The History Of The U And H Street Corridors

The 21st century has seen much of the DC area undergo significant changes for the better, and the U and H street corridors are no exception. 

Historically a proud and vibrant epicenter of black culture, U Street earned the title Black Broadway during the early 20th century. The area was home to the first-ever African-American YMCA, the restored Lincoln Theater and the Whitelaw Hotel. The latter served as the first upscale hotel for African-Americans during the time of segregation in the capital.

H Street has a similar background and boasts landmarks such as the Atlas Performing Arts Center and the Washington Coliseum. Formerly called the Uline Arena, The Beatles played their first concert on American soil at this venue. (It's now considered more a part of NoMa, but it's just a few short blocks from H Street proper.)

Both areas were devastated during the post-MLK assassination riots in the late '60s. They sat for decades in a limbo of undesirability, crime and disrepair. 

Soon after the dawn of the new millennium, social effort and government investment led to an aggressive rebranding of both corridors. Now, they offer young professionals and families an affordable yet attractive area to live and play. 

Offering retail draws, trendy restaurants and buzzing nightlife—and the only operational tramcar in DC—the two streets have enjoyed a fantastic rebirth.