Evergreen Historic District

The Evergreen Historic District is notable for fostering a cohesive neighborhood of middle- and upper-class families from 1910 to 1948. Most buildings were constructed within two primary subdivisions during this period:

1. North Evergreen Subdivision (platted in 1910)
2. Vista Gardens Subdivision (platted in 1947) 

In 1910, Edwin M. LeBaron and James Miller, Jr. of the Arizona Land Company platted the North Evergreen Subdivision, converting 40 acres of agricultural land into eight blocks with 24 lots each. The area featured two parallel streets, Michigan and Grand, with Grand forming the eastern boundary. 

The Vista Gardens Subdivision, platted at the end of WWII, represents an era of rapid construction and population expansion that occurred in Mesa after WWII. 

Additional Subdivisions 

In 1910, Lebaron and Miller also surveyed and platted Evergreen Acres, located just north of North Evergreen. The lots in Evergreen Acres were larger than those in North Evergreen but were later re-subdivided into smaller lots and lost much of its historic character.  

Growth and Economic Influences 

From 1910 to 1914, a number of houses were constructed in the North Evergreen subdivision. The activity was spurred by actions of the developers which included the installation of electric and telephone lines in the alleys laying of concrete sidewalks, and planting of Arizona cypress trees between the curbs and sidewalks. 

The growth of North Evergreen slowed during WWI when LeBaron served in the military. Upon his return, he partnered with homebuilder Clarence M. Paddock to construct several houses in the subdivision, increasing the minimum house cost and reigniting interest in the subdivision. 

Post-War Development 

Following WWII, the area east of Grand Street remained largely undeveloped until the emergence of new subdivisions. The Val Vista Manor No. 2 subdivision, recorded in 1947, catalyzed further growth in the district. This subdivision eventually evolved into Vista Gardens, which encouraged other property owners to create smaller parcels. 

To market the lots, LeBaron and Miller held two auctions, the second of which was announced with a large advertisement in the Arizona Republican newspaper of Phoenix. Promoting the subdivision as a "beautiful new addition"  to the town of Mesa, the ad emphasized graded streets, water and gas connections, and the surrounding agricultural land which gave the subdivision a "natural park" setting. Another advantage cited by the developers was the suburban location which freed the property owners from city taxes. 

Exclusive Residential Intentions 

LeBaron and Miller aimed to create an exclusive community, enforcing deed restrictions that included minimum home costs home costs of from $1,000 to $1,500,  and 30-foot setbacks, and prohibitions on certain businesses such as saloons, blacksmiths, stables, and stores. Notably, they restricted property ownership to "only white Americans." 

The Evergreen Historic District features diverse architectural styles that reflect the historical and cultural influences of the era. 

National Folk/Vernacular Style 

Characterized by minimal decorative ornamentation, this style represents a straightforward approach to design. 

Bungalow Style 

Originating in California in the early 1900s, Bungalow architecture was prevalent in Mesa from 1910 to 1940. Key features include: 

• Single-story, box-like structures with medium-pitched roofs 

• Large front porches and symmetrical facades 

• Variants such as Craftsman and Classical Bungalows, distinguished by their detailing. 

Period Revival Styles 

Beginning in the mid-1920s, various European-inspired styles emerged in Mesa: 

• Tudor Revival: Features high-pitched roofs and asymmetrical layouts. 

• Spanish Colonial Revival: Known for stucco walls and tile roofs, reflecting regional heritage. 

• Pueblo Revival: Incorporates Native American and Spanish colonial elements, characterized by irregular plans and organic forms. 

• Colonial Revival: Draws from early American architecture, with simple massing and light-colored walls. 

Ranch Style 

Emerging in the mid-1930s, Ranch-style homes became predominant after WWII, showcasing: 

• One-story, rectangular designs with low-pitched roofs 

• A mix of materials, including brick and stucco 

• Features like small porches and horizontal wood siding.