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LAWSUIT DEMOLITION PERMIT HEARING PENDING DC LEGISLATION LANDMARK APPLICATION LETTERS OF SUPPORT ARTICLES OTHER
In 1971, Third Church members contributed sufficient funds to construct the octagon-shaped structure, as seen above, located at 16th and Eye Streets, NW.

Third Church has been the sole owner and occupant of the building and has served as a good steward of this prime downtown corner. The existing building no longer meets the needs of Third Church, exhibits significant physical deterioration (typical of concrete construction of this type and age), and like many examples of modernist architecture, calls into question long term sustainability, particularly when considering current day energy and environmental standards, and corresponding economic viability.

Third Church would like to replace the octagon with a new, purpose-built church showing its members’ continuing commitment, since 1918, to serve as a downtown congregation. Unfortunately, an historic landmark application was filed in 1991 by preservation groups without the knowledge or consent of Third Church.

On December 6, 2007, the Historic Preservation Review Board voted to impose an historic landmark upon Third Church against its will, thereby precluding the members from demolishing and reconstructing on site a new facility. This action effectively encases the membership in a Brutalist, windowless, massive deteriorating concrete, unsustainable structure, denying its freedom to worship pursuant to its members’ goals and desires.

This website provides all interested parties access to factual information concerning the history of the landmark and Third Church's efforts to free itself from what it views as an unjust and overly burdensome landmark designation.

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