There are few places I know where people come to venture beyond their own backyard and meet neighbors turning strangers into friends and even family.
There is a place near downtown Santa Ana where you will find a community who still have block parties, Summer concerts,neighborhood watch and board meetings, house tours,local newsletter of all the things happening in the neighborhood in English and Spanish and a private website for residents to share news, community events and products for sale.
Wilshire Square is a square mile mix of a little over 6000 homes. Tudors, Spanish Colonials, Mediterranean, eclectic Revivals and something called "Minimal Traditional" (1)
The streets are wide and lined with sycamores, cedars, deodars and jacarandas which leaves you amazed by its purple flowers during the Spring and Fall.
The first house was built in 1915 , then in 1922 and 1931 the majority of its current homes were completed. withing the first year more than 3,000 trees were planted and many still stands to this day.
As you cruise around the streets and front lawns in the area, it will become clear that the homes were built with the Arts and Crafts style in mind. At a time when Tudor revival, Spanish Colonial and California Bungalows where the popular architectural style is clear in every street and corner of Wilshire Square.
Each house was custom built and, even though some similarities can be found, their subtle nuances are an accurate representation of the original owner and builder style, adding to each one of them an unique and distinctive personality which makes this a very unique neighborhood.
As I become familiar with the cities and towns around me in South California, I had an opportunity today to spend the afternoon getting acquainted with this lovely area of Santa Ana, driving around, fascinated by the beautiful and unique architecture of Wilshire Square. The wide streets with beautiful matured trees are a treat on its own, and along with the beautiful lawns makes a perfect framing for its exquisite homes. Got to go back with my camera and walk around. #wilshiresquare#SantaAna The houses below are still there and I have to go back and take pictures of them to share with you guys.
https://www.facebook.com/Wilshire-Square-445349840362/?sk=posts&app_data&pnref=story
(1) Minimal Traditional is a style of architecture that emerged in mid 20th century America as a vernacular form that incorporates influences from earlier styles such as American Colonial, Colonial Revival, Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival, and American Craftsman while adhering to modern architecture's avoidance of ornament.
(1) - Minimal Traditions is a style of architecture that emerged in mid 20th century America as a vernacular form that incorporates influences from earlier styles such as American Colonial, Colonial Revival, Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival, and American Craftsman while adhering to modern architecture's avoidance of ornament.
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