The U.S. Housing Corporation built nearly 300 homes in Bremerton, Wash., during World War I.

In 1918, as World War I intensified overseas, the U.S. government embarked on a radical experiment: It quietly became the nation’s largest housing developer, designing and constructing more than 80 new communities across 26 states in just two years.

These weren’t hastily erected barracks or rows of identical homes. They were thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, complete with parks, schools, shops and sewer systems.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.