Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A Lesson in Building Codes
Architecture isn't just about style; it's about safety. In 1917, the Knickerbocker Theatre opened in Adams Morgan as the largest movie house in the city, seating 1,700 people. But…
Read the story
Architecture isn't just about style; it's about safety. In 1917, the Knickerbocker Theatre opened in Adams Morgan as the largest movie house in the city, seating 1,700 people. But on January 28, 1922, the roof collapsed under the weight of a massive snowstorm, killing 98 patrons.
The disaster was the worst in the city's history and sparked a nationwide outcry. It became a turning point for urban planning, leading to fierce criticism of irresponsible building practices and a push for stricter building codes across the country.
Updated June 2026