By 1812Blockhouse
In Ohio, a “boulevard” typically refers to a street which has been enhanced by the addition of greenery or flowers, one which often boasts a central grassy lawn between two sets of houses with large setbacks. In Mansfield, say the word “Boulevard,” or more particularly “Boulevards,” and thoughts immediate go to the area of town immediately to the east of South Park.
Today, we’re sharing details of The Boulevards, an area of 100-plus-year-old homes just south of Park Avenue West.
Boundaries as per the City of Mansfield – Beginning at the junction of Brinkerhoff Avenue and Maple Street, then heading east on Maple Street to the point of intersection with the rear property lines of the east side of Glenwood Blvd., then heading north along those rear property lines to the intersection with Park Avenue West, then turning west on Park Avenue to the west side of Brinkerhoff Avenue, and then heading south to the point of the beginning
Total size – 0.106 square miles
Residents by race, 2019 – 82.6% white, 9.4% black
Median household income, 2019 – $42.788 (as compared to $37,683 for residents of the entire city of Mansfield.
Date of creation – September 28, 1904, 117-plus years ago
Period houses – 125 houses built between 1904 and 1925
Story of development – Efforts to develop began with the John Sherman Real Estate Company, owned by Senator John Sherman, in the late 1880s. After his death in 1900, it was sold to a real estate development company that did heavy marketing with band concerts, etc.. Glenwood and Parkwood Boulevards were laid out in 1904.
House lots were priced between $850 and $1,600, with several designed by noted local architect Louis Lameroux. The north part of Brinkerhoff Avenue developed first. The corner of Brinkerhoff and Park Avenue West is the site of the Alexander Fraser House.
Historic District – The Boulevards are one of the City of Mansfield’s historic districts with properties protected by the City’s historic preservation ordinance. The process is governed by the Historic Preservation Commission, which consists of up to twelve members. According to city code, all members should have to the highest extent possible a recognized knowledge of a known interest in historic preservation together with a determination to work for the overall improvement of the quality of this City’s physical environment.
This type of ordinance has been shown to preserve property values and create a high quality of life for residents. The criteria for review of alterations in The Boulevards are here.
Photo: Fraser House, corner of Brinkerhoff Avenue and Park Avenue West, 1812Blockhouse File Photo; Sources: Mansfield News Journal, City of Mansfield, Downtown Mansfield Inc., Wikipedia
