A Cornerstone of Life in
Washington, D.C.
A Cornerstone of Life in
Washington, D.C.
An Iconic City Center
for Over 200 Years
For over two centuries, The Willard Center has aimed to foster connection and collaboration in new ways — unlocking a new world of possibilities in the process. This is where it all happens.
Where Community Thrives
Great things happen when we come together. That’s why our mission is to bring people together to work, dine, shop, live and play — a place where everybody can thrive.
Reimagining What It
Means to Be Connected
The Willard Center merges the hospitality of a luxury hotel, accessible and dynamic office suites, elegant restaurants and retail, a packed calendar of events and world-class spa — all within walking distance. A vibrant destination at the heart of the community.
We’re made up of people and businesses who come together each day to work with purpose, nurture the relationships that matter and enjoy life’s little pleasures while we connect to the community at large.
It doesn’t matter whether you come for work or play because you always leave with something more.
200 Years and Beyond.
Tradition Meets Tomorrow.
1816
A hotel is born
Capt. John acquires and builds six row houses at Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street. Two years later, it’s leased to Joshua Tennyson for a hotel.
1830
MINT JULEP
Kentucky statesman Henry Clay first introduces the Mint Julep outside of Kentucky in the Round Robin Bar. It remains the hotel’s signature drink to this day.
1848
MARK TWAIN
Frequent visitor Mark Twain loved to walk through the F Street Lobby to attract spectators and make a dramatic descent down the staircase to the prominent crowd in Peacock Alley below.
1861
Lincoln’s Inauguration and Peace Convention
President-elect Abraham Lincoln takes up residence at The Willard for ten days prior to his inauguration. In the same year, the historic Peace Convention is held at The Willard in a last-ditch effort to avoid the Civil War.
1885
Willard inspires the term ‘Lobbyist’
By the late 1800s, The Willard lobby served as a popular meeting spot for both social and business occasions. It’s believed the term ‘lobbyist’ originated at The Willard.
1897
The First Motion Picture is screened at The Willard
The first moving pictures in the Nation’s Capital were shown at Willard Hall.
1900
The Birth of a Washington Skyscraper
The New Willard Hotel was considered one of Washington’s first skyscrapers. The first phase of the twelve-story, Beaux-Arts style structure was completed in 1901.
1923
Presidential Residence
President Calvin Coolidge uses The Willard as his residence while waiting for President Harding’s newly widowed family to move out of the White House.
1963
I Have a Dream
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. finishes his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech while a guest at The Willard. Room 310 was later designated as the Martin Luther King Jr. suite.
1981
The Oliver Carr Company
The Washington-based Oliver Carr Company is brought in as managing general partner with the Golding firm.
1983
InterContinental Hotel
InterContinental Hotels Corporation is selected to manage Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. Craftspeople worked for three years to make the spaces look and feel similar to their original Victorian style.
1992
Peace Summit
U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, hold a historic meeting regarding peace negotiations.
2010
nuclear summit
President Obama’s Nuclear Summit in April 2010 brought 47 nations together to ensure that the world’s nuclear power remains safe. The Willard hosts 9 heads of state during their stay.
2018
The Willard Celebrates its Bicentennial
Regarded as one of the most historic hotels in America, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Willard celebrates 200 years of legacy in the nation’s capital.
2023
A Refreshed D.C. Icon
Celebrating a new chapter in its story, Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. undergoes a renovation with the goal of preserving its historical features while refreshing some of its signature spaces.
200 Years and Beyond.
Tradition Meets Tomorrow.
1816
A hotel is born
Capt. John acquires and builds six row houses at Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street. Two years later, it’s leased to Joshua Tennyson for a hotel.
1830
MINT JULEP
Kentucky statesman Henry Clay first introduces the Mint Julep outside of Kentucky in the Round Robin Bar. It remains the hotel’s signature drink to this day.
1848
MARK TWAIN
Frequent visitor Mark Twain loved to walk through the F Street Lobby to attract spectators and make a dramatic descent down the staircase to the prominent crowd in Peacock Alley below.
1861
Lincoln’s Inauguration and Peace Convention
President-elect Abraham Lincoln takes up residence at The Willard for ten days prior to his inauguration. In the same year, the historic Peace Convention is held at The Willard in a last-ditch effort to avoid the Civil War.
1885
Willard inspires the term ‘Lobbyist’
By the late 1800s, The Willard lobby served as a popular meeting spot for both social and business occasions. It’s believed the term ‘lobbyist’ originated at The Willard.
