Gold Coast Historic District

The Gold Coast Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Richland with buildings constructed in 1948 and 1949 along tree-lined streets near the Columbia River. The area contains 118 properties that keep their original post-war architectural features and layout.

The neighborhood arose during World War II to house workers of the Manhattan Project at the Hanford atomic plant. The government assigned homes based on family size and worker status, creating a planned community structure.

The neighborhood got its name from the wealthier residents who moved here, showing how people valued their community as a special place. Today, visitors can see how this identity shaped the way homes and streets were designed.

The district stretches from Willis Street to Davison Avenue and is best explored on foot as residential streets flow naturally together. The homes are visible from public roads, so visitors can see the architecture and street character without needing special access.

The homes followed standardized floor plans known as alphabet houses, with each type assigned a letter designation based on size and purpose. Residents paid nominal rent for government-owned properties during this Cold War expansion period.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 46.29810,-119.27000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51