Historic Maplewood

The Maplewood neighborhood is unique among city neighborhoods in combining the architectural grandeur of intact urban landscapes designed by the internationally acclaimed firm of Frederick Law Olmstead, and the natural beauty of the Lower Falls of the Genesee.

Maplewood's elegant boulevards were laid out to lead into newly-designed parks according to a master plan by Olmstead and Company. Wealthy Rochester business owners began to add mansions and grand houses to those already towering over Lake Avenue. Coupled with the growth of Eastman Kodak and the development of Kodak Park, the area became the home of many of the company's officers and upper-level managerial staff.

The Maplewood Neighborhood, located Rochester's northwest quadrant, is bounded on the north by Holy Sepulchre and Riverside Cemeteries, two of Rochester's largest and most picturesque cemeteries; on the east by the spectacular Genesee River gorge and Lower Falls, on the south by Driving Park Avenue, built partially along an

1870s racetrack, and on the west by Mount Read Boulevard.

Maplewood's houses clearly reflect its history with examples spanning the period from the 1850s to the present. Most were constructed during the thirty year period between 1890 and 1920 and represent a broad range of architectural styles and economic levels, from Victorian, Tudor, Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, Eclectic and Shingle to Colonial and Georgian Revival.

Although each house in Maplewood is distinctive, features commonly found include chestnut, oak, walnut, mahogany, or gumwood trim, hardwood floors, bay windows, stained or leaded glass, pocket or french doors, fireplaces with elaborate mantels, and spacious porches. Large shade trees lining the streets, mature hedges, foundation plantings and backyard gardens all add to the charm of Maplewood's housing.