Waverly in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Gonzales Gardens
Opened in September 1940, Gonzales Gardens was named for N.G., Ambrose, and William Gonzales, founders of The State newspaper and early public housing advocates. James B. Urquhart designed the 18-acre complex, which included an administrative building and 24 residential structures. Six apartment buildings were added in 1942, bringing the total number of housing units to 280. A preschool and open play areas were part of the original design.
The project was overseen by the Columbia Housing Authority, created in 1934, and planning was initiated by the New Deal-era Public Works Administration (PWA). The goal was to provide affordable housing to low-income residents. Gonzales Gardens was originally racially segregated for whites only. Nearby Allen-Benedict Court was designated for African American residents. Both were integrated in the 1970s. Gonzales Gardens was razed in 2017.
Erected 2018 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by the Columbia Housing Authority. (Marker Number 40-205.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work •
this page online
Location. 34° 0.763′ N, 81° 0.918′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Waverly. It is at the intersection of Forest Drive (Route 12) and Lyon Street, on the right when traveling east on Forest Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2416 Forest Dr, Columbia SC 29204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cyril O. Spann Medical Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); Visanska-Starks House (approx. Ό mile away); Good Samaritan-Waverly Hospital
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
