Encanto-Palmcroft

Encanto-Palmcroft has been dubbed the "Bel Air of Phoenix", a title it rightfully deserves. From it curved streets to its imposing homes; it was designed to be a showcase of tasteful urban design from the start. It was one of the first developments where innovative street plans, street landscaping and parks were integrated into the housing areas.

Dwight B. Heard purchased 80 acres north of McDowell Road in 1926 and split it into two plats for development. He developed the eastern-most section first in 1927 and the rest in 1929. Heard worked with surveyor Henry Jones, who later worked on the Encanto neighborhood, just to the north. Although the Encanto subdivision was originally intended to cover an area the same size as Palmcroft, the western section (between 11th and 15th Avenues) was never fully developed due to the effects of the Great Depression. In 1934, this section was re-platted (and renamed West Encanto Amended) and most of it was sold to Phoenix for a city park.

The residents of Encanto-Palmcroft were (and still are) quite well to do. Among the more notable residents was O. D. Miller, Arizona State Senator and Nathan Diamond, founder of Diamond's department store (now known as Dillard's). With its air of distinction, Encanto-Palmcroft is like no other historic district in Phoenix.

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Historic Status - March 1987

Bounded by 7th Avenue, McDowell, 15th Avenue and Encanto Blvd.