The Cahaba Project (Slagheap Village) - Trussville, AL
N 33° 37.711 W 086° 36.313
16S E 536615 N 3721037
The Cahaba Project, also known as "Slagheap Village," is a WPA housing project built on "slagheap" land vacated by the old Trussville Iron Furnace.
Waymark Code: WM1R6Q
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 06/29/2007
Views: 136
Originally planned by the WPA to be a farming initiative, the project stalled when it was found that the land formerly inhabited by the old Trussville Iron Furnace was unsuitable for conventional government housing. But local intervention and replanning of a "garden-type suburban town" rescued the project.
Today, the Project is the heart of a growing community. Trussville's Mall in the center of the historical district was designed to resemble the Mall in Washington, D.C. with the school and commissary (now the Chamber of Commerce) anchoring the east end. This district contains 287 residential units consisting of triplexes, duplexes and single family homes. These homes were originally rented to families, before being offered for sale in the early 1940's. The area had schools, sewer, indoor bathroom facilities, paved streets with curbs and gutters, parks and sidewalks. This was the first planned unit development in Trussville and is still a very desired address to this day. All homes had lots large enough for a garden spot with a shed to house a cow and chickens. Remember, this was established during the Great Depression. The City of Trussville has received a historical designation for the Cahaba Homestead Village Historic District from the Alabama Historical Preservation Commission and has been listed on the National Historic Register in Washington D.C.
Given coordinates are for the old commissary (see picture) at the end of the mall.
Project type: Other
Date built or created: 1936-1938
Location: Around the mall located between North and South Mall Drive, Parkway Drive and Chalkville, Rd.
City: Trussville, AL
Condition: Good upkeep with a little wear and tear
Website for additional information: [Web Link]
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