The Recorder of Deeds building at 515 D Street NW has been a popular topic of late. This week, at least one columnist and one blogger revisited D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans’ suggestion that the city sell several of its property holdings to cash in on strong real estate prices, and the Recorder of Deeds building has been mentioned as a possible candidate. Last week, the D.C. Preservation League (DCPL) came before ANC 6C seeking support for landmark designation for the building. The fate of the three-story structure, with “Recorder of Deeds” inscribed below the second story cornice, remains uncertain.

Rebecca Miller, executive director of DCPL, came before the ANC 6C Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee on September 7, and made the case that the building was strongly identified with the struggle of African Americans for political and social rights. Miller said she has sent letters to the city and to Councilmember Tommy Wells regarding the designation, but hasn’t received a response from either.

Congress created the office of Recorder of Deeds in 1863, and in 1869 the city agency was given the job of “recording all deeds, contracts, and other instruments in writing affecting the title or ownership of any real estate or personal property” in the city.

The holders of the recorder of deeds position have been appointed by U.S. presidents, and ten African Americans have served as recorders of deeds in the District since President James A. Garfield appointed Frederick Douglass in 1881.

The building at 515 D Street was designed by the Office of the Municipal Architect under Nathan C. Wyeth — who also designed the Key Bridge — and the new building was completed in 1941. The Recorder of Deeds office moved to 515 D Street in 1943 from its previous location at the old City Hall/D.C. Courthouse, which today is the D.C. Court of Appeals.

Part of Miller’s case for landmark designation is predicated on the significance of the building’s interior. One of its most notable features is the series of seven murals commissioned by the Treasury Department Section of Fine Art in 1943 that are painted on fabric and mounted on the building’s walls. The theme of the series is “the contribution of the Negro to the American Nation,” including the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, astronomer Benjamin Banneker and explorer Matthew A. Henson. There is also a portrait series of past recorders that was incorporated into the building at its completion, and which is considered to be the first such depiction of African American officials in any federal building.

The Recorder of Deeds office moved to Southwest in 2010, and 515 D Street is now vacant.

During the full ANC 6C meeting on Thursday, Rob Amos, chair of the Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee, presented Miller’s request. The ANC voted to support the designation. Miller is now waiting on the Historic Preservation Review Board to review the case.