Samuel M. Plato, 1882-1957

Historical marker location:

Louisville, Kentucky

( 1111 Southwestern Parkway, )

Samuel M. Plato developed quality single-family housing for Blacks in West Louisville from 1945-1950. His firm, Plato Construction Company, built 88 homes in the Westover Neighborhood. Plato Terrace was named in his honor. Plato designed and built houses, banks, schools, churches and theaters here and across the US. Westover Cookbook Committee

Reverse

Plato was the first Black architect to win federal contracts for post offices and government housing projects. He promoted a diverse workforce using Black and white workers on his projects and paved the way for Black people in the construction industry. Eight of his buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Metro CW Cheri Bryant Hamilton Dedicated June 1, 2019.

African American Architects Post Office