Walter Washington House Stabilization and Rehabilitation
Howard is advancing the stabilization and rehabilitation of the historic Walter Washington House in LeDroit Park, preserving a place closely connected to the life of the District's first elected mayor.
2026-2027 Academic Year Opening Status: Stabilization and rehabilitation planning remain active. Contract, purchase-order, design, and preservation work have advanced, while the current field schedule and completion target are being confirmed.
A Home Connected to District History
Walter E. Washington and Bennetta Bullock Washington moved into her family home at 408 T Street NW when they married in 1941. The house remained their home when Walter Washington was elected in 1974 as the District of Columbia's first home-rule mayor. Bennetta Washington was herself a nationally recognized educator and public servant.
After her death, Mayor Washington acquired the neighboring 410 T Street and combined the properties. Together, 408-410 T Street form a contributing property in the LeDroit Park Historic District and carry a civic history with importance to Howard, Washington, and the nation.
Preserving the Character of the Place
The two houses preserve distinct chapters of LeDroit Park's architectural history. The late-Victorian house at 408 T Street was built in 1895; the Colonial Revival rowhouse at 410 T Street followed in 1915. The preservation concept reviewed by the District calls for the restoration of historic brick, slate roofs, porches, and original windows, together with compatible work at the rear of the property.
Howard's present project began with stabilization activity, historic-material testing, contract execution, and architectural coordination. A current field update is being assembled before the next public project description and schedule are established.
Working with the Community
The house sits within a living residential neighborhood as well as a historic district. Stabilizing and rehabilitating the property protects an important neighbor on the block, preserves the character of the LeDroit Park Historic District, and honors the public legacies of Walter and Bennetta Washington. Howard is coordinating with community and preservation stakeholders as the project moves forward.