College Heights Historic District

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

1. College Heights Historic District Marker

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The neighborhood was distinguished by its proximity to African American educational institutions and its middle- to upper-class residents. New educational opportunities for African Americans in the early decades of the century, specifically the establishment of the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua (now known as North Carolina Central University) in 1910 and the construction of Whitted Elementary School (later Hillside High School) in 1935, made College Heights, adjacent to both schools, one of the most popular neighborhoods for teachers, professors, and other school employees. This was especially true after 1925 when the former school, renamed North Carolina College for Negroes, became the nation’s first state-supported, four-year, Liberal Arts College for African Americans, increasing both enrollment and programs as well as employment opportunities. The development of College Heights can also be attributed to the growth and success of locally owned, African American companies like North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Mechanics and Farmers Bank, and others, with many of their upper-level employees residing in the neighborhood. These companies provided both professional opportunities and professional services for Durham’s African American residents, earning Durham the reputation of “Capital

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

2. College Heights Historic District Marker

of the Black Middle Class” by 1925.

[The district] contains a significant collection of residential buildings in styles and forms that illustrate national trends during the period of significance, which begins in 1925 when the first homes were constructed and ends c.1966, by which time the neighborhood had been largely built out. Architectural styles prominent in the College Heights Historic District include Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Minimal Traditional, Period Cottage, Ranch, Contemporary, and Moderne styles.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

3. Perry House

This one-and-a-half-story, side-gabled Period Cottage was built circa 1940. The earliest known occupants were Robert C. W. Perry, an auditor for North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Co., and his wife, Thelma Perry, a teacher.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

4. Cox House

Tax records date this single-story Period Cottage to 1942. The earliest known occupants were C. Linwood Cox, a Durham police officer who later became a detective, and his wife, Emma Cox, a school teacher, in 1945.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

5. Cordice House

Norman H. Cordice, a dentist, and his wife, Eugenia A. Cordice, a registered nurse, were the first known occupants of this house, in 1958. The original portion of the house was built around 1940, but the wing featuring metal-framed casement windows likely was added in the 1950s to house a business.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023

6. McAllister House

This one-story Minimal Traditional style house was typical of World War II-era construction in the district. Its first known occupants were Sylas and Geneva McAllister in 1947. Both were employed at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Co., he as a loan processer and she as a secretary.