A planned Utopia. That’s how people described Langston Terrace Dwellings back in the day. Langston Terrace Dwellings. A name that echoes with history. It stands as a testament to a time when the federal government took a bold step. A step towards providing affordable housing for African American families. It was built between 1935 and 1938. This wasn’t just any housing project. Langston Terrace was the first federally funded housing project in Washington DC. It was one of the first four in the entire United States.
The project cost a staggering $1.8 million. Rooms were available for as little as $4.50 a month without utilities. Imagine. A decent home for a working-class family. A dream within reach for many. It was named to honor John Mercer Langston. He was a 19th-century abolitionist and attorney. He even founded Howard University Law School. He served as a US congressman from Virginia.
The architecture is stunning. The International Style buildings were co-designed by two brilliant minds. Hilyard Robinson a Washington architect. Paul Revere Williams a Los Angeles architect. The design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It’s functional too. Two and three-story apartment blocks and duplexes surround courtyards. These courtyards are more than just open spaces. They’re vibrant community hubs. They feature incredible artwork including The Progress of the Negro Race. This terra-cotta frieze tells a story. It tells the story of African American history from slavery to the Great Migration. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience and perseverance. Even concrete animal sculptures are part of the design. They act as climbing structures for children adding to the playful atmosphere.
The Langston Terrace Dwellings weren’t just about bricks and mortar. It was about hope. It was about opportunity. It was about a community finding a place to call home. It showed that even in times of hardship the government could be a force for good. It was a beacon of progress in a time when African Americans faced significant housing discrimination. A testament to the power of community and the lasting legacy of John Mercer Langston. This is more than just a housing project. It’s a significant piece of American history. It is a place that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.