Wash
Park
Washington Park, one of Denver's most downtown neighborhoods,
is home to hip, upscale professionals, empty nesters and
new families alike. Wash Park
is where magnificent architecture merges with pristine
nature. Located in south central Denver, this historic
area is graced with early 20th-century brick houses, including
Denver squares, bungalows, and renovated 2-story homes.
The
homes and real estate surrounding Denver's Wash Park are
an mix of architectural designs from the late 1890s to
the 1940s. Many of these original homes were smaller Denver
Squares or bungalows, typically under 2000 sq. ft. in
size, and featured detached garages with access via alleyways.
But the neighborhood also became popular with prominent
Denver residents, and some of the larger  two-story
Victorian homes and Tudors reflect this history.
In
2006, average prices range from $350K-$500K for original
Denver Square and brick bungalow style homes (avg. 1250-1800
sq. ft.) to $650K-$1.1M for remodeled 2-story homes (1800-2400
sq. ft.). Many of the renovated homes feature remodeled
basements with additional finished sq. footage, and still
retain some of the history and character of the original
architectural design.
Affectionately
dubbed "Wash Park" by local residents, this
downtown Denver neighborhood offers access to several
unique shops and restaurants on S. Gaylord Street, Alameda
Avenue, and Pearl Street. The culturally diverse neighborhood
is in close proximity to Denver Country Club and the high-end
shopping district of Cherry Creek.
The
biggest attraction of the neighborhood is Washington Park
itself. The long, rectangular park encompasses 165 acres
and boasts two lakes (Smith and Grasmere). It is bordered
by Virginia Avenue on the north, Downing Street on the
west, Louisiana Avenue on the south, and Franklin Street
on the east.
Wash
Park is a true haven for fitness and outdoors enthusiasts.
Runners, bicyclists, in-line skaters and those just looking
for a good walk delight in Wash Park's trails, including
the 2.6 mile path that loops around the park. Soccer players
are drawn to the acres of open green space (equally coveted
by lawn bowling/croquet fans). The area also offers a
recreation center with an indoor pool, fitness course,
basketball court, lighted tennis courts and even a horseshoe
pit!
 The
family-friendly park provides two playgrounds and four
picnic sites. Dog owners are sure to encounter numerous
other animal lovers. Water sports include fishing and
various forms of boating. Watercrafts may be rented at
the charming boathouse pavilion bordering Smith Lake.
The boathouse itself is also available for event rental.
Washington
Park is the residential destination for those ready to
invest in a historic neighborhood with truly unparalleled
city park living. Commuters and environmentalists in the
area eagerly anticipate the completion of the Light Rail,
which will soon be accessible to the south part of the
neighborhood where Louisiana Avenue crosses I-25. If stately
homes, picturesque gardens and wide-open spaces define
happiness, then indeed, Washington Park offers Denver's
most coveted living.
For
more information and listings, see the Washington
Park Denver Homes website.
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