Comments on: Then and Now by the House History Man – Sawyer Mansion

By: Q-Street

Q-Street — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:19:18 +0000

Very interesting. I like this Then & Now feature; keep them coming please

By: carloslumpuy

carloslumpuy — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:31:58 +0000

To complete this Paul K. Williams post on the triangular site of the old Sawyer Mansion in Dupont Circle, and today better described as The Wonder Building at 1701-19 Connecticut Avenue, NW:

The George N. Ray building was renamed The Wonder Building by Washington banker Leo M. Bernstein who bought the two-story property after World War II in the 1950′s.

Dimitri Marens bought it from Leo M. Bernstein in the 1960′s.

Dimitri Marens’ heirs formed the Athens, Greece based Human Rights Foundation which still owns The Wonder Building to this today at 1701-19 Connecticut Avenue, NW with eight store fronts (four of them currently occupied by La Tomate Restaurant) and with second floor offices above at 1711 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

There was a mystery novel bookstore at The Wonder Building in the 1715 Connecticut store front right next to the 1711 offices entrance that President Bill Clinton frequented during the 1990′s.

By: maestrobe

maestrobe — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:10:57 +0000

Not that it matters, but the location featured is where Conn. and R come together with 20th, not 19th. (I used to live up the block.)

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:27:08 +0000

They should put that mansion back.

By: monkeyrotica

monkeyrotica — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:44:25 +0000

And that was the LAST time a beat cop was seen walking downtown.