Doesn’t it feel like Kenwood emerged straight from the pages of a storybook? Kenwood is a neighborhood within the Calhoun-Isles community in Minneapolis. It sits gracefully along Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. Kenwood stands out as one of the city’s most affluent areas. Its historic mansions add to its charm. They line the parkways overlooking the lake and the downtown skyline.
Established in the late 1880s, Kenwood’s growth was boosted by a rail line. This line ran along Cedar Lake’s west side, improving access. The Kenwood Addition was platted just outside Minneapolis city limits around 1887. A rail line ran near Cedar Lake’s shoreline. There was once a depot and hotel at West 22nd Street.
The city acquired Lake of the Isles shoreline in 1886. It became part of the city’s park system. This included Cedar Lake, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet. Originally, Lake of the Isles was a mosquito-infested swamp. Dredging in 1899 created the lake we see today. Its islands and parkland are truly charming.
A newspaper ad from the late 1880s called Kenwood “high, sightly and attractive.” It was described as the “choicest place for elegant residences”. Lots were platted and streets were graded. City water pipes were laid and streetcar lines were planned. Soon, large residences were built. The neighborhood filled with homes in various popular styles.
Kenwood has several landmarks. These include Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. The 1910 brick water tower stands on Kenwood Parkway. The Peavey Fountain is at the intersection of W. Lake of the Isles Parkway and Kenwood Parkway. The “Mary Tyler Moore House” is at the corner of Kenwood Parkway and W. 21st Street.
Walter Mondale, Vice President of the United States, lived near Fremont Avenue for a long time. Emery Mapes, one of Cream of Wheat’s founders, resided in Kenwood. His family homes are on the 2200 block of W. Lake of the Isles Parkway.
Kenwood Park occupies much of the northern part of the neighborhood. The land was purchased in 1907. Low land was filled with material from Lake of the Isles in 1908. Tennis courts and sidewalks were installed between 1911 and 1913. Residents opposed further park development in the 1920s. They feared the destruction of natural features.
Kenwood includes about 540 residential structures. Most are single-family houses dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many larger homes were divided into rooming houses in the mid-1900s. These homes were rehabilitated in the 1960s and 1970s. They were converted back to single-family use.
Kenwood’s popularity grew in the 1980s and 1990s. Residents and buyers recognized the increasing value of the neighborhood’s beautiful homes. They also valued Kenwood’s proximity to downtown, Uptown, and the Minneapolis park and lake system.
East Cedar Beach, also known as Hidden Beach, has a long history in Kenwood. The Kenwood Neighborhood Organization worked to address crime issues. In 2015, they implemented a new strategy. A strong community presence encourages a safe environment for everyone.
Kenwood Addition is engaging. Its residents deeply appreciate the neighborhood’s history. They strongly desire to protect it. Built as a streetcar suburb, Kenwood’s park-like setting is reinforced by stately trees. Three nearby lakes add to the beauty. The sloping terrain offers superb views.
Kenwood Parkway was a popular route to the lakes from downtown. A bike path was added in 1895. The parkway feeds into Lake of the Isles Parkway. This is part of the Grand Rounds, a National Scenic Byway.
The house featured in The Mary Tyler Moore Show is on Kenwood Parkway. Like the house on the show, it had been divided into apartments. Now, like most others, it has been reconfigured as a single-family residence. Roughly 85 percent of Kenwood’s homes are owner-occupied.
Next to Lake of the Isles, Kenwood Park is the neighborhood’s single largest feature. The park remains mostly in its natural state. Tennis courts were added in 1913. A playground was installed across from Kenwood Elementary School in 1996.
Kenwood offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and engaged citizenry. It remains a desirable place to live. Its architecture includes Victorian, Tudor, Queen Anne, Regency, and Prairie School styles. Kenwood truly is a special place.