For the right price – plus or minus $6.5 million – a significant piece of American and Georgetown history can be yours.
The City Tavern building at 3206 M St. NW is on the real estate market. Its owner, the City Tavern Club, reopened the establishment during President John Kennedy’s administration, saving the building that was constructed during President George Washington’s administration.
A few days ago, the City Tavern Club confidentially informed its members that its last day of operation would be Saturday, August 31. The club has been struggling with financial problems for several years.
The club told The Georgetowner on August 28: “After exhausting all options and careful deliberation, the Board of Directors of the City Tavern Association has, with a heavy heart, unanimously voted to cease operations of the City Tavern Club effective Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This was a difficult decision that was made only after years of consideration and the collective efforts of numerous previous Boards of Directors, as well as intense activity over the past several months to seek viable alternatives.”
The City Tavern Club added that it remains “a legal entity” and has hired Colliers International to list the property at 3206 M Street for sale.
Dating back to 1796, the City Tavern is the last remaining Federal Reserve-era tavern in Washington, DC. It is one of the oldest buildings in the District and is listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. It was purchased and saved from demolition in 1959 with private funds from a group of Washingtonians that included Marjorie James, Nancy Pyne, Paul Mellon, Mildred Bliss, and Emerson Duncan. It was extensively renovated and opened as a private social club in 1962.
On August 27, the City Tavern Preservation Foundation issued the following statement on the matter.
“The City Tavern Preservation Foundation has accelerated its efforts to acquire the historic City Tavern property at 3206 M St. NW following the recent announcement that the City Tavern Club is ceasing operations and publicly marketing the building. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve this historic site as a service to the nation.
“The City Tavern is the last remaining U.S. government-era tavern in DC and one of the oldest commercial buildings. The City Tavern Preservation Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 2000 to raise tax-deductible donations for the preservation of the building and hosts educational events open to the public. In light of the recent sale announcement, the Foundation is now intensifying its efforts and asking individuals, businesses and organizations to contribute to the goal of securing the funds necessary to purchase the property and transform it into a vibrant public space.
“Our vision for the City Tavern remains unchanged,” said C. Andrus Seferlis, president of the foundation. “We want to create a living museum and cultural center that honors the past while serving as a place of learning and interaction for all. But to realize this vision, we need the support of everyone who cares about our country’s history.”
“On Thursday, August 29, the Foundation will host a long-planned interactive scholarly lecture entitled ‘The Intolerable Acts of 1774.’ Supporters, history buffs, potential donors and the general public are invited to attend this event to learn more about the fundraiser and hear the speakers. For more information about the program and City Tavern, visit www.citytaverndc.org.”
