Wabash Avenue YMCA facts for kids
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Wabash Avenue YMCA
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Illinois
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| Location | 3763 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, Illinois |
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| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Berlin, Robert C. |
| MPS | Black Metropolis TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001095 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 30, 1986 |
The Wabash Avenue YMCA is a very important building in Chicago, Illinois. It is known as a Chicago Landmark and is part of the Black Metropolis-Bronzeville Historic District. This YMCA was a key place for African American people, offering them a safe place to live, learn new job skills, and connect with others, especially during the early 1900s when many moved to Chicago.
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The Wabash Avenue YMCA: A Historic Chicago Landmark
The Wabash Avenue YMCA opened its doors in 1914. It quickly became a vital social hub in an area known as the Black Metropolis. This "city within a city" was created by the black community to offer opportunities and support that were often missing in other parts of Chicago.
A Special Place in Chicago's History
The YMCA helped many African Americans who were moving to Chicago find a new start. It provided housing and important job training. For example, people could learn skills like auto repair. This helped them find work and build a better life in the city.
In 1915, a very important group called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History was started right here at the YMCA. This group was one of the first to focus on studying and sharing the history of African Americans.
How the YMCA Helped the Community
The opening of the Wabash Avenue YMCA was made possible with help from Julius Rosenwald. He was the president of Sears, Roebuck and Company at the time. Rosenwald was known for supporting causes that helped black communities, and he saw the importance of the YMCA's mission.
The Black Metropolis area, including the YMCA, was a lively and successful place throughout the 1920s. It was a center for black-owned businesses and community life.
Challenges and a New Beginning
Over time, the Black Metropolis faced difficulties. New businesses opened in other areas, and the Great Depression in the 1930s caused many businesses to close. The YMCA also saw fewer members, and its building started to show its age. Because of these challenges, the Wabash Avenue YMCA closed in 1981.
However, the story didn't end there! In the late 1990s, a big project began to bring the building back to life. About nine million dollars were spent to fix it up and restore it. Today, it stands as a symbol of its important past.
A Recognized Landmark
Because of its significant history and role in the community, the Wabash Avenue YMCA was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it is officially recognized as a place that is important to the history of the United States. It was also named a Chicago Landmark in 1998.
