The Bryant Street Pumping Station and the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District: a question of boundaries

Abstract

The McMillan Park Reservoir and Filtration Plant in northwest Washington, D.C., are rightfully designated as a local historic district, recognizing both their unique design and important role in the development and modernization of the city. However, the adjacent Bryant Street Pumping Station, an engineering marvel and Beaux Arts monument in its own right, and a resource which shares much of McMillan Park’s historical signifi cance, is excluded from the boundaries of the neighboring historic district. By researching the development of the national capital’s water system, the history of the pumping station, and the process of designating McMillan Park, this project identifi es why the Bryant Street Pumping Station was not considered a contributing element to the historic district. Understanding how these boundaries were initially drawn is key to ensuring that all potentially contributing elements are properly considered in the future, and ultimately lead to a greater appreciation for and preservation of the historic water infrastructure system of Washington.