Douglass Avenue Homes
Renovated historical shotgun homes
A unique and compelling opportunity.
Douglass Avenue Homes
The renovation of six historical shotgun homes located on Douglass Avenue presents a unique and compelling opportunity for first-time buyers and existing residents to purchase a home in an area that was once considered blighted.
By preserving the historical significance of the homes, the project will not only help revitalize the area but will stabilize the neighborhood by addressing the housing needs of minority low-income residents. With our inclusive approach, we expect the project to attract a diverse group of buyers and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the historic Northwest neighborhood located next to downtown West Palm Beach. Through our partnership with the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, we are selling the homes to 80% AMI first-time homebuyers with preference given to residents with long-term ties to the Northwest neighborhood.
6 Homes
Bedrooms
Bath
Sq. Ft. of 5 Homes
Sq. Ft. of 1 Home
A LITTLE HISTORY…
The shotgun house is a type of folk architecture that originated in West Africa and spread to the United States through Haiti and New Orleans. The style is characterized by narrow buildings with a door at each end.
Origins
- The style originated in West Africa, where enslaved Africans built narrow houses with gabled entrances, thatched roofs, and shuttered windows.
- The style blended with the housing styles of the Taino people of Haiti, creating the caille.
- When Haitians relocated to the southern United States after the Haitian rebellion, the caille evolved into the shotgun house.
Spread to the United States
- The style spread to New Orleans in the early 19th century.
- The style spread to other cities in the United States, including Louisville, Kentucky, Chicago, Illinois, and cities in Florida and Texas.
Characteristics
- Shotgun houses were built to be affordable and fit as many homes as possible onto a single block.
- The oldest shotgun houses were built without indoor plumbing.
- Shotgun houses were built for working poor people, but some were also built in wealthy neighborhoods.
Name
- The name “shotgun house” may come from the idea that a bullet fired through the front door would pass straight through to the back of the house.
- Another theory is that the name comes from the West African word togun, which means “house” or “gathering place”.
Douglas Avenue Homes Funding Partners
West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
OUR FEDERAL TAX ID IS 65-0352279.
Contributions benefit Neighborhood Renaissance, Inc., a not for profit tax-exempt organization. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NEIGHBORHOOD RENAISSANCE, INC. (REGISTRATION NO. CH15065), A FLORIDA-BASED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE OR CLICK HERE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Neighborhood Renaissance, Inc. receives 100% of each contribution with 0% given to a professional solicitor.