Madonna Acres Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Madonna Acres Historic District
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Delany Dr., Dillon, Summerville, and Tierney Circles, Raleigh, North Carolina |
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| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Built | 1960-1965 |
| Built by | Richards, E. N. (Ed); John W. Winters |
| Architect | Miller, Jerry |
| Architectural style | Ranch, Split Level |
| MPS | Post-World War II and Modern Architecture in Raleigh, North Carolina, 1945-1965 |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000632 |
| Added to NRHP | September 1, 2010 |
The Madonna Acres Historic District is a special neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is known as a "historic district" because its buildings and history are very important. This neighborhood was built after World War II, between 1960 and 1965.
What makes Madonna Acres extra special? It was the very first neighborhood in Raleigh built by an African American developer, E. N. Richards and John W. Winters, specifically for African American families. It has 36 original buildings, mostly homes, that show the popular house styles of that time.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is an area that has a group of buildings, structures, or objects that are important because of their history or architecture. These districts are often protected to help keep their unique character. Madonna Acres is located about 1.5 miles east of downtown Raleigh.
Homes in Madonna Acres
The houses in Madonna Acres were built with popular styles from the 1960s. Many are Split-level homes, which have different floor levels connected by short staircases. Others are Ranch-style houses, which are usually one story and spread out.
These homes are mostly made of brick. Some also have special accent walls made of stone or wood. You might also notice that many of the houses have carports, which are covered spaces for parking cars, but they are not fully enclosed garages.
Why Madonna Acres is Important
Madonna Acres is important for a few reasons. First, it shows the architectural styles that were popular right after World War II. Second, and most importantly, it represents a key part of African American history in Raleigh. It was a place where African American families could buy homes in a planned community during a time when housing options were often limited.
Because of its historical and architectural value, the Madonna Acres Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. This listing helps recognize and protect its significance for future generations.
