Bisected by Massachusetts Avenue (informally known as Embassy Row) at its north-south midpoint, SOLO is the approximately 12 square block area bounded by 14th Street on the west, P Street on the north, 12th Street on the east, and K Street on the south. Within walking distance of virtually every historic and cultural attraction, and served by several bus lines and the METRO, SOLO is home to a diverse mix of residents and businesses.
While SOLO's southern blocks are dominated by high-rise office buildings, hotels, condominiums, and rental apartments, it begins to thin out at Massachusetts Avenue. At N Street, the neighborhood gives way almost exclusively to single family homes and former single family structures now converted to condominiums and rental units. However, new residential construction will significantly add to the area's density. Close to 500 high-end, loft-style condominium apartments and rental units are currently under construction in north SOLO, or have ground-breakings planned for 2003.
SOLO's major artery, 14th Street, which was for 30 years a depressed and semi-abandoned business district occupied almost exclusively by pawn shops, liquor stores, and warehouse-based service businesses, is fast becoming a thriving urban village. Empty buildings are being replaced with furniture stores, gyms, community theatres, niche restaurants, coffee houses, night clubs, and bars and restaurants that cater to a largely gay and lesbian clientele.
