Dear PoPville – Anyone Familiar with the “House of Secrets” in Ledroit Park?

Dear PoPville,

Do you have any information about the so-called “House of Secrets” house on the 500 block of T Street NW — apparently, some kind of speakeasy / underground club that has been in and out of existence for like the past 25 years. Apparently, it looks like a normal house from the outside, but is set up as a club on the inside. Such a weird place to have a club given how residential it is. Def been some problems with it recently, like this double stabbing that happened during a recent event there. Current and historical info appreciated.

One member of the Ledroit Park listserv shared an ABRA press release from 2004:

After a lengthy investigation by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA), on March 14, 2004, members of ABRA’s investigative unit and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) entered into a private residence known as House of Secrets at 507 T Street, NW.

The investigation of this private residence was initiated after ABRA received information that the residential home was operating as an unlicensed after hours club. Additional information was also received that the listed location was hosting parties for hire and included events in which underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, gambling, drug use, and sexual conduct was occurring. The owner of the residence was later identified as Mr. Ralph Woodson.

On March 14, 2004, 507 T Street, NW was found to be operating as an unlicensed establishment. Specifically, it was determined that Mr. Woodson was selling alcoholic beverages without an ABC license, making alcoholic beverages available to persons under the age of 21, and in possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Mr. Woodson was arrested by the MPD for selling alcoholic beverages without an ABC license, making alcoholic beverages available to persons under the age of 21, and for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

Anyone know how far the history goes back?