Van Ness Mansion

[2] It was built on land that had been owned by Marcia's father, David Burnes,[3] who left 500 acres along the Potomac River to Van Ness.

[4] It was one of the most expensive houses in the country, fitted with hot and cold running water, a modern feature at the time,[1] and the mansion was the first residence in the city to have that luxury.

[5] Latrobe added a feature designed to maintain a sense of privacy when food was conveyed to dining rooms.

"[4] Latrobe also worked with John Peter Van Ness on the reconstruction of Washington, D.C. public buildings.

Van Ness was a commissioner of the Capitol reconstruction commission, along with Richard B. Lee and Tench Ringgold.