1816 12th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Thurgood Marshall Center · Coworking Space Property For Lease

The Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage is located in the building that was the first YMCA built for African Americans. It was designed by Booker T. Washington’s son-in-law, W. Sidney Pittman who was one of America’s first African American Architect’s. President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone in 1908. It was named the Twelfth Street YMCA and became a dynamic community center where youth were challenged by wholesome activities, positive values, and inspiring role models. The many notable Americans with beginnings and involvement in this Y included Coach John Thompson, Justice Thurgood Marshall, the poet Langston Hughes, and Dr. Charles Drew. After many illustrious decades of service, this five-story brick building was closed in 1982. The building became designated as a National Historic Landmark and reopened as a restored and remodeled community service center for nonprofit community and heritage programs and offices serving children, youth, and families. – the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage.