Idylwilde
Park
Historic District
Developed between 1928 and 1934, the Idylwilde Park Historic District
is bounded on the east by 12th Street, on the west by 11th Street, on
the North by Fairmount Avenue, and on the south by Weldon Avenue.
Idylwilde's 70-year-old concept has
stood the test of time.
Simply in its perfection: incorporate a three-acre park in the layout
of the subdivision and grant residents not only park usage but also park
ownership. Because Idylwilde homes' backyards border the park, the park
is sheilded from outsiders.
The neighborhood features a variety of period revival style homes.
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Subdivision History
Information, maps and photographs provided courtesy:
Historic Preservation Office of the City of Phoenix
Neighborhood Services Department
200 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
(602) 261-8600
Subdivision History
"The proposed policy of the City Commission of Phoenix
to require all sub dividers to include in their plats space to be used for
parks and playgrounds received commendation of realtors when it was explained
to them recently by W. R. Hartranft of the Phoenix City Planning Commission.
- advertisement, The Arizona Republican, February 6, 1927
This innovative policy challenged private developers to include park land in
their subdivisions. The concept reflected a growing activism among civic
leaders to create livable environments in America's cities. It was recognized
that clean air and open recreational space are necessary for the healthy
development of cities and their citizens. The public health movement, the
forerunner of the modern city planning profession, developed Park space requirements.
Civic leaders hoped to ensure that growing cities would have sufficient park
land, even if county or city funds could not match the pace of residential
expansion. It was therefore suggested that private developers be required
to provide some of this park space. These proposals sparked a national debate
among those in the real estate profession regarding the effects of parks
on subdivision property values. Most developers believed that including a
park in their site plans would increase property values in their subdivisions
or, at worst, would not affect values at all. However, without close supervision
of the activities permitted and adequate maintenance of the park, some developers
believed that parks might actually become a nuisance to property owners and
would in turn lower adjacent real estate values.
In March 1928, developers Earl E. Webster and C.W. Stephenson platted the
Idylwilde Park Sub- division, one of the first subdivisions platted north of
Osborn Road. The developers sought a means by which their subdivision could
stand out from all others in Phoenix, thereby making the lots more attractive.
As a selling point, and in response to the concerns of city planners and other
civic leaders, Webster and Stephenson incorporated a three-acre park into the
layout of their one square block sub- division. Instead of placing the park
at the corner or along the street, the park was situated in the center of the
block. Residential lots were arranged in a loop along the outer perimeter of
the park. Individual lot dimensions were reduced, but in return lot owners
in the subdivision were granted not only use of the park but also a share in
its ownership. Homes in the subdivision face the street, while the rears of
the homes are oriented toward the park. This distinguishes Idylwilde Park from
other European or eastern United States precedents, where the main facades
and entrances of the residences face an open green space. Idylwilde houses
were placed in a manner that removed the park from public view, there- by ensuring
the park's safety, security, value and appearance
Park
"Here is where the children will romp and play, race
and swim; outdoor games and amusements for both old and young, fresh air and
sunshine for all ... Invite your friends in for a swim and picnic supper, meet
your friends and get acquainted." - advertisement, The Arizona
Republican, October 1, 1928
The park was highlighted as the main attraction of the Idylwilde
Park subdivision. Idylwilde was not conceived as an ornament for experiencing
nature while in the midst of the city, nor was it a place for contemplative
strolling. Rather, Idylwilde was tailored to the needs of children, and to
the active, recreational lifestyle of the Valley. Labeled "The Children's Paradise" by
the developers, it was indeed a fine play area. Having the park in the center
of the subdivision meant that children need not travel any distance to play,
nor would they need to cross or play in the streets. The park also offered
a con- venient vantage point from which parents could supervise their children.
Located within the park was a large swimming pool, constructed of native
stone. Said an advertisement, "Like the whole of Idylwilde, this pool
has an air of distinctiveness, and of class, and when you come out ... you
will be impressed with the fact that we have planned and built something
different." Also in the park were concrete tennis courts, a children's
playground, and two outdoor fireplaces for picnics, a baseball diamond and
a mini- ature golf course. A double row of Tamarisk trees was planted, which
continues to frame the park.
Although the miniature golf course and many of the other attractions in the
park are gone, its resid- ents still actively use Idylwilde Park as a recreational
area.
Promotion
"Well, folks, you've been reading all week about
this wonderful Idylwilde Park. Sounds too good to be true! Well, it is ALL
true. It's all there. No bunk about this proposition. We have the goods to
show you. Come out and see the Park and Drives, Swimming pool, Children's playgrounds,
the picnic grounds, and the Artesian Well. And, believe it or not, a real home
in Idylwilde Park Subdivision will cost you no more than just any old place." - advertisement,
The Arizona Republican, October 7, 1928
Idylwilde Park Subdivision was promoted by an aggressive advertising
campaign in the local news- papers. The advertisements displayed in the Arizona
Republican were typical of their day in their informal, talkative manner. However,
the intensity of the advertising was unique: each day in the week prior to
the subdivision's opening, a different advertisement appeared describing a
particular attribute or amenity in store for those purchasing in Idylwilde
Park. Among the items targeted as selling points, other than the park and the
low price of lots, was an artesian well located within the park, which would
supply the homes with water... "Let's have a drink from the well. Another!
My, how good! Pure and fresh and soft - nothing like this in Phoenix."
Each speculative home was provided with a General Electric
refrigerator plus a Universal In-A- Drawer Broiler Gas Range. These appliances
were included
to demonstrate that "a home in Idylwilde Park is a home that any woman
may be proud of." The modern design of these appliances, together with
the playground and up-to-date, house designs, enhanced the perception of Idylwilde
as a modern and convenient place to live. The subdivision's location within
the Osborn School District was another fine attribute…"Their reputation
is such that during the school year empty houses are practically un- known
in the Osborn School District." Also, Idylwilde was located along the
Glendale branch of the Phoenix Street Railway, which ran along Fairmount, at
the north end of the plat, and then turned north above 12th Street. This location
gave residents access to downtown Phoenix
Opening Day
FIFTY BATHING GIRLS... Wanted, between the ages of 16
and 25, to assist Miss Idylwilde Beautiful with the christening exercises and
to enjoy a swim in the new pool, and to be in the picture that will be taken
of the ceremony. - advertisement, The Arizona Republican, October 6, 1928
Much preparation went into presenting a fine image for Idylwilde Park for its
opening day, Sunday, October 7, 1928. Not only was the park landscaped for
opening day and persistently advertised, but attendants were on hand to show
eight speculative demonstration homes offered by the Idylwilde dev- elopers.
This was the largest number of demonstration homes ever shown in a local
subdivision. The remaining lots were offered for sale to individuals who
wished to build their own structures.
Four thousand visitors attended the opening ceremonies
at Idylwilde. Reports in the Arizona Rep- ublican noted, "One of the more impressive features
of the day was the christening of the pool in the center of the subdivision.
The ceremony was performed by Miss E. Caldwell, who was attended by 25 girls
in chic bathing suits." The objective of the day, of course, was not to
provide the people of Phoenix with a lovely place, to have a picnic. Rather,
it was to sell the Idylwilde properties. The day's success can be measured
by the $17,000 in Idylwilde property sold that Sunday.
Speculative Houses
"An ideal home for a young couple who are both working in town and
want as little housekeeping as possible ... This attractive home complete in
every particular may be had on this opening day for $4,325. " - advertisement,
October 7,1928
The demonstration homes built by the developers were designed
in the Period Revival styles pop- ular during that time. Seven were built in
various Bungalow styles, and one was built in a loose Spanish Colonial Revival
style. Adobe was used as a structural material in four of the buildings. The
developers boasted that each of the buildings was different in style or in
interior amenities from its neighbors, such as having a library, den or fireplace.
With prices ranging from $4,000 to $5,000, they were affordable to a middle-class
clientele.
A Bungalow is typically a one-story house with a simple, functional floor
plan and one or more broadly pitched roof gables with deep overhangs. A broad
front porch with massive square porch columns is a telltale feature. The Bungalow
was the dominant style in Phoenix from 1910 to the late 1920s. Its popularity
was based on its low building cost and adaptability to many simple plan variations.
The Bungalow style was developed in California and spread through publication
of its building plan in building periodicals and popular magazines.
Spanish Colonial Revival was one of the many Period Revival styles popular
in Phoenix and the nation during the late 1920s and the 1930s. In Idylwilde
there are only a few examples, which are characterized by stucco walls, tile
roofs and the use of arches for windows and other openings. The Period Revival
styles evolved from a growing sense of historicism that dominated architecture
during the 1920s and continued through the 1930s. Another example of Period
Revival architecture located in Idylwilde is the English Tudor style, often
used for the later Idylwilde homes.
The eight original residences are still standing, although some have been
significantly changed.
Homesites
"For those who prefer to build their own home we have reserved some
choice locations ... from which you may select your homesite at prices ranging
from $645 to $745, including tiling of irrigation ditch." - advertisement, October
1928
Homesites sold quickly, with only eight sites still available
by the end of the first month of sale. Res- idents building their own homes
had an interest in the park equal to those who purchased their homes from the
developer. Building restrictions included requirements that structures are
fabricated with brick, concrete or adobe, and that no hotels, boarding houses
or apartment houses are built there. Homes constructed in Idylwilde were required
to cost no less than $2,500 to ensure that Idylwilde remain an economically
and socially homogeneous community. Similar to many other residential subdivisions
at the time, racial restrictions were imposed as well.
Many of the first houses built by lot owners at Idylwilde were designed in
the English Tudor, Spanish Colonial Revival and Bungalow styles. The English
Tudor is a Period Revival style characterized by steeply pitched roofs and
various combinations of brick with stone trim. These buildings are usually
asymmetrical in form. Buildings constructed in the 1940s were designed in the
Minimal Traditional style. These one-story buildings have low-pitched roofs
and ornamentation that suggests some of the earlier Period Revival styles.
The majority of the homes in Idylwilde were built by the mid1940s, although
the final addition to the subdivision was made in 1971. All the original buildings
share a common setback from the street and were similar in size, shape, materials
and design. Thus, Webster and Stephenson established a common architectural
identity for Idylwilde that is still evident in the neighborhood today.
Community
"June 11, 1956 ... Pot Luck Dinner under the committee
of Mrs. Frost Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. Stewart and Miss Forster. The President,
Mr. Crowe, opened the gathering in asking Mr. Shaw to say grace before the
meal. After the dinner, Mr. Crowe commented that whether by design or by chance,
the selection of dishes was extraordinarily good." - minutes of
the Idylwilde Park Club, June 1956
From the beginning, the shared ownership of the park created strong community
ties in the Idyl- wilde Park subdivision. The park has created a sense of
camaraderie that has rubbed off on the entire community. The informal ties
among the subdivision's residents were formalized in 1950, when the Idylwilde
Park Club was officially incorporated. This organization remains a strong
voice in the neighborhood. The swimming pool is still a vibrant gathering
place for residents, and a new gazebo within the landscaped park is the focus
of social life in the Idylwilde Park community.
Newspaper pages from 1929: page one, two, three
Architectural Styles
California Bungalow--The style, often called the California
Bungalow, was most popular between 1900 and 1920 and evolved into the
Craftsman movement. An offshoot, the Chicago Bungalow, appeared in the
Midwest, also in the early part of the century. It's characterized by
few material details, an offset entryway, and a projecting bay on the
facade.
National--Born out of the fundamental need for shelter, National-style
homes, whose roots are set in Native American and pre-railroad dwellings,
remain unadorned and utilitarian. The style is characterized by rectangular
shapes with side-gabled roofs or square layouts with pyramidal roofs.
The gabled-front-and-wing style pictured here is the most prevalent
type with a side-gabled wing attached at a right angle to the gabled
front. Two subsets of the National style, known as "hall-and-parlor
family" and "I-house," are characterized by layouts
that are two rooms wide and one room deep. Massed plan styles, recognized
by a layout more than one room deep, often sport side gables and shed-roofed
porches. You'll find National homes throughout the country.
Pueblo--Taking its cues from Native American and Spanish Colonial
styles, chunky looking Pueblos emerged around 1900 in California, but
proved most popular in Arizona and New Mexico, where many original designs
still survive.
The style is characterized by flat roofs, parapet walls with round edges,
earth-colored stucco or adobe-brick walls, straight-edge window frames,
and roof beams that project through the wall. The interior typically
features corner fireplaces, unpainted wood columns, and tile or brick
floors.
Spanish Eclectic--Most common in the Southwest and Florida, Spanish-style
architecture takes its cues from the missions of the early Spanish missionaries—such
as the one at San Juan Capistrano in California—and includes details
from the Moorish, Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles.
The houses usually have low-pitched tiled roofs, white stucco walls,
and rounded windows and doors. Other elements may include scalloped dormers,
windows and balconies with elaborate grillwork, decorative tiles around
doorways and windows, and a bell tower or two.
http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.nsf/pages/arch3
