Civic Facilities Sites

The Columbia Hospital for Women was established at this site in 1870. According to Works Progress Administration (WPA) records in the National Archives, the WPA did extensive improvements at the site in 1938, "working on the grounds, erecting fences, pointing up the masonry wall, lining coping on wall, and other  incidental and appurtenant work." Although the archival records only indicate that the work was approved, this project was most likely completed as described, when the WPA was very active around the District of Columbia. The extensive brick facility is now a condominium residence called "The Columbia Residences." 

The Columbia Municipal Airport was located on route 40, now Business Loop 70 West, when Highway 40 was one of the major east-west roads in the country. This hangar is now being used by the city of Columbia as a storage and repair facility for the Parks and Recreation Department. The original signage designating it as the Columbia Municipal Airport remains. The area to the north was the site of the airport and was improved as a PWA project. Currently the airport is part of the city parks department and includes a golf course, trails, picnic grounds and shelters, and...

The Works Progress Administration repaired the fence and entrance gate to the Columbia Cemetery. The gate is known as the Summer House.

The federal Work Projects Administration worked to improve New Rochelle's, New York's former Columbus Branch Library (a.k.a. Feeney Park Library; opened 1931) during the 1930s. The exact location and present status of the building that housed the library, which was used as such until 1980, is presently unknown to Living New Deal. One WPA project, which involved numerous municipal buildings in New Rochelle including this one, was described by the WPA in its project rolls: "Work includes performing carpentry, masonry, and sheet metal work; excavating and constructing walls; painting, placing tile, and roofing." WPA Official Project No. 665-21-2-635.

The New Mexico Humanities Council and the New Mexico Chapter of the National New Deal Preservation Association list Columbus City Hall on their map of New Deal structures built in New Mexico.

"The primary attraction in the park continues to be Polk's giant chain, which is estimated to have been over a mile long before flooding and erosion destroyed part of it. With an anchor weighing between four and six tons and each chain link being eleven inches (279 mm) long, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a stone monument to hold the chain in 1934."

"The art deco or "modern-style" Comanche County Courthouse stands in the center of Comanche, Texas. It was built in 1939 with limestone from a local quarry, thanks in part to WPA funds. The architect was Wyatt C. Hedrick. With its nice stonework, this is said to be one of the best WPA courthouses in Texas."   (https://www.virtualtourist.com)

The structure initially housed community activities for the resettlement community in Eleanor. This is a long U-shaped side gable building designed in a roadside colonial design. It features double chimneys and had a center light tower that no longer exists.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a combination community building and auditorium in Anderson, Indiana in 1937. The location and status of the structure is unknown to Living New Deal.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) constructed the Community Building in Ayden, North Carolina, with work completed in 1935. The building is still in use.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the community building in Douglass, Kansas in 1936. A large stone in the front of the building identifies it as such. The building was nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building in Goltry, Oklahoma. The status and location of this $8,247.78 project is unknown to Living New Deal.

This simple community building was constructed by the WPA in 1937. The town's fire station is housed in the right hand side of the building.

"Built in 1940 by the WPA, this building remains a "Community Building" today. There's nothing more fun than driving through a small Oklahoma town, rounding a corner, and "discovering" a WPA-constructed building. In Oklahoma, a great many are built out of the red native sandstone. This Community Building is built of rusticated natural stone which projects unevenly, giving it an appealing look. There is a bronze WPA shield to the left of the entrance near the southwest corner, and another shield at the northeast corner. These read: USA / 1940 / WPA / Oklahoma. On the southeast corner of the building,...

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a combination community building and auditorium in Monticello, Indiana in 1937. The location and status of the structure is unknown to Living New Deal.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building in North Vernon, Indiana. Work was completed by 1936. The location and status of the structure is unknown to Living New Deal.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a combination community building and auditorium in Pendleton, Indiana in 1936. The location and status of the structure is unknown to Living New Deal.

SERA Project #1E B3 737: "This project opened December 21, 1934 and consisted of the construction of a one-story frame and stucco community building with shingle roof. It also consisted of grading and landscaping the grounds around the building." The project ended on May 13, 1935.

The historic former Ranier Community Building was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), ca. 1936-7.

The Public Works Administration (PWA) helped fund a Community Building in Richmond, Utah in 1936-1937. The building cost $45,000, of which $18,000 was furnished by a PWA grant and the rest provide by the City of Richmond.  It is a single-story brick building which has had many lives.  As the Richmond Encyclopedia website recounts: "The building's purpose in its early years was to be used by the citizens of Richmond as a community building and theater. Once you entered the building, after visiting the ticket booth to your left, you were welcomed to a furnished building. Directly ahead was a ballroom with a...

In 1939 the Federal Works Progress Administration completed construction of this community building. Both the Waymarking site for this building and the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Survey make note of the architectural style of the building which is unique among WPA buildings. This WPA construction project provided employment for unemployed workers in the area and has remained a centerpiece of the city, hosting dances, concerts, wrestling matches, and other entertainment activities over the years. It now serves as the home of the American Legion.  

The Civil Works Administration (CWA), possibly succeeded by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), built a community building east of Shell. Cassity: In Shell, the CWA constructed a log “community house,” a building that was “equipped with a fine dance floor and the building will serve not only the people in the vicinity but will serve a large number from the entire county as this building is located recreational section of the Big Horn Mountains.” The exact location and condition of this building are unknown to the Living New Deal.

The Public Works Administration (PWA) sponsored construction of the Stoneboro Community Building, providing a $17,397 grant for the eventual $40,374 total project cost. PWA Docket No. PA 2059.

This WPA community building is still in use: "A single-story, modified-U-shaped...structure, the Wagoner community building is constructed of cut but unrusticated native sandstone laid in rough courses with deeply incised mortar... The style of the building is similar to so-called 'park' architecture, i.e. that found in most of Oklahoma's state parks and constructed generally by the CCC."   (www.okhistory.org) The c. 1941 building is still in use as a community building today.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building and gymnasium in Helmsburg, Indiana. Constructed of native timber, the "interior is finished in beaver board. Asphalt shingles were used as the exterior covering. Lumber used for the window and and door frames and casings and other wood trimmings was dressed by hand. The floor also was sanded by hand as electric current was not available." The location and status of the structure is unknown to Living New Deal; however, we believe it to be demolished.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building near Washington Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. The building is located at the northeast corner of 30th St. and Lasalle St., and appears to be part of a church property.

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building and gymnasium in Little York, Indiana. The building, which is located at the southwest corner of N School Rd. and W Mill Rd., is now privately owned. "The Little York community building provides an example of a structure built almost entirely of native timber. Work on the building was started under a Federal Emergency Relief Administration project which was responsible for the sawing of 34,000 feet of timber. The structure, which is 90 by 50 feet, contains a basketball floor, a stage, galleries and two small...

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community building and gymnasium in Wadesville, Indiana. The building was later remodeled and served as a VFW Post. Now privately owned, it has been again remodeled and better resembles its original appearance. The shop even bears its original wood floor! "The Wadesville building, dedicated recently, is typical of the structures being erected under the project. It is of one-story frame construction, 100 by 64 feet in size with a high arched roof supported by heavy steel framework. It is lised throughout with celotex. A regulation size basketball floor surrounded by bench type bleachers with a...

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a community center for African American residents of Wilson Hollow, Charleston, Kanawha County. The exact location and condition of this structure are unknown to the Living New Deal. The May  7, 1938 the Charleston Gazette notes that construction started in 1936 and “WPA Grant for Negro Social Center Received.” The Charleston Daily Mail, 6 May 1938 also reported that “Negro Center Fund Granted.” Article cites work began “two years ago” and could resume. Noted allocation of $2,246 for the project with funds “practically all for labor.” “The building including an auditorium and classrooms is used instead as a social, recreational and training...

Chatham Community Center was constructed in 1935-6 with federal Public Works Administration (P.W.A.) funds. The P.W.A. provided a $30,800 loan and $10,588 grant for the project, whose total cost was $41,395. PWA Docket No. IL 9083

At an election in February 1937, the voters were given the task to decide whether or not Dunning would have a new community building. The vote was three to one in favor of building the auditorium. The building would be built in the city park. The $14,000.00 building would be completely equipped “for any high class entertainment.” In March 1938, word was received from Washington D.C. that the Dunning Community Building project had been approved. Although funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) had not yet been appropriated, the project would go forward. It was thought that, as drawn, the plans...

"This building serves the city of Ely as a community and recreation center. It is three stories and a basement in height and 125 by 78 feet in plan. In the basement are a meeting room, a cafeteria, serving room, and kitchen. The first floor is occupied by a library, a lounge, meeting rooms, a kitchen, office, and work space. The large auditorium with its stage, meeting rooms, a kitchen, and storage space are on the second floor. The third floor contains the fan room, a projection booth, and storage space. The floor slabs and...

A community hall was constructed in Gretna, Nebraska by the Work Projects Administration (WPA) ca. 1940. The location and status of the facility is unknown to Living New Deal.

The gorgeous community center in Pence, Wisconsin, located on the south side of Trezona St. between Maple St. and Cedar St., was constructed by the Work Projects Administration (WPA) in 1941. Lake Shore Visitor: "Last year, through a WPA project, a community center was erected. It contains a large gymnasium, a library, a meeting room, garage, and fire-fighting equipment space. A recreational program providing entertainment facilities for all age groups has been established."

The stunning Springfield Community Center (originally Community Hall) in Springfield, Nebraska was constructed by the Work Progress Administration (WPA) between 1938 and 1940. Construction leveraged locally quarried sandstone, which "bolstered the local economy by employing area men."

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a community center in Strang, Oklahoma. Per The Daily Mayes County Democrat: "WPA assistance has been responsible for many community center buildings in this section of the state. Shown here is a native stone building at Strang which is used as a school gymnasium and community hall. Many large gatherings are held here which otherwise could not be accommodated in the Strang neighborhood." The location and status of the building is unknown to Living New Deal.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a community center in Talcott, Summers County. The project started under the Emergency Relief Administration. The two-story brick structure housed a gymnasium, an auditorium, a stage, dressing rooms, and rooms for social gatherings. The exact location and condition of this facility are unknown to the Living New Deal.

This stone building was erected in 1936 with WPA funds as the local community center. It currently serves as the local library and sits next to the police station on Main Street.

A community center at First Avenue and Franklin St. in Evansville, Indiana, which has since been torn down, was constructed with funds and labor provided by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The facility was also home to a WPA sewing project that provided employment for 750 women.

The former Hastings Community Center at 401 North Main Street in Hastings, Florida was constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression. The building was designed in the Masonry Vernacular style with Art Deco elements. NRHP nomination form: "In February 1934, Hastings's municipal government initiated what proved to be the town's largest and most visible project associated with the New Deal. At a special meeting convened in the offices of the Whitehouse Barrel Company, the town's officials and several residents gathered to discuss improving the town and providing a few temporary jobs, in part, through the use...