The area of Troost just south of Meyer Boulevard has always been of a commercial character. However, a number of east-west streets in the area contain an interesting mix of home styles and vintages.
For example, on 65th Street, the lots on the eastern extent, near The Paseo were the first to be developed. This construction occurred in the late 1910’s and 1920’s. At that time, The Paseo was a thriving residential boulevard and one of the premier addresses in the city. It makes sense that the lots nearest the grand boulevard would be the most desirable.
The humble commercial nature of Troost made the western extent of the block less desirable for residential development. Much of this end of the block remained undeveloped until the housing shortage following WWII.
The staggered development of the block led to some interesting contrasts in residential architecture. On the western portion, one will find a mix of craftsman bungalows, traditional four-squares with front porches, and Tudor styles. All popular in the early 20th century. The eastern portion features cape cods, split-levels, and simple post-war vernacular homes. These styles were popular and inexpensive to construct after the World War.
Many of these homes still exist today. Some have undergone extensive renovations, masking the identifying characteristics common to their types, but with close examination you can recognize the same home in modern and antique photographs.
