The Riverside Story

Set at the hub of Marvin Gaye Park, the Riverside Healthy Living Center is the beautiful historic home of Barnett’s Cafe and Crystal Room Nightclub, where Marvin Gaye had his professional debut as a teen growing up nearby.  This remarkable place has been a staple in Far Northeast DC for over 70 years.  Since 2001, Parks & People and our many community partners have restored and transformed Riverside into an impact hub of park-based jobs, health, nutrition, play, community, and justice.

The Riverside Center is named after the community’s 23-year Down by the Riverside campaign to restore and connect the stream valley with the river, city, and world.  The campaign transformed DC’s most forgotten major park into a model of community renewal, and then changed the name of the park from a slaveholding family to a lasting tribute to DC’s hometown Motown hero who began singing in the park when he lived at #12 60th Street NE, in East Capitol Dwellings.

Today, Riverside is used for healthy cooking classes, community forums, park-based job training, exhibitions, after-school programs, screenings, and celebrations of all kinds.  The Center’s facilities include the 2,000-square-foot event space, 1,000-square-foot teaching kitchen and cafe, youth bike repair station, and seedling center for organic urban agriculture.

Benefits of this unique venue for programs & events:

• Located at the heart of Marvin Gaye Park
• Historic stage for performances of all kinds
• Views, natural light, and sunsets across the park
• Beautiful landscape and access to Marvin Gaye Park, Trail, Amphitheater, and Community Greening Center