East Alvarado Historic District

Near the central core of Phoenix lies a quiet stretch of pavement less than one-quarter mile in length. Within that quarter-mile, a collection of 30 homes comprise the compact neighborhood called East Alvarado – a neighborhood whose evolution traces the history of Phoenix and illustrates a pivotal phase in the development of both the Valley and the nation.

Located on East Alvarado Road, between Third and Seventh Street, the East Alvarado District evolved from the accumulated forces of nature, politics, and the dreams of strong-willed individuals dreams that traced their roots to the earliest days of the city and beyond.

Through the guidance of Homebuilders Inc., East Alvarado would flourish. The homes that were produced are generally known as Early Ranch or Minimal Traditional Style. There are several variations of the Early Ranch, including the Monterey-influenced Early Ranch house, characterized by tits “L”- shaped plan and low-pitched roof, and the French Provincial Ranch with its characteristic hipped roof and cornice molding at the eaves. Retaining a hint of the old, East Alvarado also contains several versions of simplified Period Revival Styles.

[east alvarado historic homes] East Alvarado evidences the emergence of an architectural form that would come to epitomize the modern American West. From its origins in the late 1930s, the Ranch Style house reflected the economics of the times. Simplicity and adaptability of size and layout allowed the style to flourish, particularly in Phoenix where it would become the dominant design of the 1940′s and beyond.

East Alvarado stands as testimony to a period of critical transition in the residential architecture of Phoenix – a model for the “suburban ranch” neighborhoods that would follow.

Information courtesy of Historic Preservation Office, City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department

East Alvarado … If you have more info, please email rick@lcmhomegroup.com