Update on New ATU Headquarters — Rooted in History. Built for the Future.
In the summer of 2027, the ATU is scheduled to open the doors to a new state-of-the-art headquarters at 21 Dupont Circle in downtown Washington, D.C., a highly visible, modern home designed to support our next generation of leadership and advocacy.
With major construction scheduled to begin this summer, following the current demolition phase, the project marks a defining moment for the ATU. Located at one of Washington’s most iconic intersections, miles from the White House, the new headquarters represents a bold step forward grounded in more than a century of progress.
The ATU Is Born
Long before 21 Dupont Circle became part of the ATU story, our journey began 133 years ago. Founded on September 12, 1892, the ATU took shape in Indianapolis, where delegates gathered for the first convention at Manshur’s Hall.
Laying the Foundation in Detroit
As membership and influence grew, the ATU’s physical presence evolved to meet the moment. In 1912, the Union established its first official headquarters at 104 East High Street in Detroit. Just five years later, continued expansion prompted a move to the Hodges Building in Detroit. By the 1940s, the construction of a purpose-built headquarters at 260 East Vernor in Detroit signaled permanence and strength during a pivotal era for organized labor.
A National Voice in Washington
With its foundation firmly established, the ATU turned its focus to the national stage. The move to Washington, D.C., in 1957 marked a strategic shift, placing the headquarters at 5025 Wisconsin Avenue and bringing the Union closer to federal policymakers.
Education, Leadership, and Legacy
Building on its advocacy work, the ATU expanded its mission in 2014 by acquiring the National Labor College campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, from the AFL-CIO, our current home. Renamed the Tommy Douglas Conference Center, the site was a hub for education, training, and leadership development, investing in the people who carry our mission forward.
Building the Next Century
Today, as construction prepares to begin at 21 Dupont Circle, the ATU stands at another turning point. The new headquarters looks ahead with the same resolve that guided us from Manshur’s Hall more than a century ago. With a planned move-in date in the summer of 2027, the building will unite legacy and innovation, rooted firmly in our history and built for the future.