Unveiling History: New historic marker recognizes the Franks House and Third Ward

On a quiet side street in Uptown sits an unassuming house with stories to tell. The Franks House is a rare surviving artifact of the thriving Black community that once existed in Third Ward and on June 7, it takes its place in history.  

The Mecklenburg County Historic Landmarks Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, and the United House of Prayer will unveil a historic marker recognizing the Franks House and Third Ward on Saturday, June 7, at 1:30 p.m.  

The marker will be unveiled at its permanent home, the United House of Prayer, 1019 S. Mint Street. There will be brief remarks by Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell and performances by the United House of Prayer’s brass band, Horns of Glory.  

Arthur and Bessie Franks purchased their home at 305 Dunbar Street in 1949, one of the few Black-owned homes in Third Ward during that time. The home was a gathering place for family and friends, especially on Sunday afternoons when crowds of up to 50 would gather after church for Bessie’s cooking.  

Urban renewal projects in the 1960s and 1970s, followed by construction of the John Belk Freeway in the 1980s shrank Third Ward significantly, cutting it off from the center city. However, the Franks House survived these changes and remains a testament to the vibrant Black community that was once clustered around Mint, Graham and Morehead Streets.  

The property remained in possession of the Franks family for more than 60 years. It was designated a historic landmark in 2022.