Constructed as a Works Progress Administration urban renewal project in the late 1930s, Woodhill Homes was ahead of its time and adorned with historical public art pieces celebrated by the community. But as Woodhill Homes became worn through the years, the neighborhood around it experienced decades of disinvestment and abandonment. Today, the large concentration of severely distressed public housing with an antiquated superblock street design has created persistent challenges experienced daily by Woodhill Homes’ residents. Their severely distressed conditions, out-of-context density, obsolete design, and inaccessibility for those with mobility challenges warrant their demolition and replacement. Deteriorating housing, interminable crime, and barriers (social, economic, and physical) create an undeniable sense of isolation. Residents have emphasized these struggles through their stories and input.
