Suburban Neighborhoods: Grove Park
Metro Jacksonville takes a tour of Southside's Grove Park.
About Grove Park
Also known as Holiday Hill, the Grove Park development began in 1955, during an era of rapid post World War II suburban expansion in Jacksonville.
As one of Jacksonville's early post World War II subdivisions, the neighborhood is known for its collection of Ranch-style residential structures.
While the Prairie and Bungalow styles of the early 20th century were forerunners of the Ranch, Architect Cliff May is credited with building the first Ranch Style house in San Diego, CA in 1932.
Characterized by its long, close-to-the-ground profile, and minimal use of exterior and interior decoration, it became the preferred design choice of American tract home developers, such as Abraham Levitt (Levittown, PA) from the end of World War II through the 1970s.
In 2002, the neighborhood's decorative brick entry gates were granted landmark sign status by the City of Jacksonville.
Now, nearly 60 years old and built out, Holiday Hill serves as a well maintained example of pre-consolidated Jacksonville's mid-20th century outward expansion.
Characteristics of the Ranch House
source: https://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ig/House-Styles/Ranch-Style.htm
Sandwiched between Pottsburgh and Silversmith Creeks, Grove Park is located just west of Southside Boulevard, between Beach and Atlantic Boulevards.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com
Also known as Holiday Hill, the Grove Park development began in 1955, during an era of rapid post World War II suburban expansion in Jacksonville.
As one of Jacksonville's early post World War II subdivisions, the neighborhood is known for its collection of Ranch-style residential structures.
While the Prairie and Bungalow styles of the early 20th century were forerunners of the Ranch, Architect Cliff May is credited with building the first Ranch Style house in San Diego, CA in 1932.
Characterized by its long, close-to-the-ground profile, and minimal use of exterior and interior decoration, it became the preferred design choice of American tract home developers, such as Abraham Levitt (Levittown, PA) from the end of World War II through the 1970s.
In 2002, the neighborhood's decorative brick entry gates were granted landmark sign status by the City of Jacksonville.
Now, nearly 60 years old and built out, Holiday Hill serves as a well maintained example of pre-consolidated Jacksonville's mid-20th century outward expansion.
Characteristics of the Ranch House
Quote
Known as American Ranch, Western Ranch, or California Rambler, Ranch Style houses can be found in nearly every part of the United States.
Ranch Style houses have many of these features:
- Single story
- Low pitched gable roof
- Deep-set eaves
- Horizontal, rambling layout: Long, narrow, and low to the ground
- Rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design
- Large windows: double-hung, sliding, and picture
- Sliding glass doors leading out to patio
- Attached garage
- Simple floor plans
- Emphasis on openness (few interior walls) and efficient use of space
- Built from natural materials: Oak floors, wood or brick exterior
- Lack decorative detailing, aside from decorative shutters
Variations on the Ranch Style:
Although Ranch Style homes are traditionally one-story, Raised Ranch and Split-Level Ranch homes have several levels of living space. Contemporary Ranch Style homes are often accented with details borrowed from Mediterranean or Colonial styles.
source: https://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ig/House-Styles/Ranch-Style.htm
Sandwiched between Pottsburgh and Silversmith Creeks, Grove Park is located just west of Southside Boulevard, between Beach and Atlantic Boulevards.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com