Oswald Durant Center
Oswald Durant Center
FACILITY HOURS & ADDRESS
ADDRESS
1605 Cameron St. | 703.746.5560
Center Director: Julie Miles
Email: julie.miles@alexandriava.gov
HOURS
This facility is available for pre-scheduled programming and private use on demand. We are closed on all City Holidays.
FACILITY AMENITIES
Arts & Crafts Room, Creative Playspace, Kitchen, Meeting Rooms, Four Multi-purpose Rooms, One Large Multi-purpose Room with Stage, Gallery, Exhibit Space & Free WiFi.
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FACILITY HISTORY
This brick building was purchased by the City after it had served during wartime as a USO. Here during those years, thousands of American servicemen and women found a home away from home. In 2004, the building was reopened after extensive renovation as the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center named after Dr. Oswald Durant. Dr. Durant was a long-time resident of Alexandria who served in World War I, and post-war became a medical doctor. For most of his career, Dr. Durant was one of only two or three African American doctors in Alexandria. Dr. Durant was an active community leader and devoted significant time to public health campaigns. Dr. Oswald Durant passed away at the age of 57 on April 10, 1953, in his home at 708 Pendleton Street. Today the Oswald Durant Center serves as a recreational and private event facility for the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
Durant Center Rentals
The Durant Center provides community programming and meeting space on demand for a variety of needs. Our facility features:
- One grand multipurpose room with stage
- Four multiple purpose rooms
- Kitchen
- Gallery
- Patio
Interested in renting Durant for your next event? Fill out the rental packet today!
To learn more about how fees are determined for rentals throughout Alexandria, see our Fee Schedule page.
Creative Playspace
Check out Durant's Playspace! Your children's imaginations will run wild in our new toddler and preschooler play area, complete with books, a reading nook, puppet theater, stuffed animals, a coloring area and more. This space is perfect for ages 18 months-5 years and open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $5.
Outdoor Area
Oswald Durant Center is surrounded by other fun outdoor amenities such as Buchanan Park, Jefferson Houston Synthetic Field, and Old Town Pool.
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