Welcome to the Prospect Park Historic District in Davenport, Iowa. This charming neighborhood, perched along the scenic Mississippi River, holds a rich tapestry of history and architectural grandeur that dates back to the late 19th century. As you make your way through this historic district, imagine the vibrant lives and illustrious stories that have unfolded here.
The roots of Prospect Park trace back to 1894 when the Prospect Park Company first platted the land. This was a time when Davenport was actively developing public parks, and Prospect Park was part of this ambitious vision. The land was soon acquired by the Davenport Board of Parks Commissioners, marking the beginning of a neighborhood designed to embrace both nature and community.
From 1895 to 1910, Prospect Park emerged as a fashionable enclave, attracting many of Davenport’s prominent figures. Among them was Joseph R. Lane, a notable attorney, businessman, and a one-term Republican U.S. Representative. His residence at 1017 Mississippi Avenue, with its magnificent carriage house, remains a testament to his influence and standing.
The neighborhood was also home to the Richardson family, associated with the Davenport Democrat and the Lee newspaper syndicate, and the McClelland family, known for their contracting firm. Such individuals contributed significantly to Davenport’s commercial and industrial expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the district’s variety of styles, including late Queen Anne, Neoclassical, and Tudor Revival. One of the notable residences is the Georgian Revival-style house known as Hillside, perched majestically on the bluff at East River Drive and Mississippi Avenue.
As you explore, you might also come across the homes of Charles J. von Maur and Rowland Harned, whose partnership in the local department store Harned-Von Maur eventually grew into the well-known chain Von Maur.
Prospect Park has retained its single-family residential character, unlike many similar neighborhoods which have seen more commercial development. This preservation of its historic essence allows visitors to step back in time and witness the enduring legacy of Davenport’s past.
Take a moment to pause and imagine the bustling social gatherings and strolls along the park’s pathways, as generations of Davenport families have done before. Prospect Park is not just a collection of historic homes but a living narrative of a community that has thrived along the banks of the Mississippi River for over a century.
