ThePresidential Townhouse is a U.S. government-owned building managed by theGeneral Services Administration. It is located at 716Jackson Place NW inWashington, D.C., on the western side ofLafayette Square.[1] For ease of providing security, it was reserved for the exclusive use of formerpresidents of the United States during visits to the capital from 1969 to 2015, when that function was moved toTrowbridge House. Located across Pennsylvania Avenue from theWhite House, it adjoins several other government-owned townhouses used for official purposes, includingBlair House, often used byvisiting heads of state, and is now used by theExecutive Office of the President.
Thetownhouse 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 aSecret Service detail in the basement.[2]
The townhouse was constructed in the late 1860s. It was once the home of Supreme Court justiceOliver 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 PresidentRichard Nixon. The furnishings were very sparse until it was refurbished using private funds during the administration of PresidentGeorge W. Bush (2001–2009).[2] During its use as a residence for former presidents, its maintenance was funded through theFormer 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 toTrowbridge House at 708 Jackson Place, NW.
In 2021, theOffice of the National Cyber Director began using the house.[5]
38°53′57.4″N77°02′17.3″W / 38.899278°N 77.038139°W /38.899278; -77.038139
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