Westland in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Annapolis Park
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 21, 2021
1. Annapolis Park Marker
Inscription.
Annapolis Park. . During World War II Detroit's black population doubled from 150,000 to 300,000 and faced the extreme housing shortage that had existed since the early twentieth century. Restrictive covenants, inflated rents, and other discriminatory practices confined blacks to certain areas and hindered their ability to purchase property. In 1953 Julius Schwartz and several partners broke ground for Annapolis Park, a modern suburban neighborhood for African Americans. Because few banks would approve loans for potential buyers, Schwartz and his brother-in-law Jack Kellman established the Franklin Mortgage Company. By 1957 Annapolis Park's 354 lots were fully developed and African American families were able to live in a well-built home with "nice trees, nice country living."
During World War II Detroit's black population doubled from 150,000 to 300,000 and faced the extreme housing shortage that had existed since the early twentieth century. Restrictive covenants, inflated rents, and other discriminatory practices confined blacks to certain areas and hindered their ability to purchase property. In 1953 Julius Schwartz and several partners broke ground for Annapolis Park, a modern suburban neighborhood for African Americans. Because few banks would approve loans for potential buyers, Schwartz and his brother-in-law Jack Kellman established the Franklin Mortgage Company. By 1957 Annapolis Park's 354 lots were fully developed and African American families were able to live in a well-built home with "nice trees, nice country living."
Erected 2007 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S0700.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 42° 16.206′ N, 83° 19.736′ W. Marker is in Westland, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is at the intersection of Middlebelt Road and Hanover Boulevard, on the right
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when traveling south on Middlebelt Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5340 Middlebelt Rd, Westland MI 48186, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
