Built in 1926 for Laura McMaken Lighton by Tulsa contractor Curran, the original building consisted of 12 efficiency units. The efficiency concept was novel at the time, and the Green Tree apartments featured space- and time-saving design elements such as Murphy beds and hallway closets with pass-through windows for convenient delivery of ice and groceries. Lighton’s oldest daughter started a Green Tree tearoom in the basement of the apartment building, and the space later served as a dance hall. The apartments rented primarily to law students. The residents became known as the "Green Tree boys" and went on to become successful lawyers, politicians and businesspeople in the community. Lighton sold the building to another enterprising female named Betty Fulbright in 1941. Fulbright renamed the residences The Monterey Apartments. An extensive remodeling in 1967 converted the space to contain seven one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units. Reinvented as simply The Monterey, the stucco Spanish Eclectic-style building will undergo a full renovation with Art Deco influences. The Monterey will feature eight living units with high-end finishes such as refinished hardwood floors, decorative tile and quartz countertops. Source: "Working to Preserve the Character of Fayetteville," a Keepers column by Kendall Curlee and published in Northwest Arkansas Times on June 1, 1997.  Page from Lighton Family Scrapbook with pictures of The Monterey, then called The Green Tea Apartments. The University of Arkansas Special Collections staff believe the images were shot in the 1930's. Click here or on the image above for a more detailed view. Image Source: Diary, Memoirs, ETC. Lighton Family Papers (MC 779), OV Box 31 Scrapbook volume 26. Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, Fayetteville. |
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History of the Monterey |