Phoenix Neighborhoods Where You Can Appreciate 19th-Century Architecture

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has started a campaign called #ThisPlaceMatters for preservation-worthy buildings. Though Phoenix has had many architectural styles over the years, the ones built in the 19th century hold a particular significance for historical purposes. Unfortunately, there are only about 100 homes left in the city built before or at the very start of the century.

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, Neighborhoods.com has put together a list of the neighborhoods worth visiting to admire these 19th-century gems. 

Central City

Beginning at the 700 block of South First Avenue, near the neighborhood of Central Park Place in Central City, you’ll find bold examples of Victorian homes in Queen Anne and Neo-Colonial Revival styles. Several examples can be seen at 704 South First Ave. and 710 South First Ave. (both built in 1899) as well as 818 South First Ave. (built in 1885).

Moving south along First Avenue to the 1000 block near Montgomery, 211 West Hadley St. offers the rare opportunity to acquire a historic home primed for renovation.

Some other homes worth noting include 1009 South First Ave. (built in 1900), 1009 South First Ave. (built in 1899), and 1014 South First Ave. (built in 1899), all of which are reminiscent of East Coast architecture, complete with white picket fences and wrap-around porches. 

Willo

Established in the late 1800s for agricultural use, the Willo neighborhood is now the heart of the Phoenix Metro area, surrounded by the central business, arts, and entertainment districts. This is a great area to view Spanish Colonial and bungalow-style homes. Just head to 1 West Holly St. and follow the numbers upward. You’ll witness a wide variety of early architecture styles, with a few residences built in the 19th century.

Roosevelt Row

A thriving artist community full of faithfully restored homes and featuring a bustling arts and business district, Roosevelt Row is another historic neighborhood offering a variety of architectural styles clustered in one area. From English cottages to California bungalows, the area is bountiful with opportunities to view some of the earliest architecture of the city. A highlight is the Colonial Revival-style Thompson House, built in 1900 at Roosevelt Street and Second Avenue.

The Blocks of Roosevelt Row illustrates the reuse of three 1900 bungalow-style homes between 5th Street and 6th Street along Roosevelt Road, repurposing the space as a market.

Garfield

The historic neighborhood of Garfield is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Phoenix Metro area, settled by the hard-working early residents of Phoenix in the 1900s. Bungalow/Craftsman, Classical Revival, Tudor Revival, and Spanish Colonial Revival homes can be found. 1266 W. Pierce St. (built in 1890) shows a Victorian style adorned with ornate wood trim and two wraparound balconies. The George Hidden House at 763 East Moreland St. was built in 1896 and features Victorian detailing. A 1905 dwelling, located at 1101 North 10th St., features Classical Revival ornamentation.

Downtown

While there are many styles of architecture located in Downtown, we are focusing on one home in this area appreciated by architectural buffs worldwide. Located at 113 N. Sixth St. and built in 1895 by Roland and Flora Rosson, The Rosson House is a three-story Queen Anne-style Victorian which continues to turn heads and stop traffic daily. One of the most expensive Phoenix homes at the time it was built, AZ Central says it represents a time of social change in which Americans moved from rural to urban lifestyles. The large, pitched turret, vibrant colors, and fired brick exterior make this one of the most celebrated examples of 19th-century architecture in the city.