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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Markets

O Street Market (CityMarket at O)

A rare 19th-century public market building in the Shaw neighborhood, blending Italian Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Gothic Revival styles in a modern urban redevelopment project.

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O Street Market (CityMarket at O)
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What is the O Street Market known for?

It is a historic structure built in 1881 and is one of only three 19th-century public market buildings still standing in Washington, D.C. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

Where is O Street Market located?

It is located at 1400 7th Street NW, on the northwest corner of 7th and O Streets NW, in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

What is the architectural style of the building?

The building combines Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and Italian Romanesque architectural elements, featuring deep corbels on all sides.

What is City Market at O?

City Market at O is a 1 million-square-foot urban infill redevelopment project that incorporates the historic market. It includes over 87,000 square feet of retail, more than 600 residential units, over 500 parking spaces, and a 71,000-square-foot Giant Food Store.

Does the market have a history of damage?

Yes, the roof of the market collapsed on February 18, 2003, following a blizzard; the north wall was subsequently demolished to remove the debris.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The O Street Market, also known as the Northern Market, is a historic structure located at 1400 7th Street NW in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Built in 1881 for the Northern Liberty Market Company, the building is one of only three 19th-century public market buildings remaining in the city, alongside Eastern Market and Georgetown Market. Its architecture is a distinctive blend of Italian Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Gothic Revival elements, featuring deep corbels on all sides of the building. The market's origins are tied to displaced merchants who set up temporary stalls between 6th, 7th, O and P Streets after the controversial demolition of the Northern Liberties Market by 'Boss' Shepherd in 1872. These merchants later formed the Northern Market Company and purchased the land for the present building, which was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. In 2003, the building suffered a significant setback when its roof collapsed during a heavy snow storm following a weekend blizzard on February 18, 2003. To remove the debris, the north wall was demolished. This event highlighted the need for restoration efforts to preserve the the same architectural heritage of the city. Today, the market is part of the City Market at O redevelopment project, a 1 million-square-foot urban infill project. This modern development incorporates the restored historic market building into a new 71,000-square-foot Giant Food Store, integrating historical preservation with contemporary urban living, including over 600 residential units and 87,000 square feet of retail space.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the deep corbels on the exterior walls to appreciate the architectural detail.
  • Combine this stop with a walk through the Shaw neighborhood to explore local galleries and cafes.
  • Allow about 20 minutes to walk around the perimeter of the building to see the blend of different architectural styles.

Nearby context

Located at the northwest corner of 7th and O Streets NW, the O Street Market is a central piece of the City Market at O redevelopment, which transforms the area into a mixed-use residential and retail hub in the heart of the Shaw neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links