The grand beaux-arts house at 2920 R St. in Georgetown has a rich history of hosting some of the most influential figures in Washington, D.C. For nearly 60 years, Katharine Graham, former publisher of the Washington Post, presided over this iconic home, welcoming guests ranging from President-elects to Supreme Court justices. The house served as a hub of bipartisan power, where guests dined, debated, and formed lasting friendships.
Katharine Graham’s son, Donald Graham, fondly remembers growing up in this special place. The house was not just a residence but a symbol of Washington’s elite social scene. After Katharine Graham’s passing in 2001, the house was sold to Mark Ein, a venture capitalist and philanthropist. Despite initially having no plans to entertain in the grand style of the Grahams, Ein eventually decided to make the house his family home after marrying Sally Stiebel in the garden in 2013.
However, the couple’s plans to renovate and expand the historic house were met with resistance from neighbors and a review panel. The rejection of their plans led to a long and emotional ordeal for the Eins, ultimately resulting in the house sitting vacant for years. The once-grand dining room, where political leaders once gathered, now stands as a reminder of a bygone era in Washington, where bipartisan relationships were nurtured outside of the political arena.
The struggles faced by the Eins in trying to restore and inhabit the historic house reflect the broader polarization of Washington, where political divisions have made it rare for presidents to drop by private homes for bipartisan gatherings. Despite the neighborhood’s support for the Eins, the inconsistent and opaque process of obtaining approval for renovations proved to be a significant obstacle.
After 22 years of owning the house, Mark Ein and his wife are now considering selling the property. The decision to part ways with the historic home is bittersweet, as they had hoped to raise their children in a piece of Washington’s history. The challenges they faced in trying to restore the house serve as a poignant reminder of the changing landscape of Washington, where political divides have made it increasingly difficult to bridge the gap between parties.
In conclusion, the story of 2920 R St. in Georgetown is not just a tale of a historic house but a reflection of the evolving political climate in Washington, D.C. The house’s journey from a symbol of bipartisan unity to a vacant property speaks volumes about the challenges faced in today’s polarized political landscape. As the Eins contemplate selling the house, it marks the end of an era and a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving history in a rapidly changing world.