YMI Cultural Center

The YMI Cultural Center was abandoned and in disrepair in 1981 when Architectural Design Studio undertook the renovation of the landmark building. Reconstruction of many of the building’s components were required for stabilization. After nearly 10 years of work with community groups, minority contractors, laborers and an assortment of construction teams the building was finished in 1989. The building features meeting space, exhibit space, assembly space, stage and offices for community use.  The original Young Men’s Institute building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith, supervising architect for Richard Morris Hunt, architect for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore estate. The two story pebbledash and brick building stands as a cornerstone for the reconstruction of an African- American downtown community. The YMI is the oldest African American Community Center in the country. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.