Apartment One

The Wendell Mansions apartment building was originally constructed in 1906 and designed in the beaux arts style by Baltimore architect Edward H. Glidden, and was best known as the social center of the Kennedy Administration, with a Supreme Court justice, Cabinet members and the Kennedy’s Social Secretary as owners of the four full-floor units.

After 40 years of being in a state of disrepair the unique challenge in renovating this apartment was how to accommodate the modern tastes, display and studio requirements of the owner, an artist engaged in large-scale oil painting, while respecting the historic character and plan of the home. To achieve this, the architect designed a minimally intrusive historic renovation for the living, dining and sitting rooms, located along Massachusetts Avenue. She created modern spaces for the renovated kitchen, bathrooms and artist’s studio to the rear of the apartment. This welcome modern insertion into an elegant historic living space makes this home exemplary of urban living.

AWARDS
CODAawards, Merit Award: Residential
AIA Potomac Valley Chapter Honor Award for Architectural Excellence
AIA Washingtonian Residential Design Award