Description

Single Family • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave • Washington, DC 20500

Built in 1792, this magnificent 132-room mansion is the rarest of homes in the U.S. since it is not only the residence of the U.S. president and his family, but it also has two wings with offices for the president, the First Lady, top staff and aides. Designed by Irish architect James Hoban, it was built during the Federalist period (late 1780-1830), but is considered Georgian in the Palladian style with neoclassical influences. After the cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792, it was built by slaves, free African-American laborers, immigrants, and salaried Europeans. Second President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, took occupancy on November 1, 1800. Made from sandstone, brick and wood, the White House was composed only of the "Residence" and was completed for a cost of $232,371.83. There are three parts to the White House: The Residence (where the First Family resides), the West Wing (Oval Office and top executive offices) and the East Wing (First Lady and offices for her staff). The Residence contains 6 levels: the sub-basement (storage, laundry); basement (Diplomatic Reception room, Map Room, kitchen, curator's office, dentist's office, one-lane bowling alley); first floor (the "State Floor" contains the Red Room, Blue Room, Green Room, East Room, State Dining Room, and Family Dining Room); second floor (the "Family Residence" contains the master bedroom, Lincoln Bedroom, Queens' Bedroom, Yellow Oval Room, Truman Balcony), and the third floor (rec, music, and sun rooms). The West Wing contains the president's office, the Oval Office and the Situation Room. There are three levels: the basement (Situation Room, Secret Service Offices, Press Corps Offices); the first floor (Oval Office, Vice President's Office, Chief of Staff Office, Roosevelt Room, Press Briefing Room), and the second floor (offices of the president's staff). The East Wing houses the First Lady's office and those of her staff. It is also where the underground bunker is located.