Settled within the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina, the Old Irving Park neighborhood stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Boasting a unique blend of residential charm, commercial activity, and lush greenery, Old Irving Park is a sought-after destination for both residents and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina, the Old Irving Park neighborhood stands as a beacon of charm and history. Situated just north of downtown Greensboro, Old Irving Park offers residents a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently close to the city’s amenities.
History
Originally developed in the early 20th century, Old Irving Park exudes an air of timeless elegance with its tree-lined streets and historic homes. Architectural styles range from stately Colonial Revivals to quaint Craftsman bungalows, each contributing to the neighborhood’s distinctive character. Many of these homes have been lovingly preserved, adding to the area’s sense of heritage and charm.
The development of Irving Park began on April 3, 1911 with the incorporation of the Greensboro Country Club (GCC), which is located at the center of Old Irving Park, is a traditional private country club. Old Irving Park was born from the ideal that rural environments were superior to that of the city. In 1911 insurance executives and real estate developers Alexander W. McAllister, Alfred M. Scales, and R.G. Vaughn formed the Irving Park Company and unveiled their plans for a luxurious neighborhood a mile north of city limits. This ideal taps into evolving concepts of recreation, density, zoning, exclusivity, nature and aesthetics. The result was the development of a planned, heavily restricted, and landscaped community that set a standard for suburban development in Greensboro for the next century and established it as Greensboro’s most exclusive neighborhood. To help assure the suburbs success they engaged John Nolan, one of the country’s most prominent planners and landscape architects, to design its curving streets and other natural amenities. They also engaged New England architect A. Raymond Ellis to design some of its first residences. To further ensure success they arranged to have a trolley service extend up Elm Street to Sunset Drive prior to opening the development.
Types of homes
Old Irving Park covers approximately 400 acres, encompassing a mix of residential streets, green spaces, and commercial areas. The neighborhood is considered a North Carolina classic, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the city’s largest and most architecturally significant dwellings that overlook its winding streets, golf course, and parks. The tree-lined streets and well-maintained sidewalks add to the neighborhood’s allure, inviting residents to take leisurely walks and enjoy the scenery.
The most popular style homes are colonial and tudor revival style but other styles include neoclassical Georgian, mediterranean revival and prairie style. There are a number of the famous Charles Barton King designed homes which Reynolda house is one famous example in Winston-Salem. Old Irving Park brings some of the highest dollars per square foot in Greensboro. Homes in this neighborhood generally start around $500,000 for a 3-4 bedroom house and go up over $7,000,000.00 which could buy a 10,000 square foot home on 3 acres running the golf course with a cottage, a pool house, a carriage house, tennis court, and a pool.
Nearby Shops & Restaurants
One benefit to living in Old Irving Park is its convenient location and many options for dining and shopping nearby. Residents can explore a diverse culinary scene, with popular restaurants offering a wide variety of international and comfort foods. Nearby shopping centers provide convenient access to grocery stores, retail stores, boutiques, and specialty shops, making it easy to find everything you need close to home. In addition to its recreational offerings, Irving Park boasts a thriving commercial district, featuring an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Local businesses play a vital role in fostering a sense of community spirit, with residents often coming together to support neighborhood events and initiatives. Downtown is a short drive away and it offers access to the Tanger Performing Arts Center, Carolina Theatre, and cultural events.
Some nearby dining establishments in the area include:
- Shops at Irving Park – Pastabilities, 1618 Midtown, Hops Burger Bar, and Taco Mama along with specialty shops
- Shops at Lawndale – Pasitano’s, Panera, and City BBQ along with Harris Teeter and Target
- State Street Shops – Mizumi Hibachi & Sushi, LaBamba Mexican, and Ghassan’s and other specialty shops
Schools
- Irving Park Elementary
- Mendenhall Middle School
- Page High School
Life in Irving Park
One of Irving Park’s most notable features is its strong sense of community. Neighbors regularly gather for block parties, potlucks, and social gatherings, fostering connections and friendships that endure for years. The neighborhood association plays an active role in preserving the area’s character and advocating for the interests of residents, ensuring that Irving Park remains a desirable place to live and visit.
Overall, Irving Park embodies the best of Greensboro’s past and present, offering a harmonious blend of history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re strolling along its tree-lined streets, teeing off at the country club, or sampling the local fare, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming neighborhood making it a true gem in the heart of Greensboro.
