Just wanted to let anyone in the DC area know that the McMillian sand filtration site is open to the public this Saturday from 11-3. I’ve always wanted to walk around in there. Here’s the link:
That does look very cool. If I can talk my wife into it we will be having a look. Thanks.
That’s funny - my husband and I were already planning on going. We’ll see you there, I guess! We’ve always wondered what it’s like…should be really cool.
Anna
I’ve never heard of this - but guessing from one photo, is that the weird area along North Capitol Street (on the left / west as you’re heading northbound)? If so, I’ve always wondered what that was!
Answering my own question: yes it is!
Yeah, I’ve always wanted to go in there too. At one point the DC government had the opportunity to buyit from the federal government for $1, but didn’t (shocking that the otherwise efficient Berry administration dropped the ball on this). There has been talk about turning the catacombs into shopping with some parkland abover ground. I guess there is going to be some info on Sat. on plans. It will either be awesome or suck, with no in between. It’s kind of near my house so I have a vested interest.
The Wikipedia article says that it was purchased from the Feds in 1987, is the article not correct?
I believe that they missed the original opportunity to purchase for $1, but then later obtained it on less favorable terms for the city.
Man, I’d love to go but tomorrow is supposed to be cold and rainy and generally yucky. Guess I’ll just have to wait till next time.
If anyone is there are sees a goofy guy in glasses walking a black chow, that would be me.
Damnit! I have something I can’t get out of from 10-1:00 which means I may have to miss it. I’ve always wanted to wander around there and take a look around.
Me too, especially since the development plans do not envision using any of the old catacombs and thus, they might not be around much longer. That underground area could make the coolest bar scene ever.
I’ve lived in northern Virginia my whole life and never even heard of the place. I might give it a go depending on how the weather is and if I can figure out exactly how to get there. Any tips?
Take 395 north until it dead-ends onto New York Avenue (watch for the places on 395 where you have to be in just the correct lane or be dumped onto the wrong road).
Turn right onto New York Avenue. Shortly after that, there’s a “jug handle” to get onto Capitol Street northbound. It’s a mile or so on the left.
Thanks much, Mama Zappa. I’ll certainly give it some thought.