Rosedale Gardens Historic District

Rosedale Gardens Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Livonia, Michigan, spanning eight parallel streets lined with mature trees between Plymouth Road and West Chicago Street. The approximately 570 homes sit on narrow lots measuring 40 feet (12 meters) wide and 120 to 145 feet (37 to 44 meters) deep, with floor sizes ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet (93 to 186 square meters).

The district was developed by the Shelden Land Company in the 1920s, beginning with the Harsha house in 1925. It grew to 121 residences by 1929 and became an established residential community during the interwar years.

The neighborhood hosts regular community gatherings such as Easter egg hunts, garden walks, and Christmas home tours that bring neighbors together. These events reflect the residents' connection to their streets and shared appreciation for the area's character.

The neighborhood is best explored on foot, as the streets and walkways invite strolling and mature trees provide shade throughout your visit. Spring through fall offers the most pleasant conditions for walking, when vegetation is fullest and the community hosts its seasonal events.

Of the 570 houses in the district, 428 were built before World War II, setting it apart from neighboring areas dominated by post-war construction. This concentration makes it a rare example of an early twentieth-century planned residential community that remains substantially intact.