Townsend House, Beaux-Arts mansion at Massachusetts Avenue, Washington DC, United States
The Townsend House features French-inspired limestone architecture with symmetrical facades, ornate sculptural elements, and detailed classical ornamentation across its three-story structure.
Built in 1901 for railroad executive Richard Townsend and his wife Mary Scott, the mansion incorporated parts of an 1873 structure due to Mrs. Townsend's specific requests.
The residence temporarily housed President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 before his inauguration and later supported military efforts during World War II.
The building currently functions as headquarters for the Cosmos Club, providing meeting spaces and facilities for its members in science, literature, and arts.
The mansion retains architectural elements from both the original 1873 Hillyer House and the 1901 reconstruction, creating an unusual structural composition.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Inception: 1901
Architects: Carrère and Hastings
Architectural style: Beaux-Arts
Part of: Dupont Circle Historic District, Massachusetts Avenue Historic District
GPS coordinates: 38.91110,-77.04771
Latest update: May 15, 2025 21:14
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