Last updated: October 9, 2026
Place
Oak Ridge Wayside: The Flat Top House
NPS
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information
Subtitle
One Secret Under Many Roofs
Main Text
Manhattan Project administrators became increasingly aware that the initial estimate of 13,000 Oak Ridge workers was far too low as the population of the Secret City raced toward 75,000 people. The need arose for multiple housing options throughout the reservation, leading to the creation of alphabet housing.
Alphabet housing in Oak Ridge ran the gamut of style, space, and structure. Type A through H Cemesto (cement and asbestos) homes were constructed throughout the community, as were types A, B, C, S, and V Flat Top homes. Oak Ridge’s architectural style was unique in its simplicity, form, function, and space.
The home standing before you is a Type B-1 Flat Top House. Originally located at 68 W. Outer Drive in Oak Ridge, the 576-square-foot house was purchased at auction in 1948 and moved to Tazewell, Tennessee on Norris Lake. For several decades it was used as a lakefront vacation home before being donated to the American Museum of Science & Energy in 2009. The home was moved to its present location in 2018.
As you explore Oak Ridge, look for many different alphabet houses that still stand as private residences.
Exhibit Panel Description
A black and white exhibit panel on a brown frame approximately four feet tall. The panel has a black band at the top and a title underneath that reads "The Flat Top House: One Secret Under Many Roofs." The center of the panel is covered by a black and white photo of a flat top house with an elderly woman climbing the front porch steps. Text is at the bottom of the panel.
Visit This Exhibit Panel
The Flat Top House wayside is located on the grounds of the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. The address is 461 W. Outer Dr. Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
One Secret Under Many Roofs
Main Text
Manhattan Project administrators became increasingly aware that the initial estimate of 13,000 Oak Ridge workers was far too low as the population of the Secret City raced toward 75,000 people. The need arose for multiple housing options throughout the reservation, leading to the creation of alphabet housing.
Alphabet housing in Oak Ridge ran the gamut of style, space, and structure. Type A through H Cemesto (cement and asbestos) homes were constructed throughout the community, as were types A, B, C, S, and V Flat Top homes. Oak Ridge’s architectural style was unique in its simplicity, form, function, and space.
The home standing before you is a Type B-1 Flat Top House. Originally located at 68 W. Outer Drive in Oak Ridge, the 576-square-foot house was purchased at auction in 1948 and moved to Tazewell, Tennessee on Norris Lake. For several decades it was used as a lakefront vacation home before being donated to the American Museum of Science & Energy in 2009. The home was moved to its present location in 2018.
As you explore Oak Ridge, look for many different alphabet houses that still stand as private residences.
Exhibit Panel Description
A black and white exhibit panel on a brown frame approximately four feet tall. The panel has a black band at the top and a title underneath that reads "The Flat Top House: One Secret Under Many Roofs." The center of the panel is covered by a black and white photo of a flat top house with an elderly woman climbing the front porch steps. Text is at the bottom of the panel.
Visit This Exhibit Panel
The Flat Top House wayside is located on the grounds of the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. The address is 461 W. Outer Dr. Oak Ridge, TN 37830.