Loeb House, 17 Quincy Street
Address17, Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Site Number103
Alternate Names
President's House
Building Root Number
06026
Architect (Original)
Guy Lowell
Building Acquired
1911
Constructed 1911
Constructed 1911
StatusActive
Site Name HistoryIn 1995 the site was named after Harvard benefactors John Langeloth Loeb Sr. (1902–1996), New York investment banker, and his wife, Frances Lehman Loeb (1906–1996), New York City Commissioner for the United Nations.Historical NotesLoeb House was designed by architect Guy Lowell (A.B. 1892). It was built in 1911 as a residence for the Harvard President during the term of A. Lawrence Lowell. A house given to Harvard by Peter C. Brooks served as the home for former Harvard presidents Cornelius Felton (A.B. 1827), Thomas Hill (A.B. 1843) and Charles W. Eliot (A.B. 1853). During World War II Navy units stationed at Harvard used Loeb House as headquarters. Today, Loeb House is the home of Harvard’s Governing Boards and their administrative offices.Additional Information
Paul Codman Cabot Room
“President Lowell’s House.” Cambridge Chronicle, 18 May 1912, p. 12.
“Old President’s House Being Demolished: Built at Harvard About 50 Years Ago and Occupied by Dr Eliot During All of His Long Period in Office.” Boston Daily Globe, 16 Feb. 1913, p. 14.
“Hall for President’s Receptions: New Home for Head of Harvard Includes Facilities for Entertaining--Will Be Occupied in Fall.” Boston Daily Globe, 17 May 1912, p. 11.
“The House of Presidents: History of a Famous Harvard Building.” Boston Evening Transcript, 4 Oct. 1911, p. 22.
Arenson, Karen W. "Alumnus Expands Love Affair With Harvard by Offering a Monumental Gift." New York Times 15 Mar. 1995, National Desk ed., Education sec. Print.
"Loebs Give $70.5 Million to Harvard University." Wall Street Journal. New York, NY, 15 March 1995 p. B2. Print.
Harvard University Archives. Construction Management Records, ca. 1953-1986. Harvard University Archives call number UAV 298.8000
“President’s House. College Structure Being Demolished - Built 50 Years Ago, It Gives Way to New Residence.” Cambridge Tribune, 22 Feb. 1913.
“President’s House. Passing of the Building Which Has Stood for a Half Century - Plans for the New Structure.” Cambridge Tribune, 14 Oct. 1911.
“Tearing Down Old House.” Cambridge Chronicle, 22 Feb. 1913.
“Work on President’s House.” Harvard Crimson, 2 Mar. 1912.
Weber, Paul J. Photographs of Harvard University Buildings and Grounds Taken by Paul J. Weber, Ca. 1929-1931 and 1939. Harvard University Archives call number HUV 2329
