Ridgewood consists of well preserved American Revival Mansions built mostly from the 1920s -1940s. Its homes are architect-designed for the most part and demonstrate the enormous variations of shape, skin, and sensibility that characterize the European Revival styles favored in this period. The district also boasts of a highly aestetically pleasing envrionment with large shade trees, original brick streets, and locally produced street lighting standards. Due to its historic architectural significance, the Ridgewood was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and has remained one of Canton’s most stable communities.
From an urbanist standpoint Ridgewood is really a suburban-urban hybrid. Yes it has consistent sidewalks, mature trees, and some public transit access. But most trips needs to be made by car as the nearest commercial district is rather amenity poor and not a plesant walk. Bike infrastructure is non-existant and rental housing options are limited.
Click here to view my Ridgewood Album on Flickr
URBAN STRENGTHS:
* Canton’s premiere pre WWII mansion district.
* Excellent tree canopy and brick streets. Beautif aesthetic.
* Good sidewalk infrasturcture.
* These mansions are a great value with most costs between 250K-400K. These homes would costs close a 1 M in the equivalent Cleveland neighborhood.
* Very convenient access to Dwtn Canton only 2 miles away. A 7 minute drive and 15 minute bus ride.
URBAN WEAKNESSES:
* Curbcuts exist but ADA ramp are not up to modern standards.
* Very little mixed use in the district. The nearest commercial district is 0.7 miles away on Cleveland Ave, a pretty sad semi-autocentric commercial district.
* Transit access is pretty limited.
* No dedicated bike infrastructure.
* Rentals are limited but some product availabe on the edges of the district.
* Few walkable schools in the area.
Evaluating our Urban Communities [with a focus on America] 