Riverdale Park

Can you picture a town designed as a “villa park”? Riverdale Park, originally known as Riverdale, started just that way. In the late 19th century, New York businessmen envisioned an upper-middle-class haven. They bought land from the Calvert family, who had deep roots in the area. Their estate, Riversdale Mansion, became the centerpiece of this new community. Riverdale Park’s streets, named after U.S. presidents, formed a grid around a central ellipse where the train station stood. This design aimed to attract Washington, D.C. and Baltimore professionals seeking a tranquil escape. The first homes in Riverdale Park sprang up in 1890, reflecting the popular architectural styles of the time: Foursquares with pyramidal roofs, front-gable or cross-gable designs, and often featuring charming bays, towers, and wrap-around porches. One prominent builder, Joseph A. Blundon, constructed approximately 90 homes in Riverdale Park between 1891 and 1909. His contributions earned him the title “Father of Riverdale.” By the turn of the century, Riverdale Park boasted 60 homes, a Presbyterian church, a school, and a bustling rail station. Riverdale Park officially incorporated in 1920, merging with neighboring West Riverdale. The town continued to evolve. In 1941, street names were standardized, reflecting the style of nearby Washington, D.C. and College Park. The post-World War II era brought significant growth and change. Today, Riverdale Park is a mix of architectural styles, from turn-of-the-century homes to 1960s apartment buildings. Riverdale Park Station, a modern mixed-use development, brought the county’s first Whole Foods Market. Despite the changes over the decades, echoes of Riverdale Park’s history as a “villa park” still resonate in its layout and the enduring presence of Riversdale Mansion. This blend of old and new gives Riverdale Park its unique character.