True Reformer Building - View this location on map This building led the way for U Street to become the main street for black Washington; built in 1903 by the United Order of True Reformers, a Richmond-based benevolent society formed in 1881 by the former slave, Rev. William Washington Browne. The organization served as a bank and insurance company that catered to African-Americans; first major commission of prominent African-American architect John A. Lankford; armory for 1st Separate Battalion (African-American national guard); includes offices, stores, public hall, and lodge room; declared bankruptcy in 1911, and the building was acquired in 1917 by Knights of Pythias; used as dance hall, gym, and police boys' club; built 1902 1200 U Street, NW, Washington , DC Historical

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