The Hoongle

The Hoongle House is the unofficial name of a property owned by ABDO Development Company in Washington, D.C.. It is at 2324 L Street NW at the corners of L Street and 23rd Street in Northwest, Washington, D.C. While it has been an obscure tourist destination since its construction in 1928, it has been increasing in popularity due to its proximity to other more notable Washington memorials.
Name
The name "Hoongle" is derived from the Spanish word "El Jungle", which means "jungle" in Spanish. Although opinions vary on the precise origin of the name, most scholars agree that the name is a description of the house's residents and not the actual climate of the home's interior.<ref name="autogenerated2"/>
The word "Hoongle" has also become a unique language piece of the area as well. Because the residents of the house have a very distinct culture and attitude, many locals refer to them as "Hoonglers" or "Hoonglites". More so, the word has evolved into a description of a social faux pas often practiced by its residents where an individual arrives to a social event well past the expected time.
History
The Hoongle House's history is largely unknown. Aside from its current residents who are regarded as flamboyant and eccentric community members, the previous residents lived relatively quiet lifestyles. The house was initially built in 1928 as a home for workers in nearby Foggy Bottom factories. After the completion of the Harry S Truman Building in 1941, the house became a residence for the United States Department of State employees and other federal workers. In 1974 the house was bought by the ABDO Deveolpment Company and redesigned to have upper and lower apartments in the building.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> When referring to the "Hoongle House", the upper apartment is typically being described since it is the only portion of the structure visible from the street.
In May 2010, the current residents became the official tenets of the L Street property. Soon after their arrival, the "Hoongle culture" began to develop in the West End, Washington, D.C. as a result of the ostentatious behavior often exhibited by the residents. Eventually, the lavish parties and nightly social gatherings conducted by the inhabitants made the "Hoongle House" a city-wide landmark. By October 2010, the number of visitors reached well over a thousand, ranging from nearby locals to passers-by from Morocco.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
As of March 2011, the residents still maintain their lease at the apartment. However, the lease is due to expire in the coming months, causing many to speculate the future of the house.
Culture and Demographics
The "Hoongle House" culture is focused exclusively around Rugby football. With all of its residents being members of a local rugby team at The George Washington University, many of the practices and customs of their team have found a way into Hoongle culture. Furthermore, the interiors of the "Hoongle House" are decorated with traditional rugby furnishings, including jerseys, rugby balls, posters, and even unique trophies highlighting each players achievements on and off the field.
Currently, the occupants of the "Hoongle House" comprise of Caucasian women from the Mid-Atlantic states and New England. While the majority of the house's population associate with the Christian faith, there is a significant minority that practices Judaism. As of March 2011, demographers believe over a third of the house may be followers of the Jewish religion.
Current Residents
Caitlin Elizabeth O'Donnell
Amy Yael Schiowitz
Casey Marie Warner

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu