Army and Navy YMCA, Community center in Washington Square, Newport, US
The Army and Navy YMCA is a five-story limestone building with terra cotta panels and concrete details located at 50 Washington Square in Newport. The structure provided multiple spaces for recreation, athletics, and social activities under one roof.
The building was constructed in 1911 with funding from Mrs. Thomas Emery of Cincinnati, designed in Beaux Arts style to serve Navy members when Newport was a major naval center. The facility closed in 1973 as the naval presence in the region declined.
The building reflects how the city once provided gathering spaces and recreation facilities specifically for Navy members during their time in port. It stands as a reminder of the strong military ties that shaped Newport's social life in earlier decades.
The building now serves as low-income housing and can be viewed from the exterior while walking through the neighborhood. Since it is a private residential building, interior access is not available, but the architectural details are visible from Washington Square.
Although listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this building does not officially contribute to the Newport Historic District's significance because its construction date falls outside the district's defining period. This distinction shows that historic-era buildings sometimes exist separately from the neighborhoods they occupy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
