A Proud Moment in Our History: Unveiling of Plaque Commemorating the Clubhouse’s
Designation as an Historic Landmark
On a beautiful fall afternoon, people gathered at the front entrance of the University Club to celebrate a milestone— the unveiling of a bronze plaque officially recognizing the Mansion on 16th Street as a designated historic landmark. University Club President Steve Aubin welcomed everyone noting the effort that went into obtaining historic designation for the Clubhouse and the listing on the National Register of Historic Places. He thanked those involved in founding the University Club Historic Preservation Foundation (UCHPF) following the granting of landmark status. UCHPF made its first grant to the Club for the purchase of the commemorative plaque. President Aubin noted that the UCHPF is dedicated to preserving and memorializing the history and architecture of our historic Clubhouse and serves as the perfect complement to the longstanding University Club Foundation.
President Aubin introduced UCHPF President Virginia Marentette who commented that the moment of unveiling the commemorative plaque beautifully connected our past and our present. Ms. Marentette shared a brief history of the building and the UCHPF noting that the building was designed by renowned architect Jules Henri de Sibour in 1921 as the home of the Racquet Club of Washington and became the enduring home of the University Club community in 1936 when the two clubs merged. Ms. Marentette noted that every corner of the clubhouse holds a story and that while the historic designation honors that legacy, it also speaks to something deeper. In a place like Washington, D.C. where history is everywhere, this recognition reminds us that meaning is not found only in monuments or marble halls. It is found where people come together — where laughter, ideas, and shared traditions have created a living history of our own.
Ms. Marentette shared that UCHPF received a positive determination letter on its 501 (c)(3) public charity application from the IRS earlier this year, so now every dollar donated to the worthy cause of preserving the Mansion on 16th Street is fully tax deductible. She stated that while it is certainly momentous for a foundation to make its first grant, that this was only a sign (pun fully intended) of what is to come and that UCHPF has grand plans to help the Club with projects both big and small both now and far into the future.
Ms. Marentette extended thanks to the Club’s Board of Governors and her colleagues on the UCHPF Board of Directors, as well as Club members who are already supporting the UCHPF on a monthly basis through contributions made through their member accounts. She extended special thanks to four Club members– Charlie Berardesco, Doug Bonner, Paul Centenari, and Greg McGillivary– who joined her in making a pledge of $50,000 each before UCHPF was even officially incorporated when the idea of having a historic preservation foundation was just percolating. Having a quarter million dollars of pledges from the inception provided terrific momentum for the nascent organization.
Receiving historic landmark status from the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board is a fitting tribute to the Club’s legacy and to the many members and staff who have cared for our Clubhouse over the decades. The new plaque, now proudly displayed near the entrance, serves as a reminder that preservation is not just about architecture; it is about community.
As the crowd gathered to toast the occasion, there was a shared sense of pride and continuity. As the plaque was unveiled, it was stated that it commemorated our rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places. Ms. Marentette encouraged those gathered to let it stand as both a marker and a promise — a marker of our legacy, and a promise that we will continue to honor and care for this extraordinary place for generations to come. It was a truly special day celebrating a special chapter in the continuing story of the Mansion on 16th Street.
