In the heart of Capitol Hill ~ Where Classic Meets Contemporary

Casualty Hospital established in 1888 as the Eastern Dispensary of the District of Columbia, the hospital was initially located at 3rd and C Sts. SE. The original founders were physicians and business men and the hospital was created to provide free medical services to the poor and needy persons of the District of Columbia. When the original site was taken by the federal government for the construction of the Senate Office Building in 1905, the Dispensary relocated to the former home of Benjamin F. Leighton at 708 Massachusetts Ave., NE which was donated as a gift from members of the Hospital Board and renamed Eastern Dispensary and Casualty Hospital. On December 28, 1928 Secretary of Treasurer Andrew Mellon laid the cornerstone to the new hospital building that is the historical focal point of 700 Constitution. The 1928 façade has been recreated based upon historic photos from the building’s inception. In 1960’s the various nurses and doctor homes and quarters adjacent to the hospital were removed and hospital wings on both 7th and 8th Sts. were added. Today these wings have been integrated into the historical design of the original hospital building and have been further enhanced by the addition of bays that emulate the character the prevailing historic Capitol Hill townhouses. Casualty hospital was renamed Rogers Memorial Hospital in the 1950’s and subsequently Capitol Hill Hospital but was permanently closed about 20 years ago. Thereafter the abandoned building became problematic to its Capitol Hill neighbors. Their hope for the restoration of 700 Constitution became fact in December 2011 with the approval of the redevelopment plan by District of Columbia Zoning Administrator. 700 Constitution reflects the participation and input of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, ANC 6C, and the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board in creating this significant historic renovation that is completely integrated into the architectural context of this special neighborhood.