Location 1401 F Street, N.W. NRHP Reference # 95000353 Architecture firm Starrett & van Vleck Nearest city Washington, D.C. | Built 1925-1929 Architectural style Streamline Moderne Added to NRHP 4 April 1995 | |
 | ||
Area (less than 1 acre (4,000 m) Similar Federal‑American National Bank, The Shops at National Place, Willard InterContinental Washington, John A Wilson Building, White House | ||
Garfinckel's Department Store is an eight-story department store building, erected at the northwest corner of 14th and F Streets, across from the Willard Hotel, which is one block from the Treasury Department and less than two blocks from the White House.
History
Garfinckel's first retail location opened in 1918, and was located at 13th and F Streets, Northwest, Washington, D.C.,
They expanded to the new location, in 1929. The $2,000,000 structure was designed by architects Starrett & van Vleck of New York. By 1936, there were more than 500 employees.
In 1995, the historic Garfinckel's flagship store, located at 1401 F Street, NW, Washington, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. From 1997 to 1999, the property was redeveloped into a modern office building and shopping center that is referred to as Hamilton Square.
Garfinckel's flagship store reputation was not without controversy. It was both widely known and acknowledged that blacks were not welcome at the flagship store and in fact, were not permitted to try on clothing. This may in fact have hurt the store during the latter part of the 20th century; newly-prosperous blacks may have been inclined to ignore the store.
After Garfinckel's bankruptcy in 1990, the store remained vacant. It was redeveloped in 1999. The 2009 property value of Hamilton Square was $136,201,000.
Borders bookstore was a street level tenant. The owner is considering tenants.