1919 Runnels St. – Houston TX (built 1952; architect: Wyatt C. Hedrick)

 

Susan V. Clayton, wife of William L. Clayton, was a local philanthropist and donated the land to the City of Houston for the new housing project. It was completed in 1952 and was heavily renovated in 2007. The land was once known as the Alacran, one of Houston’s worst slums and originally was part of the east side of Frost Town, bordered by Schrimpf Alley (more here).

 

From Houston Magazine, April 1952:

 

An aerial view of the new Susan V. Clayton Homes show the modern apartment units replacing the worst slum area in the City of Houston. The project consists of 348 modern, safe and sanitary apartments in forty-nine buildings. The buildings, including dwelling units, community and administration buildings, are brick veneer with wood shake trim. The apartments will be rented to families with low incomes according to their ability to pay.