Cities & Communities : Washington DC : U Street

U Street Revitalization, Past to Present
The U street area of Washington DC extends from 9th Street on the east to 18th Street and Florida Avenue on its west.  Developed between 1862 and 1900 the U street corridor was composed of row homes that were constructed rapidly to cope with the real estate boom that occurred post Civil War, and with the growth of the Federal Government in the late 19th century.  It was originally considered to be a Victorian era neighborhood.  U street became a very significant area in Washington, DC during the 20th century when a street car line began to operate here.  This made it more accessible for government employees to commute to the downtown area for work.  Equally important to note is that U Street gained immense notoriety in the early to middle 20th century as a performance hotbed for some of the nation's most notable jazz artists. 

Landmarks

• The Howard Theater
• The Howard was known as the place where all the great acts came.
• It opened its doors for the first time in 1910.
• When it originally opened it was known for vaudeville acts, plays, and circuses.
• In 1929 it was forced to shut its doors due to the effects of the great depression.
• Many famous performers, including Duke Ellington, came back to the Howard after it reopened.
• During the 1960s Soul and Motown were brought arrived at the Howard.
• The Howard closed in the 1970s and currently remains closed but there are proposed plans for renovation and an eventual reopening.
• The Lincoln Theater
• Designed by Harry Crandell construction began in the summer of 1921 and it was opened in 1922.
• Originally, it was the home to silent films and vaudeville.
• It once housed both a movie house and ballroom, hosting jazz and big band performers.
• It closed after the 1968 riots but was reopened in 1994.
• The theater was listed on the city's historical registry in 1993 and was restored and reopened by 1994.
• Bohemian Caverns
• The Caverns first opened in 1926.
• Its doors closed in 1940 and were reopened in September 1959.
• Famous performers who played here included:
• Shirley Horne
• John Coltrane
• Miles Davis
• Billie Holliday
• Pearl Bailey
• It later closed as a result of the riots in September 1968.
• It was purchased and reopened under new ownership in 2000, and in 2007 Mahogany restaurant opened on its street level.
• Club Bali
• This club opened in the 1940s.
• Its dining specialty is Korean Cuisine.
• It frequently featured live shows consisting of big bands and large orchestras. 
• Famous performers here included:
• Cab Calloway
• Erol Garner
• Johnny Hartman
• Billie Holiday
• Morgana King
• Sarah Vaughn
• Dinah Washington
• Charlie Ventura
• Ben's Chili Bowl
• This famous eatery was founded in 1958 and remains a prominent server of everything chili.
• It is located at 1213 U St.
• Even through the many transformations the area has experienced, Ben’s remains largely true to its original design.

Today this area is one of the most notably regentrified areas in the District.  Many builders have built numerous apartments, condominiums, and renovated many of U's Victorian row homes.  It is once again a bustling environment filled with a truly diverse population.