The Presidential Townhouse is a U.S. government-owned building managed by the General Services Administration. It is located at 716 Jackson Place NW in Washington, D.C., on the western side of Lafayette Square.[1] It was reserved for the exclusive use of former presidents of the United States during visits to the capital from 1969 to 2015. Located across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, it adjoins several other government-owned townhouses used for official purposes, including Blair House, often used by visiting heads of state.
Description
editThe townhouse is four stories, and has brown sandstone steps.[2] During its time as a guesthouse for former presidents, it had two dining rooms, several bedrooms, and space for a Secret Service detail in the basement.[2]
History
editThe townhouse was constructed in the late 1860s. It was once the home of Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.[3]
Purchased by the government in the late 1950s and used for various purposes, the Presidential Townhouse was established in 1969 by order of President Richard Nixon. The furnishings were very sparse until it was refurbished using private funds during the administration of President George W. Bush (2001–2009).[2] During its use as a residence for former presidents, its maintenance was funded through the Former Presidents Act, which provides for office support and Secret Service protection of former presidents.[4]
In 2015, the function of a presidential guest house was relocated a few doors south to Trowbridge House at 708 Jackson Place, NW.
In 2021, the Office of the National Cyber Director began using the house.[5]
References
edit- ^ West Side Historic Properties, General Services Administration (last updated August 12, 2024).
- ^ a b c Gibbs, Nancy; Duffy, Michael (April 16, 2012). "A Presidential Hangout: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Clubhouse". Time. Archived from the original on 2014-07-15.
- ^ "The Presidents (Lafayette Square Historic District)". nps.gov. National Park Service. January 22, 2004. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
- ^ "Washington Talk: Briefing; As for Ex-Presidents". The New York Times. April 4, 1988.
- ^ @ONCDPress (November 5, 2021). "Our team is growing, and so is our space. Looking forward to hosting public and private partners at 716 Jackson Place on the White House campus, once we're settled. #cyberhouse" (Tweet) – via Twitter.