On Michigan Ave and North Capitol St you’ll notice a string of cylindrical concrete structures that look like the entrance to the Kingdom of the Mole People sticking out of a grassy field. This is the McMillan Reservoir Sand Filtration Plant; the buildings are ruins of old water reservoirs. Since 1987 the huge property has sat empty while the District tried to decide what to do with it. Suggestions ranged from a new park to more housing.

In 2017 developers got a plan approved for both a new park and more housing, though it'll take several years to complete. In the meantime, those old reservoir towers look pretty cool from the road.

Transportation

  • metro: Red Line to Brookland-CUA

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Howard University Founders' Library

0.6 MILES

The 1938 Founders’ Library is a handsome Georgian building with a gold spire and giant clock that serves as Howard University’s architectural centerpiece.

2. Howard University Gallery of Art

0.61 MILES

The university's art gallery holds an impressive collection of works largely dominated by African and African American artists, including Archibald Motley…

3. Howard University

0.64 MILES

Founded in 1867, Howard remains the nation’s most prestigious traditionally African American institute of higher education. Distinguished alumni include…

5. Saint John Paul II National Shrine

0.88 MILES

An adjunct for many devotees who visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, this modernist-style structure is an unexpected…

6. Foundry Gallery

0.88 MILES

A nonprofit member-run organization, this small gallery features a diverse range of super-contemporary art – mediums include painting, sculpture and…

7. BloomBars

1.01 MILES

You never know what you'll find going on at BloomBars, a cool community arts center. By day, children's story times and music classes take place; at night…

8. Marvin Gaye Mural

1.06 MILES

This brightly-colored mural by artist Aniekan Udofia depicts the soul singer – who was born and raised in DC and went to high school in Columbia Heights –…

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