Anthony Bowen YMCA

The restoration of the Historic Anthony Bowen YMCA started with Washington DC Congressional Delegate Walter Fauntroy’s plan to improve opportunities for neighborhood youth in the Shaw community. In 1983, Milmarson Development, under the direction of George T. Farrell, began a full renovation of the building and adapted it for the use of the community by providing a full-service health and recreational facility administered by the YMCA. The $1,500,000 renovation spurred increased gentrification of the Shaw community from a low-income enclave to a young urban professional locale bringing a surprising change for the current residents. The Antony Bowen YMCA operated as a community recreation center with gymnasium and library.