rich architectural heritage to call your own.
History
Apartment buildings began to appear in Washington, D.C., in 1880. The Portland Flats, built on Thomas Circle, was the first. During this period, apartment buildings were figuring out what features and styles mattered most to tenants, and floor plans, amenities, and architectural styles were varied.
Prompted by the McMillan Commission Plan of 1901, Washington began a large-scale improvement of its civic architecture taking stylistic cues from the Beaux-Arts and neoclassical styles. Residential architecture followed suit, and many apartments built between 1897–1918 — dubbed the “Golden Age” of apartment construction — were in this style.
The Balfour was designed by architect George S. Cooper in 1900 and opened to rental in 1901. Originally called the “Westover,” it underwent a name change around 1909, when the underlying property was sold. The construction costs were $100,000, which marked The Balfour as one of the most expensive apartment houses of that period. The imposing limestone-clad façade opens to an equally detailed lobby with marble features and mosaic tile work, which was common to many of the better buildings of this period.
Source: Goode, James M. 1988. Best Addresses. Smithsonian Books.