901 26TH STREET NW
Year Built
1878
Click photo below to see full sized image.
D. Vogt, 2022
Documents
History
The three-story red brick corner house at 26th and I Streets (901 26th St.) was built in 1878 as a house and store. It has several modern alterations. Windows are at regular intervals with segmented arches. On the third floor, the windows have been punched into spaces between original windows -- they do not have arches - and are narrower than the originals. The cornice is bracketed and dentilled.
In 1914, the building was a saloon operated by Robert Stauber. But by 1923 - after Prohibition took effect - the building housed the Universal Holiness Church.
The house was renovated and an addition was added in 1975 (or maybe the 1980s) by architects Swaney/Kerns based in DC. The elaborate painted ironwork gates were installed in 1981. The gates were created by sculptor Albert Paley, who also created the "Portal Gates" in 1974 for the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery near the White House. In 2025 the house was described as having 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,904 square feet. It was listed by Redfin for sale at $2,200.000. (Redfin.com listing, Jan. 10, 2026)
Resident/Owner
1886 - the house address is given in an ad in the "Lost" section for the return of a missing check (#49) belonging to Mrs. J. G. Bell payable to Jas. Hunt. The finder will get a $5 reward if returned to J. J. Mahon and this location. (Evening Star, May 7, 1886, p. 2)
1891 - The Noonans. John J. Noonan was issued a liquor license. ( Evening Star, Mar. 4, 1891, p. 5). In 1893, he posts an newspaper ad stating he will not be responsible for any debts contracted by his wife Margaret Noonan. (Evening Star, Dec. 12, 1893, p. 3)
1896 - Michael and Margaret J. Faherty. Michael dies at age 36 after a brief illness. He was a native of County Galway, Ireland. The funeral takes place at the home. (The Times, July 22, 1896, p. 5). In September, the estate was transferred from now deceased Michael to his widow Margaret (Herald Times, Sept. 12, 1896, p. 2).
1899 - a position wanted ad is placed for a white girl wanting work as a chambermaid, nurse, waitress with mention she is willing to leave the city (Evening Star, June 2, 1899, p. 4)
1900 - Peter Loftus awarded liquor license (Evening Star, Nov. 4, 1900, "Excise Board Disposes of Many Applications").
1906 - House is given as the location of Microcard Eds., Inc. (City Directory, book review digest)
1907 - Thomas F. Gilmore dies at age 29 (Times Herald, Jan. 12, 1907, p. 2)
1909 - Dennis J. Long, saloonkeeper, files for voluntary bankruptcy (Times Herald, July 28, 1909, p. 9).
1910 - Max Perskin (Perkins ?) , saloonkeeper alleged he was robbed by three negro men who stole a keg of beer. (Times Herald, Feb. 18, 1910, p. 9). In 1911, what seems to be his daughter, Esther age 3, was "struck by a National Traction Company car while playing in the street near her home." (Times Herald, Aug. 23, 1911, p. 6).
1912 - Classified work wanted ad placed by a "first class" pianist who specializes in orchestra work (Wash. Post, Nov. 13, 1912, p. 13)
1914 - Robert Sauber (Census, Wash. Herald, Nov. 1, 1914, p. 14)
1930 - House is listed in an ad under "business opportunities" as a large store with electric lights and five rooms and a bath. The rent is $75 a month. (Evening Star, Dec. 5, 1930, p. 60)
1933 - H. C. Ross is issued an Occupancy Permit for a billiard parlor. (Evening Star, Mar. 25, 1933, p. 18)
1941 - In newspaper ad "Help Men" section, the West End Barber Shop is looking for a colored barber. (Evening Star, Aug. 31, 1941, p. 20)
Recollections
Source Material
EHT Traceries, historical area building study and photo, 11/1983
FBA History Project, "Highway Overlook - Lost Foggy Bottom." Clio: Your Guide to History. https://theclio.com/tour/2098/9
The decorative iron gate sculpture is by Albert Paley. (D. Vogt, 2022)
The side view of the house facing I Street. (D. Vogt, 2022)
A corner view of the house as it appeared in 1983. (EHT Traceries, Nov. 1983)
I St side of the house with view of walkway along 26th St. (D. Vogt, Jan. 2022)