2507 I STREET NW
Year Built
1892
History
Nos. 2503-2507 were designed in 1892 by Thomas Francis Jr. and built by George W. Dove for T.B. Harrison. They feature large projecting bays and a strong vertical brick cornice. No. 2507 is currently being extensively renovated, while keeping the façade (more or less) – the one next to it (No. 2505) is in dire need of renovation (as of January 2023).
Renovation of No 2507 began in 2021 and altered the appearance of the original façade. The original door was in the Federal style with lights in the paneled door and a fanlight on top with lights to either side. in 1983, a modern aluminum frame with asbestos shingle roof extended over a bay window, which has been removed. The red brick facade was painted white. (EHT Traceries)
Resident/Owner
1900 - Alphonzo Chevalier, born in MD, 1854 and was a chef. His wife, Mary C. was a clerk. David Chevalier also lived in the house. (Directory and Census)
1910 - Patrick J. Carver or Earner, 36 and wife Marion K, 31. Born in D.C. , Irish. He was a fireman for the fire department. (Census)
1914 - 1920+ -Robert E Gramm (or Robert A. Graham) and wife Adelaide, both Irish. In 1920, Robert, 44, was a steamfitter for a mechanical company. His wife was 43. He was born in D.C. and she was born in New York. (Census)
1952-1979 - Angeline James (1877-1979). She resided at 2507 I Street and lived to be over 100 years old. She was born in Halifax, Va. and her parents were freed slaves. She was married and widowed twice and had a good friend named Kathleen. She took special care to be a good neighbor and looked after stray cats. She was an ordained missionary of the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, then located at 25th and H Sts. Her obituary in the Foggy Bottom News described her as “the grand old lady of Foggy Bottom.”
1977 - Angeline James, nephew, Daniel McCane and his wife Bertha
2021 - 2026 -renovations
Recollections
Source Material
Boyds City Directory, 1914
Census
EHT Traceries historic house survey and photo, 6/1983
FBA History Project, "Rows with Spacious Front Gardens." Clio: Your Guide to History. https://theclio.com/tour/2098/10
Foggy Bottom News, "Foggy Bottom Loses A Remarkable Lady," Jan., 1979, "... and Five to Go," Nov. 1072"
Street view (D. Vogt, May 2022)
Street view, front former bay window detail (D. Vogt, May 2022)
Street view (D. Vogt, May 2022)
View from the sidewalk of extensive renovation in progress in 2022. (D. Vogt, May 2022)
2507-2503 I St. facades. (EHT Traceries, Nov. 1983)
2507 I St., still under construction, with rooftop deck railing, April 2024 (F. Leone)
Changes in facade and doorway features and windows. (D. Vogt, 2022)
Rear facade and patio area (D. Vogt, June 2021)