Westacres

Westacres. . , Westacres, a greenbelt development of 150 homes, was created by Oakland Housing, Inc. in 1936. The idea of this self-sufficient neighborhood was conceived and financed by United States Senator James Couzens who contributed $550,000 and secured a grant of $300,000 from the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. ALthough this project was an outgrowth of the depression years and prospective settlers were restricted to low-income workingmen and their families, it was not a relief effort. Originally leased, the houses sold for $4,400 to successful applicants. Each 1,144 square foot home was built on an acre and families were encouraged to grow fruits and vegetables for personal use. , , A clubhouse, recreational commons, natural wooded areas and a beach with picnic facilities were provided for the community. Significant in Westacres' past history were the Westacres Volunteer Fire Department, a grocery co-op and a commuter bus. Other established organizations are the Westacres Community Association, the Westacres Credit Union, The Westacres Weekly, the Westacres Women's Club and the Westacres Library. , , Greatfully Remembered: , United States Senator James Couzens , Barton P. Jenks, Jr., Architect/Project Manager , E. G. von Storch and R. O. Cuppy, Site Architecture , R. C. Perkins and R. J. Hill, Engineers , E. Genevieve Gillette, Landscape Architect . This historical marker was erected in 1995 by Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society. It is in West Bloomfield in Oakland County Michigan