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A New Purpose
MCAAD has made its home in these grand historic buildings in the heart of Washington, DC. Built in the early 1900s, they are considered hallmarks of Classical Revival architecture.
Parthenon, East FacadeMilken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Inspiration from the Past
When architects in the young United States started building government spaces in the early 1800s, they looked back to the forms used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. They were inspired by Greek democratic ideals and the Roman republic.
US Capitol by Architect of the CapitolMilken Center for Advancing the American Dream
A Style for the Republic
This early adoption of Greek and Roman architecture is called Neoclassical. Prominent examples in Washington, DC include the White House and the US Capitol.
Riggs National Bank by United States Library of CongressMilken Center for Advancing the American Dream
A Solid Foundation
These forms regained popularity in the 1900s: this style is called Classical Revival.
Riggs National Bank Construction Drawing, 1922 by Appleton ClarkMilken Center for Advancing the American Dream
When Riggs National Bank decided to build their new headquarters at 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, they chose a Classical Revival style to emphasize the bank’s strength, stability, and security.
This style also reflects the Neoclassical elements of the US Treasury building across the street.
MCAAD Front FacadeMilken Center for Advancing the American Dream
A Closer Look
Let’s explore the architectural details of our Classical Revival buildings.
We call this a “temple front,” as the façade of the building resembles the forms of an ancient Greek or Roman temple.
The triangular form at the top is called a pediment. The entablature is the horizontal bands directly below the pediment and above the columns.
Fluted columns flank the main entrance. At the top of the columns are Ionic capitals.
Ionic is one of the three orders of classical architecture and is noted for its scroll-like volutes.
Tree of GenerationsMilken Center for Advancing the American Dream
The interior also uses these forms. Instead of being made of stone, the features are crafted from plaster and richly decorated with paint and gilding.
Today, the former Riggs National Bank Building and the former American Security & Trust Company buildings form the heart of the Center. Both buildings were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and are contributing buildings to the Lafayette Square National Historic Landmark District.
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