ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

Following the designation of the Clubhouse as a historic landmark in our nation’s capital in 2024, the Board of Governors of the University Club of Washington DC established the UCHPF to receive contributions from members and friends of the Club interested in historic preservation of the Mansion on 16th Street. Contributions to the UCHPF are deductible for federal tax purposes under the IRS code.

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“At its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future”

– William Murtagh, first keeper of the National Register of Historic Places, often referred to as the “Father of Historic Preservation

“As a past president of the University Club, I am excited that the University Club is now following an industry best practice with a foundation to support preservation of our historic Clubhouse. As a Washingtonian, I love knowing that the Mansion on 16th Street will be preserved for future generations of club members, neighbors, and visitors to our nation’s capital.”

– Virginia Adams Marentette, First President of the University Club Historic Preservation Foundation

“The University Club Historic Preservation Foundation plays a vital role in safeguarding the legacy of our clubhouse while ensuring it continues to serve members for generations to come. By supporting preservation and improvement projects, the Foundation provides the resources needed to maintain the beauty, integrity, and functionality of our historic home. These investments not only honor the Club’s rich past but also create an environment where members can thrive today and into the future. With the Foundation’s leadership, the Club is able to balance tradition with progress—strengthening its place as a vibrant gathering place for years ahead”.

– Vijayakumar Raj, CCM, CRDE – General Manager/ COO

“As club members, we are all tacitly grateful to own such an august, iconic building. The colonial facade represents the best of architecture in our Nation’s Capital. UCHPF is a brilliant step for the future to preserve a priceless masterpiece from the past. 1135 is also a landmark gem that defines the 16th street block in front of the White House. As a previous member of the Board of Governors, I proudly encourage our membership to support the University Club Historic Preservation Foundation.”

— Paul Centenari, CEO, Atlas Container Corporation

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

OUR HISTORY

The University Club was founded in 1904 with the theme of “Enter all of ye who have a degree
of good fellowship and learning.” William Howard Taft, then Secretary of War, was elected as
the Club’s first President. The Club’s first clubhouse was located at 1726 I Street, NW. In 1921,
The Racquet Club of Washington dedicated its facility at 1135 Sixteenth Street, with General
“Black Jack” Pershing officiating.

OUR BUILDING

The Clubhouse, often referred to by its members as the Mansion on Sixteenth Street, was constructed in 1921 as the home of the Racquet Club of Washington, which later merged with the University Club in 1936. The building was designed by prominent French-born local architect Jules Henri de Sibour and construction was handled by the firm of prolific developer, Harry Wardman. Both de Sibour and Wardman were officers of the Racquet Club.

NEWS + EVENTS

Please join the University Club Historic Preservation Foundation for a complimentary event on October 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM to celebrate the University Club Clubhouse being listed on the National Register of Historic Places with the Unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque.

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