Latta House site designated landmark

The property, at 1001 Parker St., includes the remnant land area of Latta University and is the site of the former residence of Rev. M.L. Latta. The university was a coeducational institution founded in 1892 by Latta, a freed slave and teacher, to educate underprivileged and orphan children in Raleigh’s African-American community.

The Latta House, which was destroyed by fire in 2007, was initially designated as a Raleigh Historic Landmark in 1993. The designation was based on the architectural and historical significance of the house.

Preservation North Carolina requested last month that the council consider expanding the boundaries of the site to include the entire parcel for landmark designation, based on its historic and archaeological significance.

The site is a unique remnant of a significant period of African-American education in Raleigh. The university also played an important role in the historic Oberlin community. The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission recommended the designation.