Gonzales Gardens

Front: Opened in September 1940, Gonzales Gardens was named for N.G., Ambrose, and William Gonzales, founders of The State newspaper and early public housing advocates. James B. Urquhart designed the 18-acre complex, which included an administrative building and 24 residential structures. Six apartment buildings were added in 1942, bringing the total number of housing units to 280. A preschool and open play areas were part of the original design. Reverse: The project was overseen by the Columbia Housing Authority, created in 1934, and planning was initiated by the New Deal-era Public Works Administration (PWA). The goal was to provide affordable housing to low-income residents. Gonzales Gardens was originally racially segregated for whites only. Nearby Allen-Benedict Court was designated for African American residents. Both were integrated in the 1970s. Gonzales Gardens was razed in 2017.