Walsh–McLean House

Walsh–McLean House is a historic house located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The house was built in the late 19th century and has been home to several notable residents throughout its history. The Walsh–McLean House is an example of Italianate architecture and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is situated near the Columbia Heights metro station.

History

The Walsh–McLean House was built in 1869 for Thomas Walsh, an Irish immigrant who made his fortune in the California Gold Rush. Thomas Walsh was a successful businessman and politician who served as a Republican member of the Washington, D.C. Board of Commissioners. The house was later purchased by Frank McLean, a prominent Democrat and member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Architecture

The Walsh–McLean House is an example of Italianate architecture, a style that was popular in the United States during the mid-19th century. The house features a flat roof, bracketed eaves, and a cupola. The exterior of the house is made of stucco and stone, and it has a wraparound porch. The house has undergone several renovations and restorations throughout its history, but it still maintains much of its original architectural integrity.

Notable residents

The Walsh–McLean House has been home to several notable residents throughout its history. Frank McLean, the second owner of the house, was a prominent Democrat and member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Charles J. Bell, a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, also lived in the house. In the early 20th century, the house was home to Everett Peabody, a U.S. Army officer who served in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.

Cultural significance

The Walsh–McLean House is significant not only for its architecture but also for its cultural and historical importance. The house is a rare example of an Italianate-style house in Washington, D.C. and is one of the few remaining 19th-century houses in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing property to the Columbia Heights Historic District.

Later use and preservation

In the mid-20th century, the Walsh–McLean House was converted into a boarding house and later into a office building. In the 1980s, the house was restored and converted into condominiums. Today, the house is a thriving example of historic preservation in Washington, D.C. and is home to several residents who appreciate its rich history and architectural significance. The house is maintained by the Walsh-McLean House Condominium Association, which works to preserve the house's historic integrity and cultural significance. Category:Historic houses in Washington, D.C.