The District of Columbia Workhouse and Reformatory Historic District

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The physical design and composition of the three main prison campuses - the Workhouse, Reformatory, and Penitentiary - embody the social ideals of Progressive era penal reform, intended to promote the rehabilitation of prisoners through diminishment of harsh conditions and physically imposing containment barriers, encouragement of constructive social interaction, promotion of a work ethic, and access to vocational training. In support of these ideals, all three of the campuses comprising the Reformatory and Workhouse complexes were designed around a central quadrangle reminiscent of a college campus. Each includes a series of prison "dormitories" sited around a central open space intended to promote positive social interaction. The buildings and the campus-like site plans were designed by two notable architects employed by the District of Columbia, Snowden Ashford and Albert Harris. The style of the buildings is predominantly Colonial Revival, a popular style in America during the early twentieth century.

• D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory National Register Nomination (PDF, large file, 1.3M)
• National Register Nomination Figures and Photos (PDF, large file, 11M)
• D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory Historic District Maps

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