In 1955, hundreds of families were moving to a brand-new development called Martin Acres. Like many communities across the country, Boulder was part of the post-World War II housing boom.

Martin Acres was built with science workers in mind, after the National Bureau of Standards Central Radio Propagation Laboratory chose Boulder for its new location. As President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the NBS lab in September of 1954, plans for housing across the street were well underway.

Martin Acres was named for William ‘Billy’ Martin, who came to the United States from England and made his way to the goldfields of California. After mining there for a number of years, he came to Colorado and eventually ended up in Boulder County where he and his partner found silver at Caribou. In the 1870s, Martin bought land southeast of Boulder with his earnings. The Martins farmed hay, and raised cattle, chickens, and horses for decades.

The Denver-Boulder Turnpike, completed in 1952, broke up the property when Martin reluctantly sold a right-of-way for the new road.

In the summer of 1954, Martin’s family members sold 17 acres of their property, between Marshall Road (now Broadway) and the Turnpike, to developers.

Brothers George and Everett Williams, of Williams High Country Homes, built the new subdivision and named it Martin Acres — “the greatest addition in the history of Boulder!,” advertisements claimed.

Veterans were offered a rate of 2% down, while other homebuyers required 15% down. ‘The Turnpike’ model was the most affordable and listed for $13,195. Basic homes were designed for ease of modern living with over 1,100 square feet of living space, 3 bedrooms, and one and a half baths. Features included brick veneer construction, wood floors, birch cabinets, double sinks, clothes lines, and Waste King kitchen garbage disposals. Show homes had Maytag and Philco appliances. The neighborhood boasted paved streets and 4 feet wide sidewalks.

“The Martinique” design cost a bit more at $15,395 and included 1,400 square feet of living space, one and ¾ baths, a separate dining room, utility room, Formica countertops and a carport. Most models included a full basement.

All homes came with “an exquisite view of the Flatirons.”

The market for these economical homes went beyond NBS workers. One of Williams High Country Homes slogans, Work in Denver — Live in Boulder, brought in new residents.

1955 reports estimated that one third of Martin Acres homebuyers were employed in Denver, like United Airlines pilot Robert Cooley, along with his wife and child, who moved into the Martin Acres second addition in December.

Sales stayed well ahead of construction. The Williams brothers soon closed on a first addition in early 1955 and later in the year on a second addition. A neighborhood park and a public school were planned.

Demand remained high. An estimated 3,500 people turned out for two model home open houses at Moorhead Avenue and Martin Drive on Labor Day weekend.

By the end of the year, 500 homes were complete with nearly 1,000 more planned.

The overwhelming success of the neighborhood spurred further growth and development in South Boulder. Today there are about 1,300 homes in Martin Acres, according to local realtors.

The Martin Acres neighborhood represents significant themes in both local and national history — the Atomic Age, the post-World War II housing boom, and mid-century modern design.

Billy Martin’s farmhouse, built circa 1876, became a local landmark in 1977.

Perhaps Martin Acres, a pivotal piece of Boulder’s science and social history, deserves historic recognition as well.