The University Club of Washington, DC: A History of Fellowship, Intellect, and Tradition

Founded in 1904, The University Club of Washington, DC, serves as a gathering place for individuals interested in fellowship, intellectual pursuits, fine dining, and athletics. Its motto, "Enter all of ye who have a degree of good fellowship and learning," reflects its purpose. The University Club has a rich history, evolving from its initial conception to its current status as a distinguished private club.

The Origins and Early Years

The first organizational meeting of The University Club of Washington, DC was held at the new Willard Hotel on February 22, 1904. A historic spot in its own right, the Willard had just reopened (the first time). Sixty-six university and college alumni gathered to form The University Club - 24 other cities had already formed such clubs. The University Club was founded in 1904 when 40 university and college alumni organizations in Washington, DC, came together to create a clubhouse for college-educated men to socialize with one another. The theme of the Club was "Enter all of ye who have a degree of good fellowship and learning.”

On the evening of March 11, 1904, the first President elected was then Secretary of War, William Howard Taft, an active Club member. Taft later became President of the United States and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Club's first clubhouse was located at 1726 I Street, NW. In 1909, land was purchased at 15th and I Streets, NW for the construction of a larger facility due to growing membership. By 1912, the University Club’s first building, designed by famous local architect George Oakley Totten Jr., was completed.

Prominent members of the University Club included Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Melville Fuller, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute Charles Walcott, and Totten Jr.

The Merger with the Racquet Club and the "Mansion on Sixteenth Street"

In 1936, amidst financial troubles during the Great Depression, the University Club merged with the Racquet Club, moving into its current location in December 1936. 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.

Originally constructed for the Racquet Club (organized in 1919), the building is a prime example of the Classical Revival style. Chartered in January 1920, Col. Henry May was elected as the first President of the Racquet Club, and his vice president, Jules Henri de Sibour, would be the one to design the new club building. The building, when planned, was estimated to cost approximately $500,000. It was constructed by Harry Wardman, a prolific developer in early twentieth century Washington. Completed in 1921 at a sum of $1,000,000, the Racquet Club’s new building was considered one of the finest clubhouses in the United States.

The Racquet Club was organized in 1919 as a professional club that offered athletic opportunities for businessmen. At an organizing meeting in February 1920, 200 men became lifetime members for a due of $1,000. This, as well as the membership fees of the following year’s new members, enabled the construction of the current clubhouse at 1135 16th Street NW. The University Club had been founded in 1904, when 40 university and college alumni organizations in Washington, DC, came together to create a clubhouse for college-educated men to socialize with one another.

Architectural Details of the Clubhouse

Nestled just three blocks away from the White House in the heart of the nation's capital, the clubhouse of The University Club of Washington, DC is affectionately known as the "Mansion on Sixteenth Street." Reflecting the timeless Parisian architectural style synonymous with Pierre 'Peter' Charles L'Enfant, the visionary behind Washington, DC's design, the building boasts a brick and brownstone exterior and a cobblestone circle drive that leads to its entrance on Sixteenth Street. Encompassing approximately 96,000 square feet, the clubhouse spans across seven levels, featuring two distinct entrances.

Designed in a Classical Revival style, the University Club building on 16th Street NW includes many key details, such as the limestone string courses, overhanging cornice, and engaged columns. Its facade is clad in red brick and includes limestone detailing. At the center, above the entrance marquee, is a large room that is faced with paired ionic pilasters supporting an entablature. The University Club’s distinguished collection of art and artifacts adorns the walls and hallways.

Evolution and Adaptation

Private clubs, during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, were established to improve the social standing and physical appearance of American cities. At the time, most of them were exclusive to wealthy white men, many of whom were prominent figures in politics, government, business, and the military. Private clubs offered them space for conversations that centered around social and civic reforms, as well as science, literature, and art. The first social club that formed in Washington was the Metropolitan Club, which was established in 1863, and others followed shortly thereafter: the Washington Club (1872), the Cosmos Club (1878), and the Alibi Club (1884).

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In a moment of outreach and to acknowledge the suffragette movement, the University Club allowed women to dine in the main dining room (only on Sundays). In 1929, women were invited to participate in educational programs.

In the mid-1980s, a round of renovations were proposed to provide facilities for women, who were allowed to join the club beginning in 1984, following a vote to amend the bylaws. The first female member was Jo Anne Murphy, an architect, and the daughter and granddaughter of club members. The club would elect its first female president, Susan Neely, then Special Assistant to the President and the Director of Communications for the Department of Homeland Security.

Membership and its Privileges

Today, the University Club has transformed into a privately held, members-only establishment. It holds the esteemed titles of an award-winning Platinum Club of America and a Distinguished Club of the World. Membership entails a distinguished position in Washingtonian society. Among our members are numerous prominent leaders, both domestically and internationally, spanning fields such as politics, diplomacy, business, academia, law, medicine, religion, and the arts.

Membership at the University Club is subject to an application process and approval. To apply, you must have a degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

The historic Clubhouse provides a venue for socializing, dining, event participation, and leisure activities. Members share in special traditions and enjoy the perks of membership. The club offers an array of amenities and services to meet its members' every need and interest. The University Club encourages prospective members to attend the next Prospective Member Reception for an evening of Club camaraderie, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a chance to tour the Clubhouse.

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The exclusive member benefits program offers an exciting way to enhance the University Club experience, whether attending events at the Club or enjoying entertainment around the city. These benefits are designed to support the Club’s four pillars of dining, athletics, intellectual pursuits, and fellowship, providing members with unique opportunities to connect and enjoy exceptional experiences beyond the Club’s doors. Members have access to season tickets for Washington Nationals games and Presidential Club tickets at the Warner Theatre and The Fillmore Silver Spring for shows all year long through a new member benefit with Live Nation.

The University Club has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Club award, as determined by the annual Distinguished Clubs award program conducted by BoardRoom magazine, one of the most respected trade publications serving private clubs. While each Distinguished Club has its own policy on hosting participating members of DCN, two visits per club, per calendar year, is typically the visitation limit. To get started, visit membersonlynetwork.com and click on "Enroll Now" or “Sign in Here” if you previously used the program. Once you submit your information, DCN will check with the University Club to ensure you are a member in good standing.

Facilities and Activities

The Club contains a health and fitness center including two international squash courts where it hosts the annual Mosquito Open. The University Club founded the Tewaaraton Award, first awarded in 2001 and recognized as the pre-eminent lacrosse award. It is the lacrosse equivalent of football's Heisman Trophy. The trophy is presented jointly by The Tewaaraton Foundation and the University Club of Washington, D.C..

Members enjoy special dinners, time together on the rooftop deck, visiting with each other in the Founders Pub, events in University Hall, and taking part in many of the “Clubs within the Club.” The annual holiday tree lighting and Halloween party for families are just some of the special events offered. The culinary team creates exceptional meals for members and guests. Dining venues include the elegant, more formal Taft Dining Room, the more casual Pershing Grille, and the Founders Pub.

Members have access to superb athletic facilities, including a fitness center offering personal training and classes. The University Club is the only private club in the area with two squash courts, a swimming pool, a day spa, and a multi-sport studio. The Club also has event space for up to 300 people and a beautiful library where members can peruse books, read a newspaper, or work quietly on their laptops. The 59 well-appointed guest rooms are available for use by members and members’ guests.

The University Club Historic Preservation Foundation

Following the designation of the Clubhouse as a historic landmark in the 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.

“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.

Notable Members

Notable past and current Club members include former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, former President Richard Nixon, numerous Supreme Court Justices, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz.

A Shifting Social Landscape

As Washington’s social scene has evolved, these old-guard clubs have struggled to adapt to the next generation of politicos. While images of powerful men deciding the country’s future behind the closed doors of Washington’s elite private clubs may be waning, there were times - not so long ago - when those scenes were uncomfortably true.

All three clubs admit women now. The University Club led the way in 1984, and the others followed after a Supreme Court decision in 1988 that barred business-oriented clubs from discriminating against women and minorities. All three clubs are pining for younger members and have had to compete against a growing number of establishments going after the same up-and-comers.

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