The Octagon, an octagonal building on the corner of 18th and New York Ave. just about two blocks from the White House. The heavily weathered sign next to the Octagon reads

The Octagon: Built in 1800 by Colonel John Tayloe, William Thornton—Architect. Occupied by President Madison after the burning of the White House in August of 1814. The Treaty of Ghent was ratified? (fuzzy) here on February ... (date obscured). Headquarters of the American Institute of Architects fromm 1898 to 1949. Now owned by the American Institute of Architects Foundation.

Some people claim the house is haunted. (Insert scary music here.)