The Messer Building

Historical marker location:

1200 L Street Northwest, Downtown Washington, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of 12th Street Northwest and L Street Northwest, on the left when traveling north on 12th Street Northwest.)

The District was home to a thriving jazz scene in the mid-20th century: From the 1920s through the 1950s, Washington, D.C. was a hub for jazz musicians and clubs. Legendary performers such as Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker played in venues throughout the city.