In the play, the house at 1839 Wylie Avenue symbolizes historical memory. Central to the plot, the house once belonged to Aunt Ester, a character from Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and a recurring figure in his Century Cycle. Said to have arrived in America in 1619, Aunt Ester embodies both African and African American culture and the collective history of Black Americans. Because the house belonged to her, it shares in that history.

Harmond’s description of the house highlights its architectural beauty and cultural significance: “It’s a Federalist brick house with a good double-base foundation. […] It has beveled glass on every floor. There’s a huge stained-glass window leading up to the landing. And the staircase is made of Brazilian wood with a hand-carved balustrade. You don’t see that too often” (61). This description emphasizes that the house is not just a building but a cultural artifact, creating a contrast between the house’s unique beauty and the sterile redevelopment project set to replace it. The house also has a personal significance for Joe, Aunt Ester’s son, as well as for Sterling, who recalls Aunt Ester’s guidance during a difficult time in his life.

The planned demolition of the house represents the erasure of Black historical memory and culture in the name of urban renewal. Roosevelt, who doesn’t see its historical and cultural value, refers to it as a “raggedy-ass house” (78). For him, the house is nothing more than a relic of a past he is eager to leave behind. Harmond, however, recognizes its value and ultimately chooses to preserve it, acknowledging The Importance of Preserving Historical Memory and The Moral Complexities of Urban Development. His decision to fight for the house reflects his rejection of capitalist notions of progress and his commitment to honoring Black historical memory and culture.