Robb Hill / Harvey Park South

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Robb Hill / Harvey Park South

In the mid-20th century, Denver’s western suburbs transformed from agricultural land and orphanages into planned residential communities. Two adjacent neighborhoods—**Robb Hill** and **Harvey Park South**—embody this shift, emerging from the remnants of the Mullen Home for Boys and the rapid suburban expansion of the 1950s. Today, these areas preserve fragments of their past while serving as stable, family-oriented neighborhoods in the Hill Farms district.

Origins and Early Development

The land now occupied by **Robb Hill** and **Harvey Park South** was once part of a larger dairy farm and orphanage complex. The **Mullen Home for Boys**, established in the early 20th century, operated as a residential facility for orphaned or abandoned children. By the mid-1950s, the institution’s original structures had been largely dismantled, and the surrounding acreage was subdivided for residential development. The transition from institutional use to suburban housing reflected broader trends in Denver’s post-war growth, as urban areas expanded westward to accommodate returning veterans and growing families.

The **Harvey Park Neighborhood**, as it was initially marketed, was officially recognized in 1955. A Facebook post from the Denver Post dated August 7, 1955, highlights the neighborhood’s early promotional efforts, emphasizing its proximity to schools and recreational spaces. The area’s development coincided with Denver’s adoption of the **"Parades of Homes"** concept, where homebuilders hosted annual open houses to showcase new subdivisions. By 1959, the **Hill Farms** neighborhood—later divided into distinct sections like Robb Hill—had become a focal point for these events, with each year’s parade moving progressively westward Facebook. These initiatives were designed to attract buyers to newly constructed homes, many of which were built on the former Mullen Home property.

Architectural and Community Identity

Robb Hill and Harvey Park South were designed as suburban neighborhoods with a focus on single-family homes. The architectural style of the era—characterized by ranch houses, split-level designs, and modest yet functional layouts—dominated the landscape. These homes were typically built on small lots, with attention to privacy and outdoor space, reflecting the suburban ideal of the time.

The neighborhoods’ names reflect their geographic and historical context. **Robb Hill** likely derives from the elevation of the land, while **Harvey Park South** may reference nearby parks or the Harvey family, who were involved in early development. The area’s layout included winding streets, cul-de-sacs, and green spaces, all designed to foster a sense of community. By the 1960s, the neighborhoods had become established residential zones, with schools, churches, and local businesses serving the growing population.

Cultural and Social Context

The development of Robb Hill and Harvey Park South occurred during a period of significant social and cultural change in Denver. The post-World War II era saw a surge in suburbanization, as urban centers like downtown Denver faced challenges with overcrowding and infrastructure. The creation of these neighborhoods was part of a broader movement to decentralize population centers, offering families affordable housing and a quieter lifestyle outside the city core.

The neighborhoods also reflect the era’s emphasis on **balance and centrism**, as critiqued by Paul Krugman in his 2011 essay "The Cult That Is Destroying America". Krugman argued that an overreliance on moderation and compromise could undermine progressive social change, a perspective that contrasts with the relatively stable, conventional development of these suburbs. While Robb Hill and Harvey Park South did not engage in overt social or political activism, their existence as planned communities underscores the era’s priorities—stability, homeownership, and community cohesion.

Modern-Day Neighborhoods

Today, Robb Hill and Harvey Park South remain distinct but interconnected parts of the **Hill Farms** district. The area is bordered by **Hampden Avenue** to the east and newer housing developments to the west, marking its transition from rural land to suburban enclave. The neighborhoods retain a strong sense of community, with active local associations and a mix of long-time residents and newer families.

The **Mullen Home for Boys** site, though no longer operational, left a lasting imprint on the landscape. The original structures were demolished, and the land was repurposed for residential use. Today, the area’s history is preserved in local memory and occasional references to its past as an orphanage. The neighborhoods’ proximity to **Denver Public Schools** and nearby parks continues to attract families seeking a suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities.

Notable Events and Controversies

While Robb Hill and Harvey Park South have not been the site of major controversies, their development reflects broader tensions between urban growth and preservation. The rapid expansion of the 1950s and 1960s often prioritized new construction over historical sites, leading to the loss of institutional landmarks like the Mullen Home. This trend was not unique to Denver but was a common feature of suburbanization across the United States.

In more recent years, the neighborhoods have avoided significant public disputes. However, the broader context of Denver’s housing market—including debates over affordability and the role of state trust lands—has occasionally drawn attention to the area. For example, discussions in the late 1960s about potential state takeovers of educational institutions, as referenced in a 1968 The New York Times article, highlight the broader political and economic pressures that shaped Colorado’s development during this period The New York Times, October 31, 1968.

Economic and Demographic Shifts

The demographics of Robb Hill and Harvey Park South have evolved over time. Initially populated by middle-class families seeking suburban living, the neighborhoods have since attracted a mix of professionals, retirees, and young families. The area’s proximity to **Denver’s tech sector** and educational institutions has contributed to its appeal, though it remains primarily residential.

Economically, the neighborhoods have benefited from Denver’s overall growth. The presence of local businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, and service providers, reflects the area’s self-sufficiency. However, like many suburban communities, Robb Hill and Harvey Park South have also faced challenges related to gentrification and rising property values, pressures that have affected housing affordability in surrounding areas.

Preservation and Future Considerations

Efforts to preserve the historical character of Robb Hill and Harvey Park South have been limited but include community initiatives to maintain the neighborhoods’ suburban aesthetic. Local associations and homeowner groups often advocate for policies that protect the area’s residential nature while accommodating modest development. The balance between growth and preservation remains a topic of discussion, particularly as Denver continues to expand.

Conclusion

Robb Hill and Harvey Park South are more than just neighborhoods—they are tangible examples of Denver’s transformation from a rural and institutional landscape to a suburban hub. Their history, rooted in the repurposing of the Mullen Home for Boys and the rapid development of the 1950s, offers insight into the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped mid-century America. Today, these neighborhoods stand as stable, family-oriented communities, embodying the ideals of suburban living while quietly preserving fragments of their past.

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References

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