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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Whitelaw Hotel

A landmark of Black entrepreneurship, the Whitelaw was Washington's first luxury hotel and apartment building financed, built, and managed exclusively for and by African Americans starting in 1919.

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Whitelaw Hotel
www.whitelawapartmentsdc.com, website_hero_img_www.whitelawapartmentsdc.com

What is the Whitelaw Hotel known for?

The Whitelaw Hotel opened in 1919 as Washington's first luxury hotel and apartment building built, financed, and managed exclusively by and for African Americans.

Who were some of the famous guests who stayed at the Whitelaw Hotel?

Famous guests included Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Joe Louis, and Thurgood Marshall.

Can I still stay at the Whitelaw Hotel today?

No, the building has been converted into an apartment community providing affordable rental housing.

Who designed the Whitelaw Hotel?

The building was designed by Isaiah T. Hatton, who was one of America's first Black architects.

What happened to the hotel's ballroom?

The ballroom's stained-glass ceiling was restored and it continues to serve as a community gathering space.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Opened on November 24, 1919, the Whitelaw Hotel stands as a monument to Black excellence in the Cardozo/Shaw neighborhood. Developed by John Whitelaw Lewis, a prominent financier and founder of the Industrial Savings Bank, the building was designed by Isaiah T. Hatton, one of the first Black architects in the United States. It provided African American travelers their first opportunity to stay in a first-class hotel within the segregated capital, where guests could proudly enter through the front door rather than the back. During its golden era, the hotel served as a social hub on 'Black Broadway,' with its ballroom hosting major community events. The guest list read like a who's who of 20th-century Black history, including legendary figures such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Joe Louis, and Thurgood Marshall. For many local residents, the hotel was a point of deep pride, with some community members even purchasing shares in the establishment. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and subsequent neighborhood rioting, the building began a period of decline. By the 1970s and 1980s, gentrification and shifting neighborhood dynamics left the hotel in disrepair. The structure remained gutted until 1990, when the organization MANNA secured a public-private financing package to rescue the landmark. In 1992, the Whitelaw reopened as a community of 35 affordable rental apartments. The restoration preserved the building's historic character, including the ballroom's stained-glass ceiling, which continues to serve as a gathering space for the community. Today, it remains a registered national historic site, blending its legacy as a luxury retreat with its current mission of providing accessible housing.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the historical marker at the corner of 13th and T Streets to learn about the building's origins.
  • Since the building is now affordable housing, please respect residents' privacy and view the architecture from the sidewalk.
  • Visit during the day to better appreciate the architectural details designed by Isaiah T. Hatton.

Nearby context

The Whitelaw is located in the heart of the U Street Corridor, historically known as Black Broadway. This neighborhood was the epicenter of African American culture and business in D.C., and the hotel's presence at 13th and T streets anchors the area's legacy of resilience and luxury.

Sources

Evidence and links