From the moment we first realized we needed a space in which our customers could interact with and get to know our furniture, we’ve purposefully chosen the building intended to house our showrooms with the same attention to detail we apply to making furniture— including fidelity to each region’s unique characteristics. Each showroom has its tale to tell about the building it inhabits, its region’s architecture, and the local community surrounding it.
Above: Cady’s Alley in the early days. Image courtesy of the Peabody Room Special Collections, Georgetown Branch, D.C. Public Library.
Our Georgetown showroom is located along a historically significant stretch of properties tucked behind M Street, known as Cady’s Alley (named for the late 19th century Washington family). Like helping a phoenix rise from the ashes, visionary real estate developer Anthony M. Lanier took a group of dilapidated industrial buildings along a downtrodden alley and transformed them into an appealing, pedestrian-friendly cluster of small shops specializing in high-end furniture and design.
Cady’s Alley quickly became our favorite choice when looking for the ideal location to house a DC-based showroom. Lanier, a native of Vienna, retained as much as possible from the century-old brick walls and structures in his restoration, imbuing the neighborhood with an Old World graciousness that seems fitting to the nation’s capital. The going hasn’t necessarily been easy, however. When Lanier brought his first property here in 1998, the waterfront district had fallen into disrepair, its commercial viability undermined by the rise of rail and auto transportation. He had trouble finding even one retailer willing to venture to the other side of the tracks.
Today, strolling along the Alley that has maintained at least 70% of its original exterior walls, one can feel the history of Cady’s Alley, undiluted by contemporary retail development. The perfect marriage of architectural preservation and commerce proves the fallacy of cookie-cutter design.
What we love about Washington, D.C.
“Georgetown is a picturesque neighborhood in Washington, D.C., near the waterfront and the oldest community in Washington, D.C. With its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, you feel like you are strolling through Europe. The showroom is nestled in Cady’s Alley, known as the design district, overlooking the Historic C & O Canal. Our spacious showroom allows us to show a wide range of Moser collections for people to sit in and touch. We also feature original paintings by nationally known artist, Tina Palmer.
A few of our favorite spots include Kafe Leopold for breakfast in the courtyard next to the fountain and dinner and drinks at Chez Billy Sud Bistro, known for its beautiful wine bar located in a Federal-style house near the canal.”
Dana Brown and Julie Goos
Store and Assistant Store Manager, Washington, D.C.
