Boulevard-Raymond Road Historic District
LHD boundaries as described are approximate and subject to change. Consult the LHD Study Report on file with the relevant local district commission or municipal authority to verify district boundaries and whether a specific property, particularly one in proximity of a boundary line, is within the district. Also note that LHD boundaries may differ from those of State or National Register Districts.
- Town:
- West Hartford
- Year of Establishment:
- 1985
- District Authority:
- Historic District Commission
- Link to Commission or Municipal Website:
- District Character:
- Suburban Neighborhood
- Features:
- Architectural Style:
Queen Anne, Bungalow, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, American Foursquare, Dutch Colonial Revival, Modern
- Era:
- 19th Century, 20th Century
Buildings
The Boulevard-Raymond Road Historic District area was once part of a large dairy farm owned by Henry A. King. In 1896, Frederick C. Rockwell, a young entrepreneur, bought the farm and began to carry out his ambitious plans for one of the first modern sub-divisions and real estate developments in town. Rockwell envisioned a grand boulevard from West Hartford into Hartford with a wide park-like median large enough for a trolley line bordered by trees. His plan was disrupted by the Hartford Street Railway which was already operating a trolley line from West Hartford Center to Hartford and made the connection with Unionville's line before Rockwell had the chance. The Boulevard median between South Main Street and Raymond Road was the only portion realized and today forms the centerpiece of the district. [4]
Architecture:The fifty-six homes in the district primarily reflect the Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Bungalow Styles. In some case these styles are mixed with other influences such a Dutch, Tudor and American Foursquare. Together these houses present a creative portrait of the early 20th century architectural landscape in West Hartford. [4]
[1] District information retrieved from the town website http://www.west-hartford.com/.[2] Boulevard-Raymond Road Historic District, Historic District Ordinance, SHPO Library, Hartford. [3] Boulevard-Raymond Road Historic District, Historic District Study Committee Report, 1985, SHPO Library, Hartford. [4] Boulevard-Raymond Road Historic District Brochure, West Hartford Historic District Commission, SHPO Library, Hartford. [5] Assessors information and Parcel IDs retrieved from http://host.appgeo.com/westhartfordct/Map.aspx and the website www.visionappraisal.com.
None
- Date of Compilation:
- 12/31/11
- Compiler:
- Manjusha Patnaik, CT Trust for Historic Preservation