Jun 20 2006
Once home to a potpourri of businesses in Washington's Dupont Circle Neighborhood, four 19th century Victorian row houses are returning to their residential roots. Previously owned by Robert Bass of the wealthy Bass family, the houses, located on 1830 Jefferson Place, NW, are being converted into condominiums that will preserve the buildings' historic charm. Built in 1880, the English Queen Anne style three story row houses were once a coveted address to have in one of Washington's most fashionable neighborhoods. In fact, at one time President Teddy Roosevelt lived just around the corner from Jefferson Place at 1215 19th Street, NW.
"Washington is a city rich in architectural history. Willco Residential strives to develop small scale residential properties in DC that strike the right balance between preserving the city's history and expanding living space," said Gary Cohen, president, Willco Residential. "The re-birth of the Jefferson Place row houses is urban living at its very best--- a mix of the old and new and represents Willco's enduring commitment to the city's past," added Cohen.
After admiring the buildings' architectural design for several years,Cohen and his partner Tom McCullough, president, McCullough Construction, LLC purchased the row houses in December 2004 determined to restore them to their original splendor. Before construction began, Cohen and McCullough spent many hours talking with the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) to hear their thoughts about the project. After years of
being populated by commercial businesses such as a party rental store and photographers studio, the local ANC was ecstatic to learn the houses would be returned to residential use.
"We lightened the load in the neighborhood and the city by lowering the population density in that area and adding parking. The four buildings with no parking that once housed 8-10 commercial tenants with a combined total of nearly 60 office workers will now be turned into 23 condos with parking," said McCullough.
The newly renovated seven story building will be called Jefferson Row and feature 23 one, two and three bedroom luxury condominiums. Declared a historic property by DC's Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), the buildings' original facades were maintained along with eight ornate fireplaces. Bay windows also were restored to replicate those of the period.
Virtually unblemished by the wear of time, the four Victorian homes remind you of a bygone era with their fanciful staircases, ornate fireplaces and tall ceilings. According to architect Eric Colbert, principal of Eric Colbert & Associates, who designed the Jefferson Row project, the design was challenging because the buildings were declared historic properties and construction had to replicate every meticulous detail of the original structures.
"It was almost like performing surgery. We had to use a special crane to lift materials over the row houses because the allies were too narrow for the trucks to drive through," added Colbert.
Colbert used old photos of the block from the period to restore the buildings and design the seven story addition. Clay roof shingles, copper down spouts and gutters were replaced to exactly match existing pieces; and material from wood staircases that couldn't be replaced were shipped to a custom mill workshop in Pennsylvania to reproduce.
Conveniently located between Connecticut Avenue and 19th Street, NW, Jefferson Row condominiums feature modern interiors, covered parking and 9 of the 23 units are two level floor plans. While numerous units come with a private patio or private roof space, there is a common roof deck equipped with grilling amenities and views of the surrounding area. Condominiums will range in price from about $500,000 to $2 million.