Ralph Bunche House, International Style residence in Brookland, Washington, D.C.
The Ralph Bunche House near Jackson Street displays clean geometric lines, flat roofs, and minimal exterior ornamentation following modernist design principles. This single-story home embodies the international design movement that emerged during the 1940s.
An architect designed the house in 1941 for Ralph Bunche, a respected academic and diplomat. Bunche lived there during his tenure as a professor and later as a high-ranking government official.
The house marks a moment when Black professionals in Washington began building custom homes rather than purchasing existing ones. This choice reflected growing prosperity and independence in how they shaped their own communities.
The house sits in a quiet residential neighborhood and is easily visible from the street, though interior access may be limited. Visitors should check in advance whether tours are available, as not all times may be open to the public.
The house was home to the first person of non-European descent to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This major honor came in 1950 for his groundbreaking peace efforts in the Middle East.
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