McThornmor Acres added to National Register of Historic Places
Published on February 15, 2022
A Huntsville neighborhood built more than a half-century ago has been added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Constructed in the 1950s, McThornmor Acres was listed to the NRHP on Feb. 9. Just six months ago, the City celebrated the addition of another historic neighborhood, Edmonton Heights, to the NRHP.
“The addition of McThornmor Acres to the National Register of Historic Places is an exciting announcement for all our citizens,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We have so much residential growth and development happening in all corners of our City, but this honor reminds us we need to recognize and protect our existing historic neighborhoods as well.”
About McThornmore Acres
The design of McThornmor Acres reflects the City’s goals to create a modern neighborhood for the workforce of the space and rocket program. The neighborhood is remarkably intact, with most homes retaining their original appearance.
The homes represent the architecture of the time, including post-war and split-level ranches and mid-century contemporary structures.
Donna Castellano, Executive Director of Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF), initially identified McThornmor Acres for possible inclusion on the NRHP. David Schneider of Schneider Historic Preservation, LLC, surveyed the neighborhood, which was completed in 2018.
“McThornmor Acres is valuable because it is a link between the people and events that helped shape Huntsville,” said City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps. “We are continuing to bring recognition to our historic neighborhoods through resource surveys in hopes of attaining national recognition.”
A public meeting will be held Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m. about a planned historic resource survey for Magnolia Terrace, another Huntsville neighborhood built in the 1950s and 1960s that was home to some of Huntsville’s early Black professionals and middle-class families. The survey represents the first phase in a multiphase process to assess Magnolia Terrace’s eligibility for listing on the NRHP.
Click here to learn more about Magnolia Terrace and the upcoming meeting.