It’s not in the White House: Do you know where the Vice President lives?
Contrary to what many might believe, the Vice President of the United States does not reside in the White House. Let’s take a look at the VP’s residence since 1974.
When thinking of the President of the United States, the first thing that comes to mind is the immense White House. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington D.C., this emblematic building not only stands out as a historical and cultural site, but is also known for being the residence and work office of the executive branch of the United States.
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According to government information, the White House has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, extensive gardens and various areas designated for official events, but what about the vice president’s residence? Does the person who holds the position also live within the White House facilities? Let’s take a look.
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Where does the Vice President of the United States live?
Contrary to what many might believe, the Vice President of the United States does not reside in the White House, as the President typically does. The second-in-command’s residence, also known as the “Vice President’s House,” is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) in northwest Washington, DC. It is located at Observatory Rotunda #1.
The Vice President’s House was designed by Leon Emil Dessez with the original intention of housing the USNO superintendent. Construction of the house, which overlooks Massachusetts Avenue, was completed in 1893. In 1923, the Chief of Naval Operations was so impressed with the facility that he kicked the superintendent out so that he could move in himself, as US government archives explain.
Historically, vice presidents always lived in their own homes but the rising costs of security soon became an issue. In 1974, Congress agreed to renovate the Naval Observatory House and convert it into the official residence of the vice president. Walter Mondale of the Jimmy Carter administration was the first vice president to move into the observatory residence. It has since been the home of the second-in-command and their respective families.
For the past 50 years, the Chief of Naval Operations has resided in Quarters A in the Washington Naval Yard on the banks of the Anacostia River. Admiral James L. Holloway III was the first to occupy the new residence.
Like the White House, the Vice Presidential House features a variety of amenities and meeting and event spaces, as well as a spacious garden, making it ideal for hosting official functions. Some of the figureheads who have lived here include Vice Presidents Bush, Quayle, Gore, Cheney, Biden, Pence and Harris.