Alvarado Historic District
This exclusive historic community is located behind the Heard museum along Central Avenue and Monte Vista Rd. The Alvarado district is made up of only about 30 homes, making it one of the smallest historic districts in Phoenix, but one with a rich history. The homes that reside in this community tend to have larger lots, and larger homes than many of the other historic Phoenix homes. The community was originally built for some of the elite residents of early Phoenix.
Dating back to 1903, Dwight Bancroft Heard built a 6,000 sq. foot home coined “Casa Blanca.” The Spanish Colonial home was built on the corner of Central Ave and Monte Vista. The Heard’s frequently traveled and came in contact with Native Americans and purchased items at trading posts around the state. Eventually, their collection grew so massive they decided to build a museum on their land to dedicate their collection and share it with the public. The Heard Museum first opened in 1929, just months after Dwight Heads death.
The area directly behind the Heard Museum sits today is the Alvarado Historic District. Dwight Heard owned all that land previously, but sold it in order to be developed. The majority of homes in the Alvarado District were built between the years 1924-1932. Built in styles ranging from Spanish Colonial, to Mediterranean, this area offers both single and two story homes. Most homes were built by well-known architects leaving only quality design and craftsmanship to be admired for decades to come.
The second round of homes were built following the great depression, as with many communities around the Central Phoenix area. The re-plat in the 1940’s caused some unusual lot lines and the streets to alter from the typical grid system of phoenix. One drive through this quaint district and it’s easy to fall in love. Homes in the Alvarado District rarely come on the market for sale. When they do, they average a fairly high sales price comparatively to other homes in the area.
