Latta University Historic Park Planning Process
Latta University Historic Park Planning Process
Latta University Historic Park is located at 1001 Parker Street and occupies approximately two acres of land in the historic Oberlin neighborhood. The property comprises the remnant land area of Latta University founded in 1892, and the site of the former Latta residence, destroyed by fire in 2007. The university was an African-American coeducational institution founded by the Reverend Latta, a freed enslaved person and teacher, to educate underprivileged and orphan children in Raleigh’s Black community.
Project Update
Construction of Phase One of the Latta University Historic Park started in March 2023 and will continue into Fall 2023. Details about an opening celebration for the park will be shared later this Spring!
Latta University Historic Park Interpretive Plan
The Latta University Historic Park Interpretive Plan has determined specific interpretive goals for the site, while honoring the broader interpretive recommendations included in the Master Plan. The Interpretive...
Are you looking for more ways to get involved with Latta University Historic Park?
To read more about volunteer opportunities, please visit https://publicinput.com/further
Schematic Design
The Schematic Design for Phase One Implementation was approved by City Council on December 1st.
Planting Plan
To help prepare for construction of Phase One, arborists removed dead, dangerous, & diseased trees in late March 2021. If you'd like more information on the work the arborists did, and how City of Raleigh staff & community volunteers will focus their replanting efforts please click the link below.
Latta University Historic Park Planting Plan
There are many changes happening at the Latta University Historic Park in preparation for construction of Phase One. This website offers details on trees that will be removed and trees we plan to replant...
Project Timeline
(click to enlarge)
Master Plan
On March 3rd, the City of Raleigh City Council voted unanimously to approve the
Latta University Historic Park Master Plan!
Click here to view the Latta University Historic Park Master Plan.
On February 27th, the Raleigh Historic Development Commission granted the Latta University Historic Park Master Plan a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions:
1)There will be no demolition delay for the removal of the trees.
2)That archaeological guidance be received from the Office of State Archaeology and submitted to RHDC staff prior to plan implementation
3)That new COA application(s) be filed for the new landscape and hardscape features; design and materials of the new architectural elements including pavilion, signage, and other miscellaneous features.
Situation Assessment
City Council approved the
Latta University Historic Park
Situation Assessment
on February 5th, 2019.
Please click here
to download the document.
Project Background
Reverend Latta was born into enslavement at Fishdam, a Cameron family plantation near the Neuse River approximately 25 miles north of Raleigh, yet persevered to support his twelve brothers and sisters and become one of Shaw University’s first graduates.
Reverend Morgan London Latta founded Latta Univeristy in 1892. Latta University at its height was home to 26 buildings and 1400 students, including orphaned children of formerly enslaved people. The university operated for thirty years.
The Latta House was the residence of Reverend Morgan London Latta and his family. It was the last remaining historical landmark of the original 26 structures that comprised Latta University.
In January 2009 an archaeological survey began at the site of the former Reverend M.L. Latta House and University. The Raleigh Historic Development Commission (RHDC) worked with City Parks and Recreation staff and Environmental Services, Inc. to complete the archaeological survey. On August 4, 2009, the Raleigh City Council accepted the archaeological report as presented by the RHDC and the consultant.
The investigation was conducted to recover artifacts and data from the Latta House and accessory buildings, additional buildings related to the University, an old well located on the property, and other site features. A comprehensive analysis of the site yielded new information regarding the history and prior land-use of the University and residence. Based on findings, the consultant, Environmental Services, Inc., recommended that the site be reinstated as a Raleigh Historic Landmark. On July 6, 2010 City Council adopted an ordinance designating the Latta House and University Site as a Raleigh Historic Landmark.
Do you have questions for us? Please email emma.liles@raleighnc.gov