Endangered Sites

Queen City Pool
Queen City and Jack Warner Parkway

Designed by architect Don Buel Schuler a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and built with WPA money, the pool was one of the finest in the state. The poured concrete bathhouse features a unique design of intersecting circles and arcs. The wading pool contains a delightful art deco fountain. Closed since the 1980s, the City of Tuscaloosa is developing plans for its restoration.

Drish House
2300 17th St.

This  historic house was built in 1837 by Dr. John R. Drish, a prominent early settler, as the focal point for a plantation that bordered the city limits of Tuscaloosa. Drish remodelled the mansion in the 1850s with the addition of massive columns and the distinctive Italianate tower. The house remained one of the finest residences in the city until 1906 when it was converted into a public school. In later years it deteriorated and was used as a garage. Walker Evans, one of America’s most famous photographers, photographed the once grand mansion in the 1930s. His “Tuscaloosa Wrecking Company” is one of his best known photographs. The house was purchased by the Southside Baptist Church in the 1940s. To save the building from demolition, the Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa County leased the building in 1997. It is currently working with the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society to develop a plan for adaptive reuse of this important area landmark. Ideas or suggestions are welcome. (205) 758-2238.

Marmaduke Williams House
907 17th Ave.

The Marmaduke Williams House, located in the heart of the Druid City Historic District, is one of the oldest homes in the city. It is one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the historic district. One of the best examples of early Federal style architecture left in Tuscaloosa, it contains many interesting architectural features. The house was once owned by Marmaduke Williams, the runner up in Alabama’s first governor’s race. In 1995 the Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa bought the house to save it from demolition. After careful architectural and historical research, the commission restored the house. Just as it was nearing completion, arsonists set the house ablaze destroying much of the interior. The house has recently been purchased and will be restored.

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