Berkley Square

Berkley Square is a residential neighborhood in West Las Vegas containing about 148 homes built in Contemporary Ranch style during the early 1950s. The houses show varied architectural details with different roof designs and window patterns, while tree-lined sidewalks separated by grass strips create a spacious, ordered layout.

Architect Paul Revere Williams designed this neighborhood in 1949 as Nevada's first residential subdivision created specifically for African American families during the segregation era. The project was financed by attorney Thomas L. Berkley from Oakland, working alongside Edward A. Freeman and J.J. Byrnes to bring the vision to life.

This neighborhood reflects the story of African American settlement in Las Vegas after World War II, when new opportunities for housing and community building emerged. Walking through the streets, you see how families built their lives in one of the city's first neighborhoods designed specifically for them.

The neighborhood is easy to explore on foot thanks to wide sidewalks separated by grass strips that make walking pleasant and safe. Limited access points mean visitors typically enter from designated roads, which helps preserve the quiet residential character of the area.

The neighborhood takes its name from Thomas L. Berkley, a California attorney whose commitment to creating housing for African American families left a lasting impact on Las Vegas. His involvement demonstrates how private enterprise could facilitate community development during a restrictive period.