Designed by noted Washington architect B. Stanley Simmons and built by Lester Barr, a renowned real estate developer of early 20th century Washington, 1870 Wyoming Avenue was completed in 1917, just weeks before the United States entered World War I. The building was converted from rental units to a cooperative (Delaware Corporation) in 1951.

Located a few blocks north of Dupont Circle, 1870 Wyoming is at the southeast corner of Wyoming Avenue and 19th Street, NW, where the Adams Morgan and Kalorama Triangle neighborhoods converge. The exterior and interior features of this seven-story building are described in the Smithsonian Institution’s publication Best Addresses, by James M. Goode. These include a buff-brick, Beaux Arts exterior and a strikingly handsome entrance lobby that features rare marrezzo walls, a massive classical cornice, shallow paneled pilasters, plaster strapwork ceiling, and elaborate polychrome mosaic floor. 

The 28 apartments include 19 three-bedroom and 9 two-bedroom units. There are four apartments, half of which have balconies, per floor. Most apartments have two bathrooms. The apartments are spacious, with well designed floor plans, separate dining and living rooms, high ceilings, and crown moldings. 

Given the relatively small number of apartments, 1870 Wyoming is a friendly community where the residents are good neighbors and share an interest in the appearance and conduct of the cooperative.