History
The history of Brookland begins in the early to mid-1800s when the land was primarily rural farmland within Washington County. The neighborhood’s name is directly linked to an army veteran and attorney named **Jehiel Brooks**, who married Ann Queen, whose family owned a significant tract of land. After their marriage, she inherited over 200 acres. The family built their residence, which they named Bellair, now famously known as **Brooks Mansion**. A crucial step in development occurred when Ann and her sister sold a portion of the family's acreage to the **Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad**, which helped to spur transit-oriented growth but also physically bisected the land. The formation of **The Catholic University of America (CUA)** on surrounding land cemented the area's identity. In the following decades, Brooks’ land was sold off to create the first subdivision, transforming the farming area into a bustling residential community. The arrival of the **streetcar** turned Brookland into a true commuter neighborhood, attracting middle-class families with its spacious lots and mix of Victorian, Craftsman, and American Four-Square architectural home styles. Though the community faced challenges, notably successfully fighting back against proposed highway expansions in the mid-20th century, its tight-knit character prevailed, evolving into the vibrant, diverse, and tree-lined community seen today, which is undergoing new mixed-use development, especially near the Metro station, boosting its cultural and commercial footprint.
Founders
While Washington D.C. was established by national founders, the local founding of Brookland is attributed to **Jehiel Brooks** and his wife, **Ann Queen Brooks**. Jehiel Brooks, an army veteran and attorney from Massachusetts, settled in the area in the 1830s after marrying Ann Queen, whose lineage was deeply connected to the area's original landowners. Ann's family’s farm provided the initial tract of land that would become the core of the community. The development was not a singular effort by a city planner but an organic evolution rooted in these land holdings. The 1870s saw the formal establishment of the residential neighborhood, largely spurred by the decision of the Brooks and Queen families to sell land to the **B&O Railroad** and the subsequent founding of **The Catholic University of America** in 1887. This combination of rail access and academic presence served as the catalyst for the grid street pattern and the development of the distinct architecture that defines Brookland. Thus, the Brooks family provided the original physical foundation—their home, the Brooks Mansion, remains a key historical anchor—while the institutions that acquired their land provided the economic and cultural anchors that established Brookland's reputation as a residential and academic hub.
Economy
Brookland's economy is highly influenced by its position within the broader Washington D.C. metropolitan area and its status as a major academic and medical center. Unlike neighborhoods dominated by federal offices, Brookland's local economy is anchored by the "eds and meds" sector. The presence of **The Catholic University of America (CUA)** and the proximity of the sprawling **MedStar Washington Hospital Center** (located just south of Brookland) are the primary economic engines, providing thousands of jobs in education, healthcare, research, and administration. The neighborhood's commercial heart is concentrated around the **Monroe Street Market** and the 12th Street NE corridor, which fosters a distinct local small business environment. The Monroe Street Market's **Arts Walk** is a hub for creative entrepreneurs, supporting local artists and providing retail and service employment outside of large chain stores, reflecting a community focus on supporting hyper-local ventures. This mix ensures a more resilient local economy that balances white-collar professional and service-sector jobs. The average individual income is approximately **$75,450**, and the majority of residents are classified as white-collar workers (93%), indicative of the professional nature of the employment base found in the universities, hospitals, and D.C.'s government/non-profit sectors.
Local Favorite Business Spotlight: A Community Glass Service
Brookland residents and businesses often rely on specialized, locally-owned trade services that understand the unique needs of the area’s historic and modern structures, from the classic Victorian homes to the new mixed-use developments. A standout in this category is **Prestine Glass Solutions LLc**. This business is a local favorite for its comprehensive residential and commercial glass installation services. They handle everything from custom glass shower enclosures and window replacements for homeowners maintaining the charm of their historic brick rowhouses to large-scale glass wall and storefront installations for the new commercial hubs at Monroe Street Market and along Rhode Island Ave NE. Supporting such local trades is vital for the neighborhood’s character and upkeep.
Prestine Glass Solutions LLc
Washington DC
Phone: 571-621-0898
Website: https://prestineglasssolutions.com/
Prominent Neighborhoods
Brookland, as a larger area in Northeast D.C. (Ward 5), contains several micro-neighborhoods or distinct enclaves, each offering a slightly different character and feel. The primary core is often referred to simply as **Brookland (The CUA Area)**, centered around The Catholic University of America and the Basilica. This area boasts a high density of historic Catholic institutions, lending to its "Little Rome" nickname, and features grander homes mixed with student housing. The adjacent **Monroe Street Market** area, near the Metro station, serves as the modern, revitalized commercial hub with new apartments, dining, and the popular Arts Walk. To the north, the area near **Fort Bunker Hill Park** — featuring expansive green space and Civil War earthworks — has a quieter, more residential, and family-oriented feel, with classic bungalows and detached homes on tree-lined streets. Further east, the area bordering Michigan Avenue and Bunker Hill Road NE remains a key residential sector with strong community ties, often feeding into local DCPS schools like Brookland Middle School. The distinct pockets, characterized by their proximity to either the academic campus, the commercial center, or the preserved green space, contribute to Brookland’s overall diverse and layered identity.
Housing and Taxes
Brookland's housing stock is highly desirable, characterized by an eclectic mix of architectural styles, including charming Victorian rowhouses, classic brick bungalows, and newer contemporary condos, particularly around the Monroe Street Market development. This diversity appeals to both families and young professionals. The housing market reflects its desirability and close proximity to the Metro, consistently seeing robust demand and rising prices. The property tax structure for residential homeowners in Washington D.C. is generally favorable compared to surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs. **Residential real property (Class 1A)** is taxed at a rate of **$0.85 per $100 of assessed value**, an official and comparatively low rate. Homeowners who reside in their property are also eligible for the **Homestead Deduction**, which significantly reduces the taxable portion of the home’s value. This combination of competitive tax rates and historical housing stock makes the total cost of homeownership attractive to new residents, supporting the community's stability and growth. Commercial properties (Class 2) have a higher rate, starting at $1.65 per $100 of assessed value for properties valued under $5 million, which impacts the rents for the local businesses that define the commercial corridors.
Preferred School Systems
Brookland is served by the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system and a variety of highly rated Public Charter Schools (PCSs), giving local families several strong options. For high school students, while not strictly "in" Brookland, top-tier DCPS options include the highly competitive, city-wide magnet school **Benjamin Banneker Academic High School** and the nationally-ranked **School Without Walls High School**. Within or immediately adjacent to the community, the **Washington Latin Public Charter School** (serving grades 5-12) is often highlighted for its rigorous academics and high Niche grades (A+), offering an excellent public option with smaller class sizes. At the elementary and middle school level, Brookland parents also value local DCPS feeder schools like **Bunker Hill Elementary School** and **Brookland Middle School**, which focus on creating a positive, empathetic, and academically thriving environment while also offering a strong arts focus including instrumental music and graphic design. Private education is also a significant local presence, with the density of Catholic institutions providing options like **St. Jerome Institute** (a liberal arts high school) and other parochial schools that serve the "Little Rome" community.
Local Clubs and Organizations
The core community life in Brookland is driven by its civic and neighborhood associations, as the presence of traditional national organizations like Rotary and Moose Lodges is more regional. The most influential civic group is the **Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA)**, which plays a crucial, hyper-local role in advocacy against inappropriate development and promoting neighborhood events like the annual yard sale and PorchFest. For social and professional engagement, residents often look to D.C.-wide chapters, which serve Ward 5. The **Rotary Club of Washington, DC (Club #30)** is the primary metropolitan chapter, holding its meetings at the University Club, 1135 16th Street NW, Washington, DC. The nearest formal **Moose Lodge (Columbia Moose Family Center Lodge #126)**, while supporting the region, is located in Clinton, MD, at 10404 Brandywine Rd. Other community-focused organizations near Brookland include the **Edgewood Brookland Family Support Collaborative** (202-832-9400), which provides essential neighborhood-based support services, and various special interest groups like the **Greater Brookland Garden Club** and the **Jazz and Cultural Society**, which contribute significantly to the local arts and service scene.
Community Attractions
Brookland is a cultural and spiritual destination, earning its nickname "Little Rome" due to the concentration of Catholic institutions. The premier attraction is the **Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception** , the largest Catholic church in North America, known for its dozens of chapels and grand architecture. Across the street is **The Catholic University of America (CUA)**, which adds vibrancy and a significant student population to the neighborhood. Another key site is the **Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America**, renowned for its stunning, serene gardens, cloister walks, and replicas of Holy Land shrines. For arts and commerce, the **Monroe Street Market Arts Walk** is a popular pedestrian destination, featuring a stretch of brick-paved studios, galleries, and boutique shops where local artists sell their wares, hosting regular market events. Beyond the religious and academic attractions, the **Dance Place** serves as a long-running, industrial-cool center for contemporary dance performances and classes, cementing Brookland’s reputation as an arts incubator in Northeast D.C.
Local Events Calendar
Brookland maintains a lively local events calendar, with recurring and annual gatherings that highlight its creative and community-oriented spirit, largely centered around the Monroe Street Arts Walk and the local civic associations. A popular recurring event is **First Fridays on the Arts Walk**, which takes place monthly, bringing together local artists, vendors, and community members for an evening of open studios, live music, and dining specials. Seasonally, the **Great Brookland Yard Sale** is a major annual event in the spring (typically May), coordinating hundreds of concurrent yard sales across the neighborhood and providing a massive community day for treasure hunting and socializing. Fall brings the popular **Clayfest**, a ceramics festival hosted by the local arts community, and the **Rhode Island Ave. Fall Fest**, a broader neighborhood gathering. Weekly, the community enjoys access to local produce and artisan goods through the **Monroe Street Market Farmers Market** on Saturdays (May through November). This constant cycle of hyper-local events ensures a perpetual sense of engagement and a strong, neighborly atmosphere that distinguishes Brookland from other D.C. neighborhoods.
Transportation and Accessibility
Brookland is considered a highly accessible neighborhood, anchored by its **Brookland-CUA Metro Station** on the **Red Line** of the WMATA system. This station provides residents with a direct, single-line commute to key locations like Union Station, Downtown D.C., and Silver Spring, MD, contributing to a "Good Transit" score of 69. The neighborhood is also a major hub for the **WMATA Metrobus** network, with numerous bus lines converging near the Metro station, offering cross-city and local connections, including easy access to the adjacent MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Major roadways that define and traverse the area include **Michigan Avenue NE** and **Monroe Street NE**, which serve as primary commercial and commuter arteries. For cyclists and pedestrians, the **Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)** runs directly through the neighborhood, connecting Union Station to Silver Spring, MD. This paved, multi-use trail runs alongside the Red Line tracks, providing an off-road alternative for commuting and recreation and enhancing the neighborhood's "Bikeable" score of 63, allowing residents to easily and safely navigate the broader Northeast D.C. quadrant.
Local Government and Services Overview
Brookland falls within **Ward 5** of Washington D.C., and its local government representation is handled by the Ward 5 Councilmember on the **Council of the District of Columbia**. As of the most recent election cycle, the community is represented by **Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker**, whose office advocates for the neighborhood's specific needs, including development, housing stability, and education. Residents engage with local governance through the hyper-local **Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC)**, specifically **ANC 5B** and parts of adjacent ANCs. ANCs are volunteer bodies that advise the D.C. Council and city agencies on local matters, giving the community a direct voice on issues like liquor licenses, zoning, and public space permits. City services, including sanitation and public safety, are delivered by D.C. agencies like the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Department of Public Works (DPW). The Councilmember's main office is located in the John A. Wilson Building: **1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 102, Washington, DC 20004**, serving as the official point of contact for constituent services for Brookland residents.
Demographics with Key Population Statistics
Brookland is a neighborhood defined by its rich history and evolving demographics, making it a culturally diverse and professionally-oriented community. Based on recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the estimated **Total Population** is approximately **7,235 residents**. The neighborhood exhibits a high level of educational attainment, with a significant majority of residents holding a college degree or higher: **30% hold a Bachelor's Degree** and a high **36% hold a Graduate Degree**. This highly educated population contributes to the high prevalence of white-collar work (93%). The median age is approximately **41 years**, indicating a balance between established families and younger professionals/graduate students associated with CUA. The average individual income is approximately **$75,450**. The housing dynamics reflect a mix of households, with roughly **27% of households having children**. The population density is high, consistent with a dense, urban D.C. neighborhood (over 8,500 people per square mile), yet it retains a classic, residential, and green feel, offering a unique blend of urban amenities and neighborly cohesion.
Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Brookland is rich in landmarks that chronicle D.C.'s social, cultural, and military history. In addition to the Basilica and the Franciscan Monastery, several historic sites anchor the community. The **Brooks Mansion (901 Newton St NE)**, the original home of the neighborhood's namesake, Jehiel Brooks, is a key piece of early 19th-century history. The neighborhood also contains numerous homes associated with prominent African-American intellectuals and Civil Rights figures, forming part of a localized Heritage Trail. These include the **Ralph Bunche House (1510 Jackson St NE)**, home of the Nobel Peace Prize winner and UN diplomat, the **Sterling Brown House (1222 Kearny St NE)** of the renowned poet, and the home of **Lucy Diggs Slowe (1256 Kearny St NE)**, the first Dean of Women at Howard University. These sites collectively signal the neighborhood's deep roots in the city's Black intellectual and political life. Militarily, **Fort Bunker Hill Park** — part of the Civil War defenses of Washington — preserves a historic site now used for recreation, ensuring Brookland’s unique role in American history is physically remembered.
Local Economy Details Highlighting Major Employers
The local economy of Brookland is fundamentally service-based, with two colossal institutions acting as its primary anchors: **The Catholic University of America (CUA)** and the nearby **MedStar Washington Hospital Center**. CUA, a major private university, employs thousands of faculty and staff, fueling the local white-collar employment base in education, administration, and research, and drawing a continuous stream of students and visitors who support local commerce. MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the largest private hospital in the nation's capital, is a flagship institution in the healthcare sector, offering a high volume of specialized jobs in nursing, allied health, patient support, and research, providing a crucial employment base for Brookland residents and the surrounding area. The commercial life supporting these anchors is clustered on 12th Street NE and the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market. This area is characterized by independent restaurants (like Menomale and Brookland Pint), artisan studios, and specialty retail, rather than national chains. This concentration of "eds and meds" jobs provides stability to the local economy, differentiating it from the federal government dependence of many other D.C. neighborhoods, though many residents are still employed in government or affiliated non-profit sectors.
Recreation and Outdoor Activities
Brookland is a surprisingly green neighborhood for an urban area, with significant offerings for recreation and outdoor activities. The neighborhood's primary green space is **Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue, NE)**, a comprehensive public facility providing an indoor pool, gymnasium, weight room, computer lab, and expansive outdoor amenities including basketball courts, a baseball field, a walking track, and a spray park. This center serves as a hub for organized community sports leagues and youth programs run by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). For cycling and running enthusiasts, the neighborhood is a key access point to the **Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)**, an 8-mile paved rail-trail that is popular for commuting and leisure. Furthermore, **Fort Bunker Hill Park (Otis and 14th St NE)** offers walking trails and preserved open space on the site of a Civil War fort, providing a quieter, wooded retreat for hikers and nature lovers. The existence of these parks, trails, and comprehensive facilities ensures residents have ample opportunities for physical activity and community engagement outdoors.
Healthcare Facilities with Notable Hospitals and Clinics
Brookland residents have excellent access to world-class healthcare, primarily due to the immediate proximity of the **MedStar Washington Hospital Center**, which is located just south of the neighborhood border. This is a massive, 912-bed teaching and research hospital and the flagship institution of MedStar Health. It is consistently recognized for its excellence in specialized care, including its nationally-ranked cardiology and heart surgery program (MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute) and its status as a Level I Trauma Center. The hospital is a major employer and a critical resource for the entire D.C. region. Also nearby is the **Children's National Medical Center**, a top-ranked pediatric hospital, ensuring specialized care for local families. In addition, the **Washington DC VA Medical Center** provides comprehensive services for veterans. For local, non-emergency care, Brookland is served by various community clinics and primary care physicians, including facilities like the **Hospital for Sick Children (1731 Bunker Hill Rd NE)**, further cementing the neighborhood’s reputation as a medical hub within the city.
Notable Residents or Alumni
Brookland boasts a remarkable list of notable residents and alumni, reflecting its long history as an attractive residential area for D.C.'s political, academic, and artistic elite. The neighborhood's strong connection to the Civil Rights and intellectual history of African-Americans is a key point of cultural interest. Prominent former residents whose homes are listed on the Heritage Trail include **Ralph Bunche**, the distinguished Nobel Peace Prize laureate and diplomat; **Sterling Brown**, the poet laureate of D.C. and professor at Howard University; and **Lucy Diggs Slowe**, the first Dean of Women at Howard University. The area's academic connection to CUA means countless alumni and faculty have resided in the area. In the arts, Brookland is the location of **Dance Place**, which has fostered a strong community of dancers and choreographers since 1978. While many D.C.-born celebrities have roots across the city, Brookland's distinct cultural cachet comes from its concentration of groundbreaking academic and civil rights leaders who chose the quiet, tree-lined streets for their homes.