CPHS History

CPHS was founded in 1985 by a group of neighbors to promote interest in the history of Cleveland Park and to encourage preservation of its architectural heritage and character as a friendly, residential neighborhood with a strong sense of community.

The Cleveland Park Historic District was designated in November 1986 after extensive research by CPHS and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1987. The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) was formed in 1987 and meets monthly to review building permit applications. In 1989, CPHS helped the city create a new zoning category, the Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District which protects the historic low-rise character of the commercial buildings on Wisconsin and Connecticut Avenues in the area.

The Bylaws of CPHS are available here in pdf format.

CPHS focused its efforts initially on securing rezoning of the Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenue commercial districts, to prevent further high density development that would be out of character for our residential community. The success of these endeavors led to the creation of a new "neighborhood commercial" zoning category, and resulted in preservation and redevelopment of the small-scale "Park and Shop" complex at the Cleveland Park Metro station on Connecticut Avenue.

CPHS also established a system for review of architectural plans submitted by residents seeking permits for new construction or remodeling of all buildings in the Historic District. While the District's Historic Preservation Review Board is responsible for approving such plans, CPHS's Architectural Review Committee provides guidance to architects and owners and recommendations to the D.C. Historic Preservation Office.

Over time, CPHS has become the neighborhood organization for Cleveland Park, encouraging residents and merchants to join forces on a variety of projects. Neighborhood beautification, House Tours, Garden Tours are just a few activities the Society has enthusiastically supported.