Secret Washington, DC: VITAMINS, BEAUTY, & A CORNER OF HISTORY

This story may have not made it into Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, but it’s every bit as wonderful and/or weird!Check out author JoAnn Hill’s book to discover dozens of additional fascinating tidbits and treasures in and around the Washington, DC, area.

HOW DID A CVS IN NORTHEAST DC END UP ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORICAL PLACES?

         Tree-lined streets, a thriving arts scene, and casual eateries have contributed to the welcoming and small-town feel of the Northeast neighborhood of Brookland. While walking along the main commercial strip of Twelfth Street, passers-by may notice an atypical-looking, somewhat-artsy-appearing CVS Pharmacy.  This unusual CVS is as distinctive as it is historical.  So just how did this neighborhood’s art-deco designed corner CVS Pharmacy land on the National Register of Historic Places?

        In 1937, the Newton Theater, a long-time Brookland institution, was designed by architect John Jacob Zink. Zink is credited with designing many of Washington’s most lauded cinemas, including the historical Uptown Theater and notable Atlas and Naylor Theaters.  The 1,007 seat Newton Theater, a classic combination of elements of art deco and art moderne designs, was a popular social spot for years. Overtime, however, the surrounding communities began to change while the theater’s competition increased, causing its popularity and business to decline. Similar to many other neighborhood cinemas during that era, the Newton Theater was ultimately forced to close its doors forever.

         A CVS Pharmacy eventually replaced the former Newton Theater but did so while preserving the building’s architectural character and unique façade.  With its uniquely designed exterior and art deco theatre-style signage, this is not your average-looking run-of-the-mill pharmacy. Instead, it’s a pharmacy that has managed to honor its history and distinguishable design. In 2007, the theatre-converted-pharmacy earned a place in history when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW:

Where: 3601 12th Street NE, Washington, DC

Pro Tip:  This is not the only Washington theater that was converted into a CVS. The MacArthur Theater, located in NW DC, is also a CVS today.

Noteworthy: A number of Washington theaters have chosen to preserve their architectural history, including the U Street landmark Lincoln Theatre and historic Howard Theatre.