Taft Public Housing Development (South)
a.k.a. Taft Public Housing Development; TEX-191-1 , Site A; TEX-191-2, Sites A & B
Roughly bounded by Ave. C, Walnut, 2nd & Ash Sts., Taft, TXThe Taft Public Housing Development (South) is significant under Criterion A in the area of Politics/Government as one of only two public housing developments constructed by the Taft Housing Authority, with financial assistance from the Federal Public Housing Administration (PHA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The first federally-funded public housing units in Taft, San Patricio County, Texas were built in 1962 under the project name “TEX-191-1.” Due to racial segregation throughout Texas and all southern states, public housing in Taft was built in two geographically separate complexes: housing for African-American tenants on the north side, and housing for white and Hispanic tenants on the south side. These complexes are being nominated concurrently in two nominations titled “Taft Public Housing Development (South)” and “Taft Public Housing Development (North).” In 1972, additional units were built at the south side complex through project “TEX-191-2.”
he Taft Public Housing Development (South) is significant under Criterion A in the area of Politics/Government as one of only two public housing developments constructed by the Taft Housing Authority, with financial assistance from the Federal Public Housing Administration (PHA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The three tracts of housing which comprise the district were constructed in two phases by the Taft Housing Authority between 1962 and 1972. The citywide housing program contained two non-contiguous tracts of housing: one on the south side of town on Avenue C, and the other nearly one mile away to the north on Industrial Street, following an historical segregation policy which placed Anglo and Mexican-American tenants in the south section, and African-American tenants at the north section.While geographically separated, the districts were constructed contemporaneously and are part of the same project.In 1967, a development program for 30 low-rent units was presented to the Board of the Taft Housing Authority, but he project stalled due to lack of funding. In December1970 the housing authority applied for HUD financial assistance for 30 new low-rent units, which was approval in January 1971. Construction was completed in April1972.The housing project meets Criterion Consideration G, as the two separate housing construction efforts (1961-62 and 1971-72) share a common design and planning vocabulary and are generally associated with the same patterns of cooperative federal state housing development.Although the later construction represents the evolving nature of new programs such as the Turnkey development process, both programs shared similar goals, management objectives, and planning decisions prior to massive changes in public housing policy in the late 1970s.The limited extension of the period of significance to the 45-year point is largely negated by the shared context and social development history of the buildings within the context of 20thcentury Taft, Texas. Taft Public Housing Development (South) has remained in continuous use as public housing from the time of construction.
Local significance of the district:
he Taft Public Housing Development (South) is significant under Criterion A in the area of Politics/Government as one of only two public housing developments constructed by the Taft Housing Authority, with financial assistance from the Federal Public Housing Administration (PHA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The three tracts of housing which comprise the district were constructed in two phases by the Taft Housing Authority between 1962 and 1972. The citywide housing program contained two non-contiguous tracts of housing: one on the south side of town on Avenue C, and the other nearly one mile away to the north on Industrial Street, following an historical segregation policy which placed Anglo and Mexican-American tenants in the south section, and African-American tenants at the north section.While geographically separated, the districts were constructed contemporaneously and are part of the same project.In 1967, a development program for 30 low-rent units was presented to the Board of the Taft Housing Authority, but he project stalled due to lack of funding. In December1970 the housing authority applied for HUD financial assistance for 30 new low-rent units, which was approval in January 1971. Construction was completed in April1972.The housing project meets Criterion Consideration G, as the two separate housing construction efforts (1961-62 and 1971-72) share a common design and planning vocabulary and are generally associated with the same patterns of cooperative federal state housing development.Although the later construction represents the evolving nature of new programs such as the Turnkey development process, both programs shared similar goals, management objectives, and planning decisions prior to massive changes in public housing policy in the late 1970s.The limited extension of the period of significance to the 45-year point is largely negated by the shared context and social development history of the buildings within the context of 20thcentury Taft, Texas. Taft Public Housing Development (South) has remained in continuous use as public housing from the time of construction.
Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
About San Patricio County
San Patricio County Timeline
San Patricio County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans many centuries. The area was initially home to various indigenous peoples, including the Karankawa, who inhabited the region for thousands of years. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers began to arrive, claiming the land for Spain and establishing missions in the area. These missions played a significant role in the region's early development.
By the early 19th century, Mexican settlers began to populate the area, leading to the establishment of San Patricio de Hibernia, a small community near the Nueces River. This settlement grew, becoming the county seat and a major center of commerce. However, as tensions grew between Mexico and the United States, San Patricio County became a focal point of conflict during the Texas Revolution. In 1836, local residents joined forces with Texan rebels to fight against Mexican forces in the Battle of Nueces.
After Texas gained independence from Mexico, San Patricio County continued to grow and develop. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought prosperity to the area and attracted new industries. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, also played a significant role in the county's economy. Over time, the county's population diversified, with immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and other parts of Europe contributing to its cultural heritage.
In recent decades, San Patricio County has continued to thrive, with the expansion of industrial and manufacturing sectors. The county is home to major refineries, chemical plants, and a naval air station. It has also become a popular tourist destination, with its coastal location offering beautiful beaches, recreational opportunities, and attractions such as the Copano Bay State Fishing Pier and the historic town of Sinton. Today, San Patricio County remains a vibrant community, embracing its rich history while looking toward a bright future.
By the early 19th century, Mexican settlers began to populate the area, leading to the establishment of San Patricio de Hibernia, a small community near the Nueces River. This settlement grew, becoming the county seat and a major center of commerce. However, as tensions grew between Mexico and the United States, San Patricio County became a focal point of conflict during the Texas Revolution. In 1836, local residents joined forces with Texan rebels to fight against Mexican forces in the Battle of Nueces.
After Texas gained independence from Mexico, San Patricio County continued to grow and develop. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought prosperity to the area and attracted new industries. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, also played a significant role in the county's economy. Over time, the county's population diversified, with immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and other parts of Europe contributing to its cultural heritage.
In recent decades, San Patricio County has continued to thrive, with the expansion of industrial and manufacturing sectors. The county is home to major refineries, chemical plants, and a naval air station. It has also become a popular tourist destination, with its coastal location offering beautiful beaches, recreational opportunities, and attractions such as the Copano Bay State Fishing Pier and the historic town of Sinton. Today, San Patricio County remains a vibrant community, embracing its rich history while looking toward a bright future.
San Patricio County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of San Patricio County, Texas.
- 1828 - The Mexican government grants land to Irish empresarios James Power and James Hewetson, leading to the settlement of Irish immigrants in the area that would become San Patricio County.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and San Patricio County is officially established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
- 1870 - Railroads, including the Texas-Mexican Railway, begin operating in San Patricio County, boosting trade and transportation in the region.
- 1886 - The discovery of oil in neighboring Nueces County leads to the development of the petroleum industry in San Patricio County.
- 1927 - The town of Taft is incorporated, becoming an important center for the oil and gas industry in the county.
- 1941 - The Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is established southwest of Portland, becoming a major training base during World War II.
- 1961 - The construction of the Port of Corpus Christi's Ingleside Marine Terminal begins, further boosting the county's economic growth.
- 1970 - The completion of the Interstate Highway 37 connects San Patricio County to major transportation routes.
- 2017 - Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in San Patricio County, causing significant damage to the area.