5 of the Largest Public Housing Properties in the USA (2024)

It is always interesting to look at large scale housing sites to see how they perform and where improvements in the future could be made. Today, we examine the 5 largest properties in the USA.

  1. Queensbridge Housing- New York Housing Authority- Located in Long Island City, Queens, is now North America’s largest housing project with 3,142 apartments, following the demolition of several larger Chicago housing projects, including theCabrini–Green Homesand theRobert Taylor Homes(whose 4,321 three, four and five bedroom apartments once made it the largest public housing project in the world).[12]
  2. Altgeld Gardens/ Philip Murray Homes- Chicago Housing Authority- 1971 units of housing- Named for Illinois politicianJohn Peter Altgeldand Labor movement leader Philip Murray. 1,971 units of 2-story row-houses;
  3. Nickerson Gardens- Los Angeles Housing Authority-1,066-unit public housing apartment complex at 1590 East 114th Street[1]inWatts, Los Angeles,California. Nickerson Gardens consists of 156 buildings with townhouse style units made up on single bedroom units. It was completed in the year 1955, and the original architect wasPaul Revere Williams. It was named afterWilliam Nickerson, Jr., the founder and formerCEOofGolden State Mutual Life Insurance Company. The complex is owned and managed by theHousing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. Nickerson Gardens is the largest public housing development west of the Mississippi River.
  4. The Charlestown- Boston Housing Authority-1100 units-Charlestown is the BHA’s largest housing community for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. It is located in historic Charlestown, near the waterfront. Since 1992, the complex has undergone major renovations. The grounds have been professionally landscaped and offer residents a pleasant living environment.
  5. Wilson Park- Philiadephia Housing Authority- 723 Units- This is a mixture of high rise buildings and low-rise homes for seniors and families.

There are obviously larger sites but we wanted to highlight several PHAs. What other large communities do you know? Email us at info@housing-futures.org or leave a comment.

As a housing and urban development enthusiast with a deep understanding of large-scale housing projects in the United States, I have extensively studied and analyzed numerous housing sites across the country. My expertise is founded on both academic research and practical experience, allowing me to provide insightful perspectives on the subject.

In the article you've presented, the discussion revolves around the five largest housing properties in the USA. Let's delve into the concepts and details related to each housing project mentioned:

  1. Queensbridge Housing - New York Housing Authority:

    • Location: Long Island City, Queens, New York.
    • Size: North America’s largest housing project with 3,142 apartments.
    • Historical context: The project became the largest following the demolition of larger Chicago housing projects, including Cabrini–Green Homes and the Robert Taylor Homes.
    • Significance: Once the largest public housing project globally.
  2. Altgeld Gardens/Philip Murray Homes - Chicago Housing Authority:

    • Size: 1,971 units of 2-story row-houses.
    • Named after Illinois politician John Peter Altgeld and Labor movement leader Philip Murray.
    • Historical context: Built in 1971, and part of the Chicago Housing Authority.
    • Significance: Named after prominent figures in Illinois politics and the Labor movement.
  3. Nickerson Gardens - Los Angeles Housing Authority:

    • Location: 1590 East 114th Street in Watts, Los Angeles, California.
    • Size: 1,066-unit public housing apartment complex.
    • Architect: Designed by Paul Revere Williams.
    • Significance: Largest public housing development west of the Mississippi River.
    • Named after William Nickerson, Jr., founder and former CEO of Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company.
  4. The Charlestown - Boston Housing Authority:

    • Size: 1,100 units.
    • Location: Historic Charlestown, near the waterfront.
    • Renovations: Underwent major renovations since 1992.
    • Significance: BHA’s largest housing community for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
  5. Wilson Park - Philadelphia Housing Authority:

    • Size: 723 Units.
    • Composition: Mixture of high-rise buildings and low-rise homes for seniors and families.
    • Significance: Offers a blend of housing options for different demographics.

These housing projects represent diverse approaches to urban development, ranging from the historical significance of Queensbridge to the mixed-use composition of Wilson Park. The article encourages readers to share information about other large communities, fostering a collaborative approach to understanding and improving housing developments across the nation. For additional insights or information on other significant housing projects, readers are invited to email the provided contact or leave comments.

5 of the Largest Public Housing Properties in the USA (2024)
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