Read qualification for landmark designation under the provisions of D.C. Law 2-144, possessing qualities of distinction under criteria a (2), a (3), and a (4) as well as meeting criterion a (6) (b). "The Friendship Shopping Center is one of the two largest of its kind erected in Washington, a city that was a national leader in the development of the type in the 1930s and 1940s. The complex is among the first in the city and region where a supermarket and a large variety store served as the anchor tenants. The complex is also significant as an example of avant-garde modernism in a popular vein from the postwar era--embodying forms of expression that exemplified the pursuit of newness by a generation whose notions of modernity were deeply affected by the technical and logistical innovations of World War II." PDF file, Word (PC) file, and html file available (click on links to start download).

Washington's Newest, Most Excitingly Beautiful Food Department Store. A Sight to See--A Pleasure to Shop! What was once a housewife's chose--is now a pleasant, exciting experience! Another of the city's most modern, streamlined Giant Food Department Stores, surrounded by acres of free parking--the latest example of 20th Century food store operation--from the handsomely designed building to the scientifically-planned interior...

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Read views on the preservation of this building:

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Historic Preservation Saves Buildings But Robs Residents of Goods and Services by Syd Gernstein, July 2002
New Visions Commentary The National Leadership Network of Conservative African-Americans
"In their zeal to preserve everything they deem historic, preservation activists often fail to balance desires with a community's needs. Since many sites designated for preservation are located in or near minority communities, historic preservation decisions raise concerns about environmental justice....To protect truly historic sites is a noble cause. Our history is important. But sometimes protecting sites of questionable historic significance denies urbanites basic goods and services. That isn't noble - it's scandalous."