Y.W.C.A (Phyllis Wheatly Branch DC)
Known Name(s)
Y.W.C.A (Phyllis Wheatly Branch DC)
Address
901 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC
Establishment Type(s)
Hotel
Physical Status
Extant
Description
The building is an example of a colonial revival structure of red brick with four stories and six bays with a center entrance. The words "Phyllis Wheatly Club" are carved in white limestone with a "YWCA" shield logo on the left.
Detailed History
The YWCA included a public restaurant and is listed as a hotel. A group of women in Washington formed the "Colored" YWCA in 1905, and purchased the building at 901 Rhode Island Avenue, NW in 1920. In 1923, the YWCA became the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, named for the colonial African American woman poet.
