Washington Hilton
| Company type | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | March 25, 1965 in Washington, D.C., United States |
| Founder | Uris Buildings Corporation |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
| Products | Hotel accommodations, event hosting |
| Website | www |
The Washington Hilton is a Hilton hotel situated at 1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., in Washington, D.C., conveniently close to the neighborhoods of Kalorama, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan.
History
Constructed on the site of the former Oak Lawn estate, the Washington Hilton was envisioned by architect William B. Tabler and developed by Uris Buildings Corporation. The project commenced on June 25, 1962, with the hotel officially opening its doors on March 25, 1965. Notable for its unique double-arched architecture, the hotel boasts one of the city’s most expansive pillar-free ballrooms. It serves as a frequent venue for significant gatherings including the White House Correspondents Association dinners, Radio and Television Correspondents Association events, and the National Prayer Breakfast.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the ballroom hosted celebrated musical performers such as The Doors and Jimi Hendrix. In 1972, it was the location for the inaugural International Conference on Computer Communications, which highlighted early developments in ARPANET technology.
The hotel is also historically recognized as the site near its T Street NW exit where John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981. This incident led to the establishment being colloquially referred to as the Hinckley Hilton by locals.
In 1998, it was renamed the Hilton Washington. Later, in June 2007, an investment group partly owned by former basketball legend Magic Johnson purchased the property. Following a $150 million refurbishment completed between 2009 and 2010, the hotel reclaimed its original name.
External links
- Official site
- Ladies and Gentlemen, From Los Angeles, California ... The Doors! – The Doors' 1967 concert at Washington Hilton
- Hendrix Plays the Washington Hilton (1968) – Review and details of Jimi Hendrix's 1968 performance from the Washington Post