The Whitelaw Hotel opened in November 1919 at 1839 13th Street NW in Washington, DC. It was developed by John Whitelaw Lewis, a successful Black businessman, and designed by African American architect Isaiah T. Hatton. At that time, many hotels in Washington refused to accept Black guests because of racial segregation. The Whitelaw gave African Americans a comfortable place to stay and offered modern rooms, apartments, a restaurant, and a ballroom. It became an important gathering place for the Black community, especially in the nearby U Street neighborhood, which was known for its businesses, music, and cultural life. Famous visitors included musicians and performers such as Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway, along with other important African American guests.

The Whitelaw Hotel represented progress toward equal treatment in public accommodations and showed what Black-owned businesses could achieve despite discrimination. It also appeared in the Green Book, a travel guide that helped African American travelers find places where they could safely stay during segregation. After several decades, the hotel declined and faced possible demolition. Community efforts helped save the building, and it was restored in the early 1990s as affordable housing. The original building still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Whitelaw remains an important reminder of the fight against racial discrimination in housing, travel, and everyday life.