1150-1152 Union Avenue, 1152 Union Avenue, 816-818 Home Street, 1221 Prospect Avenue

This modernistic public housing development of six buildings was completed in 1973 just prior to New York City’s fiscal crisis and the cut off of federal housing funds.  Situated on a 1.9 acre site in the Morrisania area, the buildings were hailed as a hopeful sign in the face of widespread blight and the loss of South Bronx housing in the early 1970s.

 

In contrast to other public housing projects under the auspices of the New York City Housing Authority, Davidson Houses veers away from the commonly seen red brick tower designs.  Instead its architect Paul Rudolph, one time chair of Yale’s School of Architecture, created a more stylized structure using case-in-place concrete frames against dark gray ribbing.  Tracey Towers (1974), a subsequent Bronx housing project designed by Rudolph, also used the poured-in-place concrete favored by the architect.

 

Lewis S. Davidson (1883-1964) whose name is commemorated in this housing development was a dynamic minister, teacher, community leader and activist.  He used his skills to publish a local newspaper, develop a food cooperative, and even become the first president of the Bronx branch of the NAACP, which he founded.  A section of the Lewis Davidson Houses is now situated on property formerly owned by its namesake.

 

An early advocate of special housing for seniors, Davidson would be pleased that in 1985 a nine-story building with 200 apartments was designed nearby, exclusively for seniors.  Located at Union Avenue and East 163rd Street, this nine-storey building was consolidated with the Davidson Houses.  Union Avenue Consolidated manages all of the Davidson Houses properties for the New York City Housing Authority today.

 

Janet Butler Munch

 

 

Photographs:
Abigail McQuade