The Riverside Story
Riverside is the historic home of Barnett’s Cafe and Crystal Room Nightclub, where Marvin Gaye had his professional debut. The Riverside Healthy Living Center has been a staple in Far Northeast DC for 70 years. Since 2001, Parks & People has restored and transformed Riverside into an impact hub of park-based jobs, health, nutrition, play, community, and justice.
Set at the hub of Marvin Gaye Park, Riverside is a 5,000sf commercial building featuring the only dine-in cafe along the park corridor, known as Catherine’s Kitchen. Parks & People subsidizes use of the center for community-based non-profits and programs aligned with its mission.
The Riverside Center is named after the community’s 20-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, with its name now changed from honoring a slaveholding family to celebrating DC’s hometown Motown hero who began his life of music as a teen growing up in the stream valley,
The Riverside Center is a remarkable venue that provides the opportunity to host special events and programs for members.
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 Amphitheater and Marvin Gaye Community Greening Center