Twenty-eighth Street YMCA
historic place
The Twenty-eighth Street YMCA in Los Angeles, California, opened its doors in November 1926. This historic place, also known as the "Colored Y," was specifically built by and for African Americans. The building was designed by Paul R. Williams, a notable African American architect. Williams was the first Black man to earn an architecture license west of the Mississippi. At a time when many public facilities in Los Angeles were segregated, the YMCA provided essential recreational and educational resources. It featured a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and 52 dormitory rooms for Black men. The YMCA also served as a vital venue for political meetings and social gatherings within the community. In 2006, the Twenty-eighth Street YMCA was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. The building underwent renovation and reopened in 2012 as the 28th Street Apartments, providing low-income housing. This site remains important for its role in Los Angeles's African American history and its architectural significance.