Newly appointed GW President Stephen Knapp announced his plans to move into 1925 F Street July 10th, 2007. He will be the first university president to reside on campus. Renovations to the house are underway with hopes for it to be finished for move in this summer.The house is the former alumni relations building and has been used as an office building since 1999. It was built in 1849 as a private home for U.S. Navy Captain Charles Steedman and has since changed ownership numerous times. It became a social club called the F Street Club in 1933 and has been visited by every president up until Bill Clinton.
In order to accommodate President Knapp and his family, the house will be renovated extensively since it has not been used as a residence for some time. In addition, Knapp has plans to make the residence as environmentally friendly as possible.
A very real concern of the ongoing renovations is preserving the integrity of the building. Because of its history, there are certain restrictions on what can be done to the home’s exterior.
Aside from wanting to be right on campus as an integral part of the GW community, Knapp also looks forward to living life on Foggy Bottom as GW’s neighbors experience it.
Knapp also hopes that the house will attract visitors of all types to the GW campus. The residence is in close proximity to the White House and Metro accessible, both integral parts of Knapp’s decision to eventually reside there.
- Julie Hyman
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