“Ever wondered about the lives lived within these walls?” The Codman Carriage House stands before you a testament to a bygone era. It wasn’t just a place for carriages. This elegant building at 1415 22nd Street NW in Dupont Circle housed much more than just horse-drawn vehicles. It played a significant role in Washington DC’s history. Commissioned in 1907 by the wealthy socialite Martha Catherine Codman the Carriage House reflects the architectural prowess of her cousin Ogden Codman Jr. He designed it in the Second Empire style a style considered a bit old-fashioned even then. This choice might reflect the building’s practical rather than purely decorative function.
For ten years horses resided here. Later cars replaced them. But the Carriage House was also home. Codman’s coachman John J Conner and his wife Sophie lived here. So did her butler Thomas King his wife Anna and their daughters. They were part of the building’s vibrant life. Imagine their daily routines the sounds of horses hooves giving way to the hum of automobiles.
The Carriage House wasn’t just a family home. After Codman sold the building in 1940 it became commercial space. A Goodyear store operated here for over 25 years. Then came nightclubs. The Last Hurrah a popular spot known for its inclusive atmosphere. This was followed by Badlands a gay bar that became legendary. The name later changed to Apex before eventually closing in 2011. For a brief time Phase 1 a lesbian bar occupied the space.
The Carriage House faced near demolition in the early 1980s. Fortunately that plan was abandoned. Today it stands as a reminder of resilience. It also serves as a symbol of the changing times and diverse communities of Washington DC. Its history shows that even a stable can be at the center of a lively social scene. It is now restored office space. However its past lives as a carriage house a garage a nightclub and a bar remain embedded in its very walls.
The Codman Carriage House is more than just a building. It’s a living story. A story of changing times. A story of people and places. A story of Washington DC itself. Take a moment to appreciate this remarkable piece of the city’s past. It whispers tales of carriages and cars of socialites and stable hands of lively nights and quiet days. It’s a story waiting to be fully discovered.