Annapolis Park Historic District, Historic residential district in Westland, United States.
Annapolis Park Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Westland covering about 71 acres with approximately 354 single-family homes. Most buildings are one-story brick houses situated on narrow but deep residential lots.
Julius and William Schwartz created this residential development between 1953 and 1955 as a direct response to housing discrimination against Black Americans. For families unable to secure mortgages from mainstream banks, this neighborhood offered an opportunity to own their own homes.
This neighborhood was developed as a residential community specifically for Black families during a time of segregation, reflecting how cities were organized by race. Residents and their descendants continue to shape the character of the place through their long-term connection to the community.
The neighborhood is walkable with homes situated close together and streets that are easy to navigate. Visiting earlier in the day helps you see the architecture and everyday life of the community in better light.
The Schwartz brothers created the Franklin Mortgage Company specifically to provide loans when mainstream banks refused to finance Black families, opening doors that were otherwise closed. This business model directly addressed the financial barriers these families faced.
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