Columbia Heights in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Latino Intelligence Center
Cultural Convergence
— Columbia Heights Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
Since 1974 the Latin American Youth Center, now at 1419 Columbia Road, has supported youth and their families with education, employment, and social services. LAYC's Art & Media House is around the corner at 3035 15th Street. CentroNia, in the former C&P Telephone building at 1420 Columbia Road, emphasizes early education, and the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) has offered legal, housing, education, and citizenship assistance since 1981. La Clinica del Pueblo at 2831 15th Street provides affordable medical care. Most neighboring schools and churches offer bilingual or multilingual programs.
Almost 100 years before Latino groups made this their "intelligence center," renowned German immigrant Emile Berliner lived here. Berliner invented a microphone that proved crucial to the Bell telephone's operation. In 1883, he built a large house and laboratory at 1458 Columbia Road, where he also invented the gramophone (record player). With an interest in public health, Berliner founded the Bureau of Health Education and built its headquarters at 1460 Columbia Road (now CARECEN offices).
The Fernwood apartments replaced Berliner's house in 1925. In 2000 Fernwood tenants faced eviction when the DC government condemned the building. Led by six Latinas, all named Maria, residents bought, renovated and created Las Marias Condominiums.
Erected 2004 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Hispanic Americans. In addition, it is included in the Columbia Heights Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 38° 55.646′ N, 77° 1.969′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Columbia Heights. Marker is at the intersection of Columbia Road Northwest and 14th Street Northwest on Columbia Road Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 Columbia Road Northwest, Washington DC 20009, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Literary Lights (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Main Street (about 500 feet away); Everyday People (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Wilson Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Amusement Palace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Drum and Spear Bookstore Site
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
Additional keywords. immigration, inventors
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 337 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on March 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 29, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 16, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.