The U Street Neighborhood Association has been working to improve the quality of life in our neighborhood since 1992
The USNA was formed in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) organization for community members and business in the U Street Corridor. We work on a number of different issues including: connecting residents to local elected officials, giving neighbors a say in nearby development projects, improving public safety, beautifying the neighborhood, providing educational opportunities for neighborhood kids, and more.
What we’re up to
Helping your voice be heard
We communicate with District officials, property owners, the business community, the media, and others on behalf of members regarding issues such as parking, nuisance properties, trash problems, and illegal renovations and construction.
Providing relevant information
We keep you up-to-date on what's happening in the community via a monthly newsletter and regularly scheduled quarterly meetings.
Bringing neighbors together
We're a diverse lot — we share common interests and are willing to work together to get things accomplished that benefit us all and highlight our diversity.
Preserving the historic character of the area
We led a ten-year effort to designate the greater U Street corridor a Historic District, which was approved in January of 1998.
Encouraging economic development
We devote time to support the local economic development that is central to the area's well being. We have played no small part in bringing about the revival of the Greater U Street corridor, and continue to promote sound development of the area including new projects and renovations to our historic buildings and sites.
Ongoing projects
Harrison Recreation Center
USNA is the parent organization for Friends of Harrison Park, a group that has over $100,000 to spend on improving the Harrison Recreation Center, thanks to a community benefit we received from the 13th & U development (above the Walgreens).
1250 U Street Planned Unit Development
Eastbanc is planning to redevelop 1250 U Street into a 10-story apartment/hotel complex in 2023. Their current proposal is not in line with the existing zoning code, which means they’re required to negotiate concessions and community benefits with the neighborhood association. We’re currently meeting monthly with one of Eastbanc’s VPs of development.
Temperance Alley
In October 2020, USNA signed a three-year lease of the green space in the alley between U, T, 12th, and 13th Streets. A small group of volunteers has transformed it into a garden park and an outdoor classroom where neighbors can get to know one another and spend time with loved ones.
A brief history of USNA
1990 – 1994
100 volunteers and members of seven different community organizations survey the U Street area to identify community needs.
1994
The Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association is formed. CSNA would later change its name to U Street Neighborhood Association.
1995
USNA supports the nomination of the Frelinghuysen University building at 1800 Vermont as an individual DC landmark and national register property.
1998
USNA partners with Funds for the Community's Future (FCF), a nonprofit group that works with high school students to do community service work - including cleaning and planting throughout the neighborhood - in order to raise money for college scholarships.
1999
USNA announces that the Historic Preservation Review Board has approved the Greater U Street Historic District Application thus ending a nine year struggle.
2000
USNA president, Paul Williams, reports that in a recent conversation he had with President Clinton, the President told him, "Whatever your organization is doing in Cardozo-Shaw you're doing it right."
2002
USNA supports the wayfaring signage program for the U Street area. The historic signs that are sprinkled in the area today arose from this project.
2006
USNA stresses its support for the extension of the Yellow Line beyond Mt. Vernon Square to Councilman Graham and representatives of Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority (WMATA)
2007
USNA, along with the East Enders from Westminster, in a day-long marathon, plant trees, grasses, day lilies, and annuals in the Median strip of Vermont Avenue.
USNA leases the alley lot behind the U Street Metro Station (between 12th & 13th, U & T streets) to convert into a temporary community event space & Garden. Temperance Alley is reborn!