The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) Tuesday presented the City Council with an archaeological survey report for the site of the former Rev. M.L. Latta House and University. The RHDC administered the City-sponsored survey, which was conducted by archaeological consultant Environmental Services, Inc. The site is managed by the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department.

As a result of the archaeological survey, Environmental Services is recommending the Latta House and University site be re-designated a Raleigh Historic Landmark. RHDC is reviewing the application and will make a recommendation to the City Council.

The site of the Latta House and University is located at 1001 Parker Street and occupies about 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 Rev. Latta, a freed-slave and teacher, to educate underprivileged and orphan children in Raleigh's black community.

The purpose of "The Latta House and University Site Intensive Cultural Resource Investigation Report" was to recover possible artifacts and data from this important site. The investigation was also done to determine if a comprehensive analysis of the property would yield new information regarding the history and prior land-use of the university and residence.

The Latta House and University archaeological report will be available for viewing on the City of Raleigh's website at http://www.raleighnc.gov by Wednesday.