2019-031 Bradley Street SiteDate: February 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-031
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
As a result of a recommendation from the Oak Gateway Plan (Area1-CD2e), Parks and Recreation
staff is researching the potential leasing of a property that is the former site of Veterans Village
and the Bradley Street Apartments. Staff is exploring the possibility of the land becoming a
temporary park in partnership with the University of North Texas (property owner).
BACKGROUND:
The conclusion of World War II catalyzed a new type of student eager to exchange their military
service for higher education. In 1946, former soldiers wanting to attend North Texas State
Teachers College (now UNT) generated growth. However, it also created a housing crisis for these
non-traditional students. Bruce Hall dormitory construction began in 1946, but was not scheduled
to open until 1947. The College purchased an empty three plus (3+) acre lot at 308 Bradley Street,
between West Oak and Scripture. This lot resulted in the building of hutments, an Army-surplus
squad hut, to help address the veteran housing crisis. Hutments created excitement as a sense of
place for returning veterans to enjoy with their wives and new families.
Hutments was the nickname given to the plywood based, pre-fabricated unit housing, being setup
at the future Veterans Village on the Bradley Street lot, which the veterans viewed as a cross
between an apartment and a hut. In a rush to generate living quarters, the location name was not
recognized at that time. On March 1, 1946, the headline on the Campus Chat story, resolved that
Veterans Village was selected as the name for hutments.
Veterans Village consisted of 50 hutments, separated about 6 feet from each other with small front
yards, divided by three roads named (Ann) Sheridan Ave., (Joan) Blondell Ave., and (Nancy)
Gates Ave. Ann Sheridan and Joan Blondell were movie stars, who both attended North Texas
State Teacher’s College. Ann Sheridan was a Denton native attending Denton schools and the
College until discovered by Hollywood. Joan Blondell was a student at the College from 1926 to
1927 who became a movie star during the 1930s. Hollywood starlet and Denton native, Nancy
Jane Gates, was namesake of Gates Avenue. A playground in the middle row of huts provided
space for children of veterans to swing and slide, which Ms. Gates secured for their enjoyment.
By the end of 1946, 30 married couples and 20 single veterans resided in Veterans Village. The
veterans and their wives referred to their residents at Veterans Village and to themselves as
“villagers” living at Veterans Village (Information courtesy of Historic Denton, Inc.).
Date: February 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-031
Veterans Village located near the center of the photo. Circa 1947
DISCUSSION:
Parks and Recreation staff reached out to UNT administration on Monday, February 11, in regards
to the potential interest in leasing the approximate 3.5 acres of land located at 308 Bradley Street.
This vacant land consists of a level turf area and parking for approximately 30 spaces.
Staff is exploring a potential lease that could be for 5-10 years and at minimal cost along with the
responsibility of maintaining the grounds. It is estimated the cost to maintain the property annually
would be $7,000. This includes contract mowing, litter pick-up, miscellaneous repairs, and site
inspections.
If desired, the department could install minor capital items that could be removed and relocated at
a later time such as, but not limited to, split rail fencing, pavilion, and benches. A decomposed
granite trail could be considered with possible construction assistance of volunteers. Local
veterans groups on and off campus could be interested in assisting with park improvements. This
partnership could connect the past with current veterans helping build the community. Cost of
these minor capital improvements is estimated at $25,000-$35,000.
Date: February 22, 2019 Report No. 2019-031
Google Maps 2019
In regard to Parks and Recreation’s 10-minute walk to a park initiative, this park space improves
accessibility for residents that live to the east.
Parks and Recreation will continue to work with representatives from UNT to confirm
opportunities for a partnership and develop a lease agreement if desired by City Council. A draft
concept of the park could also be created by Parks and Recreation to provide a depiction of what
the park could look like with minor development.
STAFF CONTACT:
Gary Packan
Director of Parks and Recreation
940-349-7460
gary.packan@cityofdenton.com