U Street Corridor: Building Black Broadway Architecture Tour

Once known as Washington’s “Black Broadway,” U Street has long been the cultural and civic heart of the District’s Black community. The neighborhood, developed by and for a segregated population, fostered a flourishing, self-sustaining community rich in architecture, music, and panache. Legendary performers like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Cab Calloway once graced its stages. At the same time, local Black architects designed churches, offices, and homes that still shape the neighborhood’s character today.

On this walking tour, we trace U Street’s layered history 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 evolving story of change, resilience, and community.

Where to Meet
Meet 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.