Historic D.C. Home, Once Owned by Trailblazing Journalist, Listed for $1.3M
A 1938 Colonial in D.C.'s Crestwood neighborhood, formerly owned by Dorothy Butler Gilliam, the first Black female journalist at The Washington Post, is now on the market. The house boasts a rich history and significant renovations.
A historic residence in Washington D.C.'s Crestwood neighborhood, once home to Dorothy Butler Gilliam, the first Black female journalist at The Washington Post, is now available for purchase at $1.3 million. This center-stair Colonial, constructed in 1938, has been a witness to significant moments in the capital's history and home to several notable figures.
The property, located at 1812 Upshur St. NW, was designed by architect Michael A. Patterson, known for his work on Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Originally offered for $24,000, the house now commands a price 54 times its initial value, reflecting both its historical significance and the changes in the real estate market over the past 86 years.
The residence has been home to several distinguished individuals:
- John J. Scanlan, associate chief of the State Department's Passport Division in the late 1940s
- Charles T. Duncan, D.C.'s chief legal officer during the 1968 riots following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination
- Dorothy Butler Gilliam, who purchased the property in 1997
Crestwood, bordered on three sides by Rock Creek Park, was once part of the "Gold Coast," an area known for its affluent African American residents. Notable inhabitants included:
- Walter E. Fauntroy, D.C. delegate to the U.S. House (1971-1991)
- Benjamin Hooks, NAACP executive director (1977-1992)
- Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the first Black Air Force general (1998)
Gilliam, who joined The Washington Post in 1961, was drawn to the house's spacious living room and the tight-knit community. She renovated much of the main and second levels, updating the kitchen and enclosing a porch to create a sunroom.
The 2,240-square-foot house features:
- A columned semicircular porch
- Center staircase
- Dining room leading to an eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops
- Living room with a fireplace
- Three bedrooms (one with an en suite bathroom)
- Two hallway bathrooms
- Finished attic and lower level
- Attached one-car garage and parking pad for four cars
This property not only offers modern amenities but also stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Washington D.C. and the achievements of its notable residents.
"I like space. I like a certain sleekness so that when you walked into the house, you would feel that you were in a special place."
As this historic home enters its next chapter, it carries with it the legacy of those who lived within its walls and the rich history of the Crestwood neighborhood.
