The Robson Historic District showcases a variety of architectural styles, reflecting nearly five decades of significant development of the early 20th century. While the neighborhood dates back to the original Mesa townsite, the earliest surviving home, the W.W. Read House, built between 1915 and 1920, marking the start of Mesa’s first building boom (1905-1919).
Following an economic downturn after World War I, construction slowed until 1927, when growth resumed. During this period, the Bungalow style became prominent in the Robson Historic District, with nearly half of the homes built in this style. These homes typically feature modest scale and ornamentation.
In the 1920s and early 1930s, Colonial, Tudor, and other Period Revival styles, inspired by European architectural traditions, began to emerge in Mesa, with the Colonial Revival style being the last of these to appear in the district. Although not typical, the earlier National Folk or Vernacular style, common in the initial settlement period, can also be found in some homes, including those constructed as late as the end of World War II.
The Minimal Traditional, and later Ranch style homes, introduced in the post-Depression era, reflect a shift toward more affordable, less ornate construction. These homes, scattered throughout the district, signal a return to residential development as the city rebounded from economic hardships. The eclectic mix of architectural styles in the Robson Historic District reflects the area’s evolving character over several decades.