Building Black Broadway: U Street Architecture Tour

Once known as Washington’s “Black Broadway,” the U Street corridor has been the cultural and civic heart of the District’s Black community since the turn of the 20th century. Developed by and for a segregated population, the neighborhood fostered a flourishing and self-sustaining community rich in architecture, music, politics, and pride. Legendary performers like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Cab Calloway once graced its stages, and local Black architects designed stunning buildings that still help define the neighborhood’s character today.

Beyond the theaters and clubs, quiet residential streets reveal a fascinating story of rowhouse development and design. This walking tour with DC Design Tours traces the history of the U Street corridor through its built environment—from the Civil War to the Harlem Renaissance of DC, through the upheaval of the 1968 riots, and into today’s ongoing story of change, resilience, and community.

What We’ll See

We begin at the African American Civil War Memorial, a powerful tribute to more than 200,000 Black soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War. From there, we head west along U Street, once lined with glamorous theaters, clubs, and cultural institutions that earned the corridor its nickname, “Black Broadway.” Along the way, we’ll explore the contributions of Black architects, business owners, and civic leaders who shaped this thriving neighborhood amid segregation.

Turning onto quieter residential blocks, we’ll trace the evolution of DC’s iconic rowhouses—from modest post-Civil War homes to early 20th-century expansions. We’ll stop outside the childhood home of Duke Ellington and the historic Whitelaw Hotel, a beacon of Black hospitality during segregation. Passing the city’s oldest Black Catholic church, we make our way to Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, a striking green space and longtime community hub. There, we’ll examine how the park has served as a symbolic boundary in the city, and discuss its ties to urban renewal, civil rights-era activism, and the ongoing forces shaping the U Street corridor today.

Tour Highlights

• African American Civil War Memorial


• Prince Hall Masonic Temple


• Lee's Flower Shop


• Bohemian Caverns


• Industrial Savings Bank


• 12th Street YMCA


• Duke Ellington's childhood home


• Whitelaw Hotel


• Lincoln Theater


• Ben's Chili Bowl


• Saint Augustine Church


• Malcolm X Park

Where to Meet
Find your guide at the African American Civil War Memorial at the corner of U Street and Vermont Avenue.
GPS Address: 1925 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Your tour concludes in Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park near 15th St and W St NW.

This walking tour is also available for private groups on foot or by car or coach. Visit www.dcdesigntours.com to learn more and sign up.