President’s House

“A president’s home, built by a family, not for themselves, but for the leaders of Harvard.” The President’s House at 17 Quincy Street whispers tales of ambition and legacy. This grand house, nestled within the hallowed grounds of Harvard University, holds within its walls the echoes of presidents past. It stands as a testament to the enduring connection between family and institution. The President’s House wasn’t built by the university itself. It was a gift, a generous contribution from the prominent Lowell family, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Harvard’s continued success. Designed by Guy Lowell, a cousin of then-president A. Lawrence Lowell, the President’s House was completed in 1912. It was a beacon of tradition, intended to provide a stately residence for the university’s leaders. But its story, like the lives of those who resided within, took unexpected turns. During World War II, the President’s House was temporarily repurposed, offering its grand spaces to the United States Navy for its V-12 Navy College Training Program. President James Bryant Conant and his family graciously opened their home to the needs of the nation, transforming a symbol of academic leadership into a center of wartime training. Years later, in 1971, President Derek Bok chose to relocate his family to Elmwood. This move marked a shift in tradition. Elmwood, another property with ties to the Lowell family, became the new presidential residence. The President’s House, once the heart of Harvard’s leadership, transitioned into a new role. It became Loeb House in 1995, named in honor of generous benefactors John Langeloth Loeb Sr. and Frances Lehman Loeb. This renaming sparked controversy. Students and alumni voiced their concerns about the lack of recognition for the Lowell family’s original contribution. Their voices were heard, and a painting and plaque were added to commemorate the Lowells’ generosity. Today, Loeb House, the former President’s House, serves as the home of the university’s governing board offices. Its elegant rooms host formal meetings and a variety of special events, carrying the weight of history into the present.