Riverview Park Plat Historic District

Riverview Park Plat Historic District is a residential neighborhood covering 11 acres in north-central Des Moines with homes built in Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles. The houses were designed by several prominent architectural firms and show construction from multiple periods of development.

The area began taking shape in 1886 when a development company acquired land parcels and started planning a new residential community. Growth continued over several decades as different architectural styles emerged and homes were built.

The neighborhood developed as a planned residential community where owners intentionally built homes in contrasting architectural styles alongside each other. The tree-lined streets follow natural curves that create a different sense of space compared to the rigid grid patterns found in other parts of the city.

The tree-lined streets of the district are easy to explore on foot and offer clear views of the homes throughout. Allow time to observe the different architectural styles displayed on individual properties.

The main street of the district was designed to follow the curves of the nearby river and was wider than other city streets of its time. This unusual layout was created by an engineer who wanted to respect the natural landscape.