Mayfair in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mayfair Mansions / Albert I. Cassell
3819 Jay Street, NE
— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —
Mayfair Mansions, completed in 1946 on the site of the old Benning Race Track, was one of the city's earliest garden apartment developments. The 500-unit, first-class complex was designed by Howard University Professor of Architecture Albert I. Cassell with financial backing by Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux, founder of Washington's Church of God. When completed, it offered a welcome housing opportunity for working- and middle-class black families excluded from many DC neighborhoods because of race-restrictive covenants.
Cassell (1895-1969), a leading DC architect, also designed many buildings on the Howard University campus. Mayfair Mansions was listed in the National Register for Historic Places in 1989.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.
Location. 38°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eastland Gardens (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); From Gambling to Garden Apartments (approx. 0.2 miles away); “What Magic Has Been Wrought Here” (approx. 0.2 miles away); "We're Not Forgotten" (approx. ¼ mile away); 100 Years of Afro-American History (approx. 0.3 miles away); Designed to Compete (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lewis Giles, Sr.'s Home and Office (approx. half a mile away); Shaping Strong Minds (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northeast Washington.
More about this marker.
[Caption:]
Albert Cassell in his office.
Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University
Additional keywords. National Register of Historic Places
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
