Alvin Mason Lothrop House
The Lothrop Mansion stands as one of Washington's most elegant residential buildings.
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Proudly positioned at the apex of Connecticut Avenue, this monumental Beaux Arts residence was constructed between 1908 and 1909 after the plans of the noted local firm of Hornblower and Marshall for local merchandising magnate Alvin Mason Lothrop (of Woodward & Lothrop department stores). In its scale, style, and site, the house illustrates the wealth, social grandeur, and architectural elegance that were the hallmarks of Washington and American society at the turn of the 20th century.
The Beaux Arts style of the mansion exemplifies Washingtonian taste during the early years of the 20th century. The significance of the plan in taking advantage of the site, its dependence on classically-derived motifs, and the use of the refined and white-colored Indiana limestone clearly establish its Beaux Arts association. However, although based on principles derived from the Beaux Arts philosophy, the design of the house illustrates an unusual derivation of historic motifs.
Due to the use of the building for diplomatic purposes, it has not been possible to gain access to the interior. The interior was reported to have been remodeled in the 1970s, when the building was purchased by the U.S.S.R. to serve as their trade mission center.
DC Inventory: December 16, 1987
National Register: December 20, 1988
