The Genesis of Housing Development in the United States: The Role of the Levitts

The concept of large-scale housing developments was not always a part of American urban planning. In the 1800s, developers began laying out subdivisions in areas like Chicago, building homes one by one or in small clusters. It was not until the mid-20th century that the idea of entire planned communities emerged, marked by the creation of Levittown. In this article, we will explore the role of the Levitts in the development of housing communities and their impact on American suburbanization.

Early Housing Developments in the 1800s

Developers started laying out subdivisions in the 1800s, primarily in areas like the Chicago region. Some builders focused on constructing a few houses at a time, while others aimed for larger developments. For instance, one developer built around 240 homes around 1908, which displayed a wide range of elevations and exterior finishes. This variation was notable and took some time to recognize, highlighting the individualistic approach to building homes during that era.

However, by the late 19th century, as more than a million people moved to Chicago by 1890, the pattern of isolated and often bespoke homes gave way to larger, planned communities. This shift signified a move towards collective planning rather than individual home construction, indicating significant changes in urban development strategies.

The Levitts and Their Vision

While many developers were making strides in planned communities, it was the vision of the Levitts that truly revolutionized the concept of housing development in the United States. The Levitts developed a model that became synonymous with suburban living in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Levitts, particularly William Levitt and his brother Frederick Levitt, were associated with two major housing developments: Levittown, Pennsylvania (now called Levittown, New York) and Levittown, New York. They were committed to creating affordable, well-designed, and well-maintained housing options for middle-class families, which were crucial during a time when many Americans were looking for stable and affordable homes.

The Levitts’ construction model was scalable and replicable, significantly reducing the time and cost required to build houses. This approach not only enabled them to create densely populated suburban areas but also led to the widespread adoption of the American suburban lifestyle.

Levittown: A Perfect Suburban Community

Levittown, New York, for example, was built in just over two years, from 1947 to 1949. The 17,000 homes were constructed in a deliberately uniform and repetitive pattern, featuring the iconic 1,100-square-foot two-story home with a foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, and a bathroom. This standardized approach allowed the Levitts to quickly meet the demand for affordable housing in post-World War II America, where returning soldiers and their families sought homes with stability and security.

The Levitts invested in the infrastructure and services surrounding their communities. Each Levittown came with community centers, playgrounds, and even police and fire stations. This comprehensive approach made the Levitt developments highly attractive to families, contributing to their widespread popularity and the ongoing perception of suburban life in the United States.

Legacy and Impact on American Suburbanization

The establishment of Levittown and other developments by the Levitts had a profound impact on American society. The creation of these planned communities led to the establishment of a standardized model for suburban living, emphasizing the importance of family, home, and community. This model quickly spread across the country, leading to an explosion of suburban growth.

The impact of the Levitts on suburban construction and planning was significant. They popularized the concept of discrete, uniform neighborhoods, which became a standard feature of American cities. The streamlined process of building homes and the focus on creating affordable housing helped millions of Americans achieve the "American Dream" of homeownership in the suburbs during the mid-20th century.

Conclusion

The development of housing communities in the United States represents a significant shift in urban planning and urban development. While early developments in the 1800s were characterized by individualistic and scattered constructions, the introduction of planned communities by the Levitts marked a new era of suburbanization. The Levitts’ innovative approach to housing not only filled a critical need for affordable middle-class homes but also shaped the perception and structure of American suburban life for generations to come.

Understanding the history of housing development in the United States, particularly the role of the Levitts, provides valuable insights into the evolution of American urban planning and the enduring influence of this model on modern housing communities.