To the Editor:
I have lived in Alexandria for 26 years. Alexandria is my home town and I love it because of its heritage. The Parker Gray historic district nomination and the Braddock Metro Small Area Plan emphasized the importance of protecting the historic fabric of this neighborhood. These actions clearly recognize the need to preserve its overall identity and architectural coherence. They support our city’s goal for historic preservation.
In 1781 the current site of the Ramsey Homes was part of a huge encampment along the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. In 1940 President Roosevelt signed into law the ”Lanham Act,” providing federal funds to build low-income housing for defense workers.
The Ramsey Homes were built with the “Lanham Act” monies. The project was designed by Alexandria architect and architectural historian Delos H. Smith. The local firm of Smith, Werner, and Billings, with offices on King Street, was selected to work for the housing authority to build these important war-time housing units. Sanborn maps describe the site as “a project constructed specifically for African Americans.” The housing of African American junior officers marks one milestone on the path to the Army’s desegregation in 1948.
This property has been listed as a contributing resource to the Uptown/Parker-Gray National Register Historic District and remains the oldest extant public housing in Parker-Gray neighborhood. Historic preservation and historic districts have relevance in Alexandria and can only enhance the initiative by the Visit Alexandria tourism agency to promote African American heritage tourism. ARHA’s request for demolition of this site will destroy of a key part of our neighborhood’s architectural, historic, and cultural heritage. May City Council remain wise and deny the request.
Charlotte Landis
Alexandria