In the heart of Washington D.C.'s Logan Circle neighborhood stands a testament to the city's rich history: a townhouse at 1219 O St. NW. Built in the 1850s, this property predates the development of the area, making it the oldest house in the vicinity. Originally a solitary farmhouse, it has witnessed the transformation of the capital over nearly two centuries.
The house's location is steeped in historical significance. It stood alone before the first shop opened on 14th Street NW and before the iconic Victorian houses that now characterize the neighborhood were constructed. The property even predates the establishment of Camp Barker, a Civil War-era barracks built in 1862 to house newly freed enslaved people.
This historic home has been a silent witness to numerous significant events. It was present when President Abraham Lincoln walked through the city from his cottage on 13th Street NW, now a National Monument. The house has also seen the evolution of transportation in D.C., standing firm as the first streetcar tracks were laid in 1888, marking the beginning of a new era for the city.
The list of previous owners reads like a who's who of D.C. history. Among them was a Civil War military officer who deeded the property to his daughter in 1867. Another notable resident was a State Department clerk who prepared the nation's first encrypted cable, addressed to the American minister in Paris, showcasing the property's connection to diplomatic history.
One of the most intriguing former owners was a sculptor who, according to family lore, worked on the Lincoln Memorial. This iconic monument, dedicated in 1922, stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of the nation's capital.
The house has also served various commercial purposes. In the 1970s, it operated as a liquor store. Later, in the 1980s, it became Gallery House, one of the few Black-owned art galleries in the city at the time. Florene Jones, who also worked at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum for over 25 years, ran the gallery with her family.
"Our family goal was to open a gallery that would provide space for our struggling young local Black artists. We haven't been that successful financially, but we feel very, very rich."
The current owner, Alexandra Sheretz, purchased the house in 2015 as a first-time homebuyer. Unaware of its extensive history at first, she has since been contacted by former owners who have shared their stories, adding to the rich tapestry of the house's past.
During her nine-year ownership, Sheretz has carefully renovated the 1,700-square-foot home, preserving original features such as heart pine flooring in the upstairs bedrooms and exposed brick on the lower level. These elements, common in 19th-century construction, add to the home's historical charm.
The house now boasts a blend of historic and modern features. The kitchen showcases light blue cabinets and Calacatta quartz countertops, while the living room retains its beam ceiling and fireplace with a marble mantel. A recently added rooftop deck provides a contemporary touch to this historic property.
Now on the market for $1,299,000, this house offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Washington D.C.'s history. As Sheretz reflects, "It has lived many lives, just as many lives have been lived within it. I feel so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of that."
From its origins as a farmhouse to its current status as a renovated townhome, 1219 O St. NW stands as a living chronicle of Logan Circle's evolution. It serves as a reminder of the area's transformation from rural outskirts to a vibrant urban neighborhood, embodying the enduring spirit of the nation's capital.