The Country’s Ultimate Neighborhood. Such is the way Park Hill has seen itself, emphasizing its residential essence. Located directly east of Denver’s City Park, it has viewed itself as the epitome of the domestic side of city beautiful. More than that, it has been the ultimate yuppie neighborhood–in a sense, it gave birth to the term. The area has combined distinguished architecture, beautifully landscaped parkways, and numerous churches. Residents have considered themselves on the cutting edge of sophistication and popular trends.
In the 1960s, Park Hill portrayed itself as America’s premier integrated neighborhood. Controversies there fanned the flames about the desegregation of schools–Denver educational developments for nearly 50 years have pivoted around Park Hill. Since the 1950s, all of the city’s elected mayors have had intimate Park Hill links even as parts of the area have suffered from intense poverty and violent clashes between street gangs.
This volume explores the passions and paradoxes of the Park Hill panorama. It traces developments from the 19th century, when an eccentric German baron forged the area, into the 21st century. Park Hill Promise looks at the residents, the buildings, the scandals, and successes of those who have made Park Hill their home. In seeking the promise of an idyllic residential neighborhood, Park Hill people have shaped Denver and the entire national urban experience.