Alhambra, California, is a smaller Los Angeles suburb that is known for its beautiful and historical architecture. The city is separated into different districts, each with their own history. See some of Alhambra’s most unique architecture in each of these districts.
Emery Park District
Emery Park District is in the northwest quadrant of the city. This northwest neighborhood combines the communities that were once known as La Marguerita, Souders, La Senda Tracts, and the Wuest. The neighborhood includes a group of architectural homes that date back to 1924. The area was originally a farming community until real estate investors decided to capitalize on the addition of railroad transportation known as the Electric Red Line.
A few of the housing styles you can find in the Emery Park District include Spanish Colonials, English storybook cottages, and revived English Tudors. Emery Park also includes 25 homes that were built specifically for disabled soldiers of World War I.
Bean Tract District
The Bean Tract District is in the northeast quadrant of the city and is one of the priciest Alhambra neighborhoods. Main Street runs through the northwest and northeast quadrants of Alhambra and is a popular retail and commerce area. The street was referred to as Boabdil Street until 1902, when it was changed because local residents had a hard time pronouncing it.
The Bean District was originally a part of the San Marino area. In an attempt to establish its own city, they developed their own municipality with unique housing and building restrictions. Some of the most popular architectural styles in the Bean Tract District include English Tudors, two-story craftsman, and a few mid-century modern ranch style homes scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Midwick Tract
The Midwick Track is in the southwest quadrant of the Alhambra city. The majority of the houses in this area are from the 1940s, and this specific district was once home to the 208-acre Midwick Country Club. This popular country club was frequented by some of the most famous movie stars and golf players at the time. Unfortunately, the country club burned down in 1944. Many of the local streets pay tribute to some of the famous golfers that once played there.
Some of the housing styles you can find in the Midwick Tract include storybook homes, Spanish-style designs, and a one-of-a-kind French Chateau Castle built by Sylvester Dupuy in 1925.
Airport Tract
The Airport Tract was once the home of the Alhambra Airport, which was a crucial shipping port during World War II. The neighborhood was built in a rush to accommodate returning soldiers to the area. This led to an increase in smaller, single family homes, much different than the expansive homes of the other districts.
A few of the homes styles you can find in the Airport Tract include English Tudors, early century modern minimalist, and mid-century ranch style homes.
Alhambra is one of the oldest and most historical cities in the country. Spend a day exploring the interesting homes of this prominent city.
Image “Site of Los Robles, San Marino, California” by Ken Lund, used under CC BY-SA 2.0
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