Consider this: a haven for single, affluent men rose in Washington D.C. in the early 1900s. That haven is the Bachelor Apartment House. It stands before us at 1737 H Street, Northwest. This historic structure whispers tales of a bygone era. It is a testament to a unique residential concept.
The Bachelor Apartment House is not just another building. It is a survivor. It is one of the last apartment buildings remaining from a luxurious neighborhood. This area once thrived with single-family homes and social clubs. These buildings developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The location was convenient to the White House. The State, War, and Navy building was nearby too.
Wood, Donn & Deming designed the Bachelor Apartment House. They were a prominent Washington architectural firm. Their work includes the Union Trust Company and St. Patrick’s Church. The Bachelor Apartment House showcases their skill. The building presents an interesting solution. It achieves an elegant residential quality in a multi-unit structure.
What makes the Bachelor Apartment House special? It is believed to be the only surviving luxury apartment building for single men in D.C. It is also one of the first with a Tudor Revival facade. The facade makes interesting use of materials and details. It enlivens the texture and reinforces the visual continuity of H Street.
Originally, the Bachelor Apartment House offered a unique living experience. Servants provided housekeeping and cooking services. This catered to affluent tenants who desired convenience. They wanted to live near private clubs and government offices. The stone-sheathed bay windows mark the location of the apartments. Each apartment had a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom. A roof garden sheltered with a pergola provided private outdoor space.
One notable resident was Hubbard Bowyer McDonald. He was the chief clerk and parliamentarian of the United States Senate. He passed away at the Bachelor Apartment House in 1907.
The Bachelor Apartment House has adapted over time. After World War II, the area transitioned to commercial uses. The building was then adapted for offices. Despite these changes, the Bachelor Apartment House retains its historical significance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It was designated a D.C. Historic Site in 1977.
Today, the Bachelor Apartment House reminds us of Washington’s past. It is a symbol of a time when single men sought luxury and convenience near the halls of power. Its balanced facade continues to enhance H Street. The Bachelor Apartment House remains a unique and valuable piece of D.C.’s architectural heritage.