Washington Park

History and General Neighborhood Information

When communities such as Geneva were originally built, urban transportation was much more limited. Walking distances were the norm for determining availability. Neighborhoods weren’t usually laid out to serve only one income group as we often do today. The Washington Park neighborhood illustrates this well. The most important houses were built on major streets, but less important houses were often built next door. On adjacent cross streets even more modest houses were constructed. And over time, rear lots were subdivided and some of the smallest houses were built. At the same time, it was important that schools, churches, and even corner stores be constructed to serve this diverse population.

Because of this, today Washington Park is a remarkable mix of properties constructed over a century and a half to serve different populations. There are now owners of historically important mansions as well as owners of attractive middle-class houses from the early 1900’s. There are owners and renters in workingmen’s houses on side streets and even more renters in houses that have been converted to multifamily use. Students and faculty from the Colleges mix with owners and renters from all income groups. And the churches and institutions – at varied levels of use – add even more diversity.