Richland County · Marker 40-205
Gonzales Gardens
Forest Dr. and Ontario St., Columbia
Front inscription
Opened in September 1940, Gonzales Gardens was named for N.G., Ambrose, and William Gonzales, founders of The State newspaper and early public housing advocates. James B. Urquhart designed the 18-acre complex, which included an administrative building and 24 residential structures. Six apartment buildings were added in 1942, bringing the total number of housing units to 280. A preschool and open play areas were part of the original design.
Reverse inscription
The project was overseen by the Columbia Housing Authority, created in 1934, and planning was initiated by the New Deal-era Public Works Administration (PWA). The goal was to provide affordable housing to low-income residents. Gonzales Gardens was originally racially segregated for whites only. Nearby Allen-Benedict Court was designated for African American residents. Both were integrated in the 1970s. Gonzales Gardens was razed in 2017.