Twelfth Street YMCA Building

The Twelfth Street YMCA Building, also known as the Anthony Bowen YMCA, is a historic site in Washington, D.C., recognized as the first African American chapter of the YMCA, founded in 1853. Located in the vibrant U Street Corridor, this Renaissance Revival structure was completed in 1912 and designed by pioneering African American architect William Sidney Pittman. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994 and now houses the Thurgood Marshall Center, a community hub named after the first African American Supreme Court Justice. The building's rich history includes significant contributions to the African American community and efforts to revitalize the Shaw neighborhood, making it a noteworthy destination for tourists and researchers alike.