The Van Ness House Stables is the only structure remaining from when this area included the Van Ness Mansion, which was demolished in 1907 to make way for the Pan American Union Building. The mansion and stables were built in 1816 and designed by architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
The mansion and stables were built on the property of farmer David Burnes. Burnes' daughter, Marcia, married General John P. Van Ness. In the early 1800s the home was regarded as a venue for entertaining and frequently hosted parties for congressmen.
DC Inventory: March 7, 1968 (Joint Committee on Landmarks)
]]>Due to its close proximity to the White House, Saint John’s Church is known as the “Church of the Presidents”; accordingly, every President since James Madison has attended at least one service here. A prayer book in one of the pews contains the signatures of every president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt, but excluding Richard Nixon, commemorating the inauguration services they attended at Saint John’s.
Architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764-1820) designed Saint John’s Church, in addition to other noted buildings in the neighborhood. The church was completed in 1816 and serves as a notable example of late Federal architecture, with Greek Revival elements. Many additions and alterations have been made to the church over the last two centuries, but it remains in fine condition today. The church still serves as an active parish.
DC Inventory: November 8, 1964 (Joint Committee on Landmarks)
National Register: October 15, 1966
National Historic Landmark: December 19, 1960
Within Lafayette Square Historic District and Sixteenth Street Historic District
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