About Us - Edmonds School Condominium Association

Our History

The James B. Edmonds School, situated at the corner of Ninth and D streets NE, is a premier example of historic preservation in Capitol Hill. Originally constructed in 1903 as a Colonial Revival elementary school, the building served generations of local children before closing its doors in the 1990s. Following its closure, the property was occupied by several organizations, including the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and the D.C. Teachers Federal Credit Union.

In 2012, the property began its transformation when it was purchased by CAS-Riegler Development and Ditto Residential for a meticulous restoration and repurposing into a sophisticated residential community. Completed in 2014, the project successfully fused historical grandeur with modern elegance, preserving the iconic red brick facade and white trim.

Today, the building consists of 20 unique condominium units and three attached townhouses. Because historical preservationists required the protection of many interior structural walls, no two units are the same. Residents enjoy architectural features such as soaring 13-to-16-foot ceilings, original exposed brick, and massive restored windows that flood the living spaces with natural light. These contemporary homes feature high-end luxuries like Bosch appliances, Waterworks fixtures, and Nest learning thermostats.

The Legacy of the Schoolhouse

James Barker Edmonds (1832–1900)

The school was named in honor of James Barker Edmonds, a prominent attorney and politician who served as the 4th President of the Board of Commissioners of Washington, D.C..

Early Career: Born in Saratoga County, New York, Edmonds was admitted to the bar at age 21 and built a prestigious law firm in Iowa before retiring to Washington, D.C. in 1875.
Civic Leadership: Appointed by President Chester A. Arthur in 1883, he led the Board of Commissioners until 1886. He was so highly regarded for his efficiency that President Grover Cleveland personally offered him reappointment, which he declined.
Final Resting Place: Edmonds passed away in 1900 and is buried in Washington's Rock Creek Cemetery.

Historical Recognition & Media

The conversion of the Edmonds School from an educational landmark to a residential masterpiece has been widely documented:

Capitol Hill Corner (2012): Reported on the building's repurposing within the historic district.
The Washington Post (2014): Featured the building's restoration, noting how it maintained its "neighborhoodly" feel while providing expansive, light-filled homes.
The Washingtonian: Recognized the development as a "Listing We Love," praising the architectural charm of the attic-level lofts and dormer windows.
National Association of Homebuilders: The development was named a finalist for the best garden/small-scale condo community award.

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