Glenwood/Wilbur Historic District

The Glenwood-Wilbur Historic District illustrates the early to mid-twentieth century growth in the northeast portion of the Mesa town site. This area developed into a cohesive neighborhood of middle- and working-class families. The Wilbur Historic District illustrates important examples of architectural style common in Arizona during the first half of the twentieth century.

The district is a good example of early 20th century redevelopment of the original townsite from large lots to subdivisions with smaller lots reflecting the development evolution of Mesa from a rural, agricultural community to a more urban center.

Historic Designation

Mesa Local Historic District - Designated 1996

National Register Historic District - Listed 1999

Period of Significance - 1883 to 1948
Buildings – 55 Single-family homes
Contributing – 45 Buildings (82%)
Non-Contributing – 10 Buildings (10%)

Contributing & Non-Contributing Properties list(PDF, 252KB)

District Boundaries

The Wilbur Historic District is bounded by Second Street to the north and First Street to the south, with four north-south streets - - Pasadena Street, Hibbert Street, Wilbur Street, and Pomeroy Street - - defining its layout.

Development

The Glenwood-Wilbur Street Historic District is found within the original Mesa town site limits and is composed of three residential subdivisions platted between 1912 and 1922.

Wilbur Subdivision (platted 1912)
Glenwood Tract (platted 1920)
W. R. Stewart Subdivision (platted1922)

These subdivisions were developed by reconfiguring existing blocks from the original townsite plat. The district serves as an excellent example of Mesa's transition from a pastoral, agricultural community to a more urbanized city, mirroring the growth of neighboring cities like Phoenix, Glendale, and Tempe. By 1922, 27 of the original large lots had been subdivided into smaller parcels to accommodate the increasing demand for housing.

The district, primarily composed of residential buildings, exhibits two distinct character zones based on street width. The wider streets of Hibbert and Pomeroy, part of the original townsite, maintain a more open feel, while the narrower streets of Pasadena and Wilbur convey a more urban atmosphere.

Despite some modern intrusions, the district retains its original residential character. It is surrounded by some vacant land and larger-scale modern developments, such as the Mesa Conference Center, a major arts and convention complex located just to the west of the district.

Architectural Styles

The distribution of architectural styles throughout the Glenwood-Wilbur District reflects nearly forty years of continuous development, composed of residential buildings of various styles reflecting the different periods of growth in Mesa. Nationally popular architectural styles from these times are mixed throughout the district, suggesting that the three subdivisions developed simultaneously rather than sequentially.

The earliest surviving home in the district, dating to around 1892, is a simple National Folk style, reflecting the rural character of the original townsite. Pre-World War I bungalows mark the beginning of Mesa's suburban redevelopment, while the period between World War I and the Great Depression saw the construction of more bungalows and period revival style homes, including Tudor and Pueblo. After World War II, Minimal Traditional and Ranch-style houses became the dominant architectural form in the district.

The materials and ornamentation of the district’s homes reveal varying levels of income among the residents. Today, the district features a mix of more high style brick Craftsman bungalows and simpler, modest stucco-on-frame National Folk style homes.