Howard University Miner Building
Washington, DC
Completed in 1914 as Washington Normal School, the Miner Building at Howard University was originally founded as The School for Colored Girls, an institution of learning and training for young African American women founded by Myrtilla Miner in 1851. Studio Twenty Seven Architecture assisted Howard University in renovating the building for use by the Howard University School of Education and the Howard University Charter Middle School for Mathematics and Science. The careful renovation of this eighty-thousand-square-foot historic building restores its historical integrity and showcases its landmark designation as a building that contributed to African Americans’ advancement throughout history. The building’s massive size, lofty perch, and significant architectural character mark it as a landmark structure for the Howard campus; Washington, DC’s Georgia Avenue corridor; and the nation overall.
All photos are copyrighted by Allen Russ Photography, LLC, StudioHDP.
Named for Myrtilla Miner, an educator who fought to advance the rights of African American students and teachers, the graduates of the D.C. school became the source for African American educators in local and segregated schools around the country. However, in 1851 the school established the primary focus to be an institution of learning and training for young African American women. While the school offered primary schooling and classes in domestic skills, the main focus was on the education and training of teachers.
Gymnasium before
Gymnasium after
Conference room before
Conference room after
The building has remained vacant for decades, absent one corridor on the first-floor level renovated to accommodate a few classrooms for the Howard University School of Education. Howard University renovated the building for use by the Howard University School of Education and the Howard University Charter Middle School for Mathematics and Science. Both programs were previously housed elsewhere on campus.
Conservatory before
Conservatory after
Classroom before
Classroom after
Auditorium before
Auditorium after
