Anson Borough Homes
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Anson Borough Homes was a housing complex located in Charleston, South Carolina bounded by Washington, Concord, Calhoun, and Laurens Streets. The project was one of a series of federally funded housing projects built in the 1930s and early 1940s during the Segregation Era. It meant to be used as housing for Black residents and would cost $2.30 per room per month.[1]
Construction
The land was condemned by the Charleston Housing Authority; the owner was ultimately awarded $28,000 following a jury trial over the valuation.[2] The project was named in honor of George Anson.[3] Construction by the Artley Co. of Savannah, Georgia began in September 1939 using an interlocking, glazed tile instead of bricks.[4] The United States Housing Authority agreed to transfer the housing project to the Charleston Housing Authority once the construction debt was repaid but in no less than 60 years.[4]
Anson Borough Homes was announced to open about February 1, 1940.[5] The project had 162 units (691 rooms).[6] The project was described as a slum clearance project which removed 120 dwellings.[7] The project cost $701,664.[7] The first residents did not move into the units until Reuben Shears and his family moved in on March 1, 1940; priority was given to residents of the former dwellings that had been demolished for public housing.[8]
Demolition
In 1997, the EPA said that the land was not contaminated with enough pollutants to interfere with its use.[9] City Councilman James Lewis pointed to the fact that the public housing had been closed in part because of a fear of pollutants but that the same land was, once the public housing had been demolished, not a risk.[9] In August 1998, the city received two redevelopment proposals for the land, both of which included an educational component.[10]
The City decided in 2007 to sell much of the land that had been the housing project to East West Cumberland Park Associates for $16 million.[11] The plans would include a hotel and retail space and a limited amount of housing.[12] Concord Park was built on part of the land.
In 2018, oil still seeped from the ground at a rate of 50 to 400 gallons per month.[13]
The demolition of the public housing over environmental concerns before its redevelopment, including a $60 million condominium,[14] has been cited as an example of racial basis and environmental injustice in Charleston.[15]
References
- ^ "Housing Aim Is Presented". Evening Post. Charleston, South Carolina. October 4, 1939. p. 2.
- ^ "$28,000 Verdict Found". News and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. November 16, 1940. p. 7.
- ^ "Housing Project Named for Anson". News and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. July 13, 1939. p. 14.
- ^ a b "New Manor Units Open October 1". News and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. September 1, 1939. p. 8-ii.
- ^ "First of Housing Unit Open Feb. 1". News and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. January 19, 1940. p. ii-1.
- ^ "Anson Project 40 P.C. Through". News and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. January 2, 1940. p. 10.
- ^ a b "Rentals for Negro Units". Evening Post. Charleston, South Carolina. February 21, 1940. p. 5.
- ^ "First Residents Move Tomorrow". Evening Post. Charleston, South Carolina. March 1, 1940. p. 14A.
- ^ a b Frazier, Herb (July 3, 1997). "Ansonborough site no risk, EPA says". Post and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. p. B1.
- ^ Frazier, Herb (August 15, 1998). "Ansonborough site no risk, EPA says". Post and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. p. A1.
- ^ "Council hopes Concord Park helps heal old wounds". Post and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. July 23, 2007. p. B3.
- ^ Slade, David (May 5, 2006). "City picks local bidder - Concord Park project in Charleston to be designed for mixed use". Post and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina.
- ^ Peterson, Bo (February 19, 2018). "Oil still oozes at old pollution clean up site near Charleston waterfront". Post and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. p. A1.
- ^ Wise, Warren L. (February 15, 2017). "New $60M downtown Charleston condominium project breaks ground". Post and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. p. B1.
- ^ Johnson, Chloe (July 21, 2020). "Gadsden Creek becomes a flashpoint in Charleston discussion on environmental justice". Post and Courier. Charleston, South Carolina. p. A3.