YAPLE PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT
Phoenix, Arizona

A BIT OF YAPLE PARK’S HISTORY:

Yaple Park Historic district is a history lesson told through buildings. As this is being written I wonder how subdivisions of the early 2000’s will be remembered 50 years from now since the stories are not dissimilar.

Yaple Park roots date back to 1899 when James & Sue Yaple purchased about 40 acres of land below the Grand Canal between what is now 7th and 3rd Avenue. The Yaple’s were grain and citrus growers who utilized the canal system for irrigation.

Mr. Yaple passed on in 1911 leaving the operation to his wife. Sue carried on the farm until 1929 when she swung a deal with the Coggins Title Company to subdivide and develop the property. Today, we know 1929 was a very bad time to start a new project. Despite great effort, few homes were built and the project laid dormant while the nation recovered from the Great Depression.

Floyd Medlock (of Medlock Historic District fame) took over the reigns in the late 30’s and was the driving force behind much of the development with 60 homes built between 1937 and 1941. The Federal Housing Authority and VA had much influence over the development mandating homes that were “safe, sturdy and efficient.” It is no wonder we see so many transitional ranch style homes in the area (68%) as these conformed to the FHA standards. It is humorous today to hear that Medlock enticed buyers with promises of low taxes (Yaple Park with outside the city limits) and country living.

YAPLE PARK TODAY:

Today, Yaple Park is considered an excellent example of FHA influenced housing. Only one home, located at 615 W. Miinezona, stands from the days of the original Yaple farm. The 107 single family homes are generally modest in nature with gracious front yards and lush vegetation due to the use of lot irrigation over the years.

In addition to the dozens of transitional ranch homes, visitors to Yaple park are treated to many other styles including: Spanish Colonial Revival, French Provincial Revival, English Cottage, Monterrey Revival, Cape Cod, Pueblo Revival and fun Art Moderne.

The streets in Yaple Park are fairly wide and large trees and rich vegetation give the neighborhood a cozy well lived feeling. It’s location, adjacent to the Grand Canal, make jaunts by foot or  bike a popular outdoor activity. Proximity to the light rail gives resident’s easy access to the downtown region with lots of activates, sport events, restaurants and more.

Below you’ll find a virtual slide-show tour of Yaple Park as well as up-to-date information about homes for sale in the area. If you want to view one of the available properties, just let us know and we’ll arrange an appointment.