Unknown Sites

A classroom bungalow was constructed at Fairburn Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1937. Designed by architect A. S. Nibecker Jr and built for $2,646, the single-story bungalow appears to survive on Rochester Ave behind the main school building. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and proceeded in two cycles, 1934-35 and 1935-37. The...

In 1935, the Treasury Department constructed a two-story brick post office in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens. The Colonial Revival style building has a "main façade featur a centrally placed polygonal shaped frontispiece with a rounded dome inspired by Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. It also has a grand entrance vestibule" (Wikipedia). The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The original Missoula post office was completed in 1913 and then expanded during the late 1920s to accommodate the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana.  A second extension and annex was made under the New Deal, which was designed by Louis A. Simon of the U.S. Treasury Department and dedicated on October 13, 1937. By that time, the structure was known as the Federal Building. The original building was constructed in the Beaux Arts style, popular in public buildings of the early 20th century, which appears to have been repeated in the 1920s. The 1930s addition was done in...

The historic federal courthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania is part of a complex of buildings that serve as a courthouse of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and other federal functions. According to the website of the General Services Administration, "A U.S. courthouse constructed at this location in 1888 was demolished to make way for the existing 1938 courthouse designed by Rudolph Stanley-Brown, a Cleveland architect who was the grandson of President James Garfield. Built during the Great Depression with funds from New Deal programs, its construction provided local jobs. The building was listed in the...

In 1938, Thomas Laman painted five egg tempera on canvas murals for the Eureka post office and courthouse under the Treasury Relief Art Project (TRAP). Three large (9'6 high x 5'6 wide) murals depict the farming, forestry, and mining industries; 2 smaller murals (2'6 high x 4'4 wide) are tributes to the "Land" and "Water" of Northern California. The 0ld Eureka post office and courthouse was privatized (sold off) in 2002 and the murals were in danger of being lost. Public pressure led the General Services Administration (GSA) to reclaim and restore the murals, which were later transferred to the new...

According to the website of the General Services Administration "Young American Man and Young American Woman act as sentinels to the main courtrooms of the 1937 Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania. These two sculptures express the admirable qualities possessed by the young men and women of depression-era America. Kreis communicated the upstanding nature of the figures through his use of monumental, simple forms, and by leaving out any unessential or frivolous details. Further evidence of their moral rectitude is cleverly expressed by the inclusion of the man's faithful dog, which regards his human companion with complete devotion....

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a school building and improved the grounds at Field Elementary School in Pasadena, CA. The 1933 Long Beach earthquake necessitated the rehabilitation of 27 schools in the Pasadena Unified School District at a total cost of ~$3.3 million. Grants from the Public Works Administration (PWA) financed 27% (~$900,000) of the rehabilitation; the sale of school bonds covered 40% (~$1.3 million); and Pasadena tax revenues made up the final 33% (~$1 million). The funding was split between elementary and high schools, with elementary schools receiving 42% (~$1.4 million) of the total budget and high schools the...

The station was begun in the 1931 as a fruit and vegetable research station. From 1933-1935, the site was expanded and new buildings constructed. The buildings were built by Public Works Administration from 1933 to 1935 with an allotment of $96,350. Funds were provided by Public Works under the National Industrial Recovery Act. The purpose of the allotment was fruit and vegetable disease research and auxiliary buildings devoted to sugar cane research. The Administration Office and Laboratory were built in 1933. After a new two-story brick and stucco administration building and laboratory was constructed 1935, the first administration office was...

The main building at Fifty-Ninth Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA was rebuilt following the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Construction in 1935 totaled $38,519 and was partially funded by the Public Works Administration (PWA). It appears plans were initially made to rebuild the entire two-story, 24-room main building. In the end, however, only the 1925 section was rebuilt. This appears to be the northern half of the structure, which combines elements of the PWA Moderne and Renaissance Revival styles (note the detailing around the entrance). S. Charles Lee was the architect and Andy Sordal the contractor. The reconstruction and renovation of...

Fifty-Second Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA was rebuilt following the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Construction in 1936 totaled $117,590 and was partially funded by the Public Works Administration (PWA). Contractor Charles J. Dorfman oversaw reconstruction of the main brick building on S Hoover St while contractor Joseph Maiser built a two-story classroom building directly behind. Both reinforced concrete, PWA Moderne style structures were designed by architect A. M. Edelman. They feature Mission Revival elements such as title roofs and decorative plasterwork around the entrances. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was...

While three of the Figueroa Street Tunnels in Los Angeles, CA, predate the New Deal, the fourth and final tunnel was completed in 1935 with funding from the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) and Public Works Administration (PWA). Widening and extending Figueroa Street was an ongoing project through the 1920s and 1930s. According to a Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) report, “The major traffic-reducing element of the project involved the construction of four tunnels through Elysian Park. City officials thought these tunnels would speed traffic through the park, rather than forcing commuters along North Broadway where at-grade intersections caused tremendous congestion....

Figueroa Street Elementary School, which opened in 1923, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1935. Built by the Herbert M. Baruch Corporation, the two-story PWA Moderne structure is located at the corner of S Figueroa St and W 111th St. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and proceeded in two cycles, 1934-35 and 1935-37. The first cycle began in...

The Figueroa Street Viaduct in Los Angeles, CA, was completed in 1937 with funding from the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR). The viaduct allowed for Figueroa Street to cross over the Los Angeles River and the Southern Pacific railroad tracks, which—together with the Figueroa Street tunnels completed between 1931 and 1935—extended the north/south artery to relieve traffic on North Broadway. According to an April 1937 article in California Highway & Public Works magazine, "The viaduct project is the largest one in the southern part of the State to be financed from funds set aside by the Federal Government for grade crossing...

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built Fire Station 5 in Topeka KS. Operations have since relocated, though the building still stands. "Station No. 7 shares an identical floor plan and similar architectural features to two other fire stations in Topeka, those being Fire Station No. 5 at the southwest corner of SW 17th Street and SW Topeka Blvd, and Fire Station No. 6 at the southwest corner of NE Seward Ave. and NE Woodruff Ave. in the Oakland neighborhood. All three were WPA projects, and all were designed by the same architectural firm of Cuthbert and Suehrk."

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built Fire Station 7 in Topeka KS.  “This station was constructed in 1935 through Works Progress Administration to service the growing Oakland neighborhood, and the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad yards, located just a few blocks to the west and south." "On October 2, 2020, the National Parks Service considered the nomination of Fire Station No. 6, and officially listed the building on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review (KHBR) officially approved this nomination on August 1, 2020 for inclusion of the Register of Historic Kansas Places."

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) rebuilt Long Beach Fire Department Station No. 7 after it was destroyed in the 1933 earthquake.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built Fire Station 7 in Topeka KS.  "This station was constructed in 1935 through Works Progress Administration to service the newly expanding areas of western Topeka, including the newly developed Westboro neighborhood located one block to the south. The Spanish Revival architectural style of this station, in fact, mirrors one of the designated architectural styles designated by covenant within the Westboro neighborhood. Funding for this station was further enabled through a public bond approved by voters in 1926, specifically intended to provide fire services to these newly annexed areas." “Station No. 7 shares an identical floor plan...

The former Station No. 12 was built in 1929 in Woodlawn at 1st Avenue North and 57th Street North. Designed by Turner & Slater Architects in a residentially-scaled Tudor Revival style, the station was pulled back from the street to create a park space across from Woodlawn High School. Schoolchildren were welcomed to the grassy lawn, and public restrooms for "girls and boys" were included in the station's floor plans. The two-bay garage, tucked under parallel gables with arched openings and fanlights, opened onto an alleyway. Unsightly functions such as hose-drying, barbecuing and coal deliveries were concealed in a rear...

Before Pratt City was annexed into Birmingham, the independent municipality was protected by three volunteer firefighting companies, the first of which was organized by Mayor Ephraim Hudnall around 1900. After 1910 the Birmingham Fire Department took over the Pratt City station as its Station No. 18. In June 1912 the station was the last of Birmingham's 19 fire companies to be equipped with a Seagrave "automobile hose wagon". Medal of Honor recipient Kelly Ingram was a firefighter at Station 18 for four years before his re-enlistment in the U.S. Navy during World War I. In 1960 the old station at...

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) built Fire Station No. 9 in Birmingham AL. There is little information about the history of this station. From Google Street View, it appears to have a mid century style of architecture indicating that it might have been rebuilt. The station was designated as Class “A”—"Those needing general minor repairs, having sufficient sound value left in them to justify a thorough repairing, on which buildings was included painting inside and outside where needed, general carpentry repairs, including doors, windows and repairs to floors, or new floors; general repairs to masonry work and plaster or stucco, repairs...

In 1941, the Works Projects Administration (WPA) built a viaduct to take First Street over the Pacific Electric interurban trolley tracks that ran along Glendale Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA, at the time.  The viaduct is still in use, though Pacific Electric disappeared long ago. "Designed to eliminate a major traffic problem on the Northwest side of Los Angeles," the caption to a WPA photo notes, "the First and Glendale viaduct, a $475,000 WPA construction project, is scheduled for completion, under city sponsorship, approximately July 15, 1941. A WPA crew of 270 workers are now engaged on the job. The viaduct...

In 1938, the Public Works Administration (PWA) awarded Arcadia, CA $109,992 for the rehabilitation of school buildings damaged in the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. First Avenue School (today First Avenue Middle School) received a portion of this funding to cover the construction of four one-story earthquake proof classroom buildings with connecting passageways. The simple PWA Moderne structures are extant on California and Diamond Streets. In 1937, First Avenue School received, through the cooperation of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a staff to run a recreational program. The program offered sewing and handicraft classes, as well as evening playground activities.

First Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA was remodeled with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1936. Architect Walter E. Erkes and contractors Lovrich & Konjevod built a two-story addition to the main building, a new kindergarten unit, and remodeled the school's auditorium wing. Construction of the PWA Moderne structures, which all survive, totaled $119,497. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District...

The baseball field at Perris Hill Park was built as part of more extensive improvements to the park done by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). It is now known as the Fiscalini Field.  

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was active in Rocky Mountain National Park during the whole of the program's lifetime, 1933 to 1942.  There were four main camps in the park. The CCC participated in a fish-restocking program, which the National Park Service had initiated in 1931 to deal with depleted lakes and streams due to years of unregulated fishing.  The main contribution of the CCC was to build four fish-rearing ponds, at Horseshoe Park, near Endovalley campground, at Hollowell Park, and near Grand Lake. The ponds were roughly 200 x 100 feet and 10 feet deep. (Brock, p 42). Fry from the Estes...

Fishburn Avenue Elementary School, which opened in 1926, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation, Board of Education member Arthur Eckman told the Los Angeles Times, “I am sure that every member of the board agrees with...

Landis Hall was completed in 1938 as a 202-room dormitory for student nurses and other employees working at the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee, Florida. It replaced the old nurses home which was destroyed in February 1937. The construction contract was financed in part by the PWA and awarded to Batson and Cook of West Point, Georgia. The building was named for the late Florida Attorney-General, Cary D. Landis. PWA Docket No. Fla 1372-DS.

In 1935, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) approved funding for the construction of a reinforced concrete and concrete pipe storm drain on Flower Street in Glendale, CA. The drain runs from the Los Angeles River to Northwesterly city limits, with laterals running into Allen Ave. and Western Ave. The project employed 279 federal workers. 

The Flying Yankee train was built in 1934-1935 at a cost of $275,000 (about $5.8 million in 2021 dollars). The Public Works Administration (PWA) financed the train’s construction with a loan. The Flying Yankee’s route started in Portland, Maine and ended in Boston, Massachusetts, and it ran from 1935 to 1957 for the Boston & Maine and Maine Central railroads, sometimes under different names, such as “The Business Man.” When it first arrived on the scene it was viewed as a futuristic, technological wonder, with many innovations. It was lightweight, quiet, economic, capable of 100+ mph, and made of stainless steel....

Ford Boulevard Elementary School, which opened in 1923, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation, Board of Education member Arthur Eckman told the Los Angeles Times, “I am sure that every member of the board agrees with...

The Public Works Administration W1183 funded constructing for new buildings and improvements for five Hinds County schools in 1938-1939. Forest Hill School used funds to construct a vocational building, auditorium, gymnasium, and home for the vocational teacher. They used a $24,000 bond issue to supplement the PWA funding for a loan of 151,986 toward estimated cost of all 5 schools of $337,746, approved 6/22/1938. Bids were advertised October 1938; first contract awarded 11/10/38; construction began 11/14/1938; and was completed 12/4/1939 for a total of 322,153. The school was demolished in 1987.

Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri is one of the largest municipal parks in the nation, just larger than Central Park in New York City. It was the site of the 1904 Worlds Fair.  In places, it truly is a forest. From 1935 to 1937, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) carried out a number of projects that transformed Forest Park and brought it up to date, including much clearing of brush in places where it had become overgrown. Other WPA projects included: roads throughout the park, handball courts, tennis courts (now the Davis Tennis Center), draining lakes that had been constructed...

This WPA improvements to Forest Park in St. Louis, Missoui included a fish hatchery built in 1938, with a headquarters building and multiple hatchery ponds. The hatchery became one of the largest producers of fish for the state's waterways.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed replica barracks and other buildings at the Fort Abercrombie historic site. The buildings are still in use, but have been modified. According to State Historical Society of North Dakota, "After the fort was abandoned in 1877, fort buildings were sold and removed from the site. A Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1939-1940 reconstructed three blockhouses and the stockade and returned the original military guardhouse to the site. Major portions of the WPA project have been refurbished and the site reinterpreted."

In 1933 a Category 5 hurricane known as the 1933 Cuba destroyed a large part of Brownsville, Texas, and caused massive damages to Fort Brown, U.S. Army fort. During the New Deal, Fort Brown received funding and labor to make improvements to the fort and surrounding land. The Works Project Administration (WPA) authorized a $70,765 improvement program that employed 119 workers to improve landscaping, building river bank revetments, resurfacing roads, and doing a large amount of the work on fort buildings. The purpose behind the river bank revetments was to stabilize the Rio Grande riverbank in case of storms and to...

This limestone baseball stadium, built by the Works Progress Administration in 1940, is currently owned by the city of Hays but operated by Fort Hays State University. It has been upgraded several times over the years and is now home to the Fort Hays State baseball team.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the Fort Hunt site as a recreational park from 1936 to 1939.  The work was very extensive, including excavating a lake, a golf course, roads and parking areas, and a storm drainage system.  The CCC enrollees built 8 acres of picnic areas with tables, stone fireplaces, restrooms, water pipes and drinking fountains, plus a trail system for hikers.  Lastly, they constructed a park ranger home, shop buildings and an oil storage house, and planted trees and other landscaping. Little of the original work remains, since the park has undergone a great deal of renovation over...

Formerly known as the Army War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair is a U.S. Army post located at the confluence of the Potomac and the Anacostia Rivers. The site has been an army post for more than 200 years. During the New Deal, both the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) made extensive improvements to the post. In 1933-34, the CWA did everything from sewer construction and building renovations to adding a bandstand and repairing the bowling alley. Records in the National Archives provide these details: "Building concrete coal bin & retaining walls, south of incinerator; Making necessary branch...

Fort Mountain State Park in northern Georgia was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. Part of the Cohutta Mountain Range, the park gained its name for a stone structure located along a mountaintop in the area.   The park officially opened in 1936. The CCC built the park’s infrastructure and constructed many of its facilities such as the lake and recreational buildings. CCC work crews also did forestry work and made hiking trails. “One of the most notable contributions by the CCC,” according to Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, “is the large stone fire tower that stands...

The Fort Peck Theatre was part of the larger Fort Peck Dam construction project, funded by the New Deal’s Public Works Administration (PWA) and carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1933-1940. The theatre itself was constructed by the C.F. Haglin company in 1934, but it's unclear who designed its chalet-style appearance - the Haglin company, the Corps of Engineers, or both. The theatre’s construction is sometimes credited to the WPA, but the theatre was built and opened well before the WPA’s existence (PWA projects are frequently misattributed to the WPA, and vice versa). The New Deal's stimulus spending and construction...