Doesn’t this Babcock-Macomb House exude an air of quiet dignity? The Babcock-Macomb House stands as a testament to Washington D.C.’s vibrant past. It is located at 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW. This historic residence whispers tales of ambition wealth and diplomatic exchange.
Kate Woodman Babcock ordered the construction of this house. She was the widow of Joseph W. Babcock. Joseph had a successful career in the lumber industry. He also served as a Representative of Wisconsin. He gained popularity and wealth while on the Committee on the District of Columbia.
Constance McLaughlin Green noted Joseph Babcock’s financial gains. She wrote that he “cleared $400000 in Washington real estate.” He used his advance knowledge of city development.
In 1911 Kate Babcock purchased two lots. These lots were in the newly established Massachusetts Heights subdivision. She paid $14529 for the land on October 18. The Babcock-Macomb House became the first home built in this new neighborhood. The city hoped it would attract wealthy residents.
Arthur B. Heaton designed the Babcock-Macomb House. He was a prominent architect in Washington. He opened his own office in 1900. He designed houses in Cleveland Park. He also served as supervising architect for the Washington National Cathedral. Heaton’s residential designs varied. Styles included Georgian Colonial Revival and Neo-Renaissance. The Babcock-Macomb House showcases the Neo-Renaissance style.
Interestingly Mrs. Babcock never lived in the home she commissioned. In 1917 she sold it to Tucker Sands. Sands was a vice president of the National Metropolitan Bank. He rented the house out for two years.
In 1919 Army Colonel Augustus Canfield Macomb purchased the property. The Macomb family resided here until 1982. Edna Wilson Macomb Alexander Macomb’s widow finally sold it.
The Republic of Cape Verde then acquired the Babcock-Macomb House. It became their embassy to the United States. The Babcock-Macomb House gained recognition. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 10 1995. It was Designated DCIHS February 1 1989.
The Babcock-Macomb House continues to serve as a diplomatic mission. It also stands as a reminder of early 20th-century ambition. The house represents architectural design and social history.