Gold Coast Historic District (Richland, Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gold Coast Historic District
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F-type letter houses in 2007
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Willis Street to the north, Davison Avenue and Hunt Avenue to the east, Davison Avenue to the south, and George Washington Way to the west, Richland, Washington |
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| Area | 890 acres (360 ha) |
| Built | 1948-49 |
| Architect | Gustav Albin Pehrson; Hoffman Smith and Wight Company; et al. |
| Architectural style | Modern Movement |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000315 |
| Added to NRHP | March 7, 2005 |
The Gold Coast Historic District is a special neighborhood in Richland, Washington. This town was built during World War II for workers at the Hanford atomic plant. The homes in this district were built between 1948 and 1949. They are important because they show how the town grew during the Cold War. This was a time when the Hanford plant made more plutonium.
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A Look Back: Richland's Early Days
Richland started in 1943. It grew very fast during World War II. By 1945, about 25,000 people lived there. The town was planned carefully. It had places for homes, shops, and government buildings. All the land and buildings belonged to the government. People paid a small rent to live in their homes.
What are Alphabet Houses?
Homes were given out based on family size. There were many different house designs. Each design was given a letter of the alphabet. So, these homes became known as "alphabet houses."
The Cold War and New Homes
After World War II, the Cold War began. The Hanford plant needed to make more plutonium. This meant more scientists and managers were needed. So, new homes were built in Richland. The Gold Coast Historic District is one of these new neighborhoods. It was built between 1948 and 1949.
Why is it Called the Gold Coast?
These new homes were for families who earned more money. Also, the neighborhood was close to the Columbia River. Because of these reasons, people started calling it the "Gold Coast." This name was used as early as 1952.
Protecting History: National Register
In the early 2000s, people in Richland wanted to save their unique "alphabet houses." They looked at about 5,000 of these homes. In 2004, a group called the Governor's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (GACHP) reviewed the Gold Coast area. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. This means it is a special place that should be protected.
