University Homes:

Building Communities, Building Hope

About this Virtual Exhibit

Welcome to the Atlanta Housing Archives Virtual Exhibit: University Homes: Building Communities, Building Hope. We hope you will enjoy this exhibition which presents the history of the first federally funded public housing for African-Americans in the Unites States. The images presented here are for educational purposes only.

Dr. John Hope

(1868-1936)

Dr. John Hope envisioned a public housing project on the site of the Beaver Slide, the slum area next to the university campus.

Slum Clearance

Following the Great Depression and the 1922 racial zoning laws, overcrowded populations occupied slums areas where the worst living conditions, crime and disease abounded.

University Homes construction

University Homes' two-story brick buildings were designed utilizing the International Style to be sturdy, with minimal decoration, using optimum square footage with provisions for adequate light, fresh air, and open space between buildings.

Influential Women

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Lugenia Burns Hope, "Mrs. Hope" worked together to advocate for the construction of University Homes and a place of community for its residents.

University Homes Community

University Homes held a vibrant community. View an oral history by one of University Homes earliest residents, Janet Crawl Shortt.

Roosevelt Hall stage

Explore the heart of University Home's community its “recreation hall” and auditorium named Roosevelt Hall.

Administrative Building

Businesses located at Roosevelt Hall, University Homes

University Homes held a vibrant community. View an oral history by one of University Homes earliest residents, Janet Crawl Shortt.

Alonzo Graseano Moron (1909-1971)

Housing Manager of University Homes.

Questions or Feedback?

Please contact the Atlanta Housing Archives at AHAArchives[at]atlantahousing.org for more information about this virtual exhibit

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