Glen Echo Neighborhood

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University Area home located in the Glen Echo Neighborhood

Glen Echo Neighborhood

The Glen Echo Neighborhood is located in the far northern part of the University District in Columbus, Ohio. The area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, is tucked into a cul-de-sac south of Glen Echo Ravine.

The district originated in 1909 when the Columbus Real Estate and Improvement Company platted 47 acres for a planned residential subdivision and a part of the Glen Echo Ravine was delineated as a park. The wooded Glen Echo Ravine significantly influenced the original layout, design, and overall character of the district.

A 1909 Ohio State publication described the new north side park as a place of beauty where large oak and elm trees shaded a wading pond, five small lakes connected by a single stream, rustic benches, foot bridges and springs lined with cobblestones. Glen Echo’s picturesque environs hosted picnic dinners, equestrians and motorists who enjoyed this oasis of greenery. In 1910 the district was annexed to the City of Columbus and in 1912 Glen Echo Park was dedicated to the city.

Most of the homes in Glen Echo Neighborhood were built between 1910 and 1943 and include Craftsman style bungalows, Shingle Style, Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival, many with front and/or sleeping porches. The homes are a mix of single and double units with a high home-owner occupancy rate. Green center-park boulevards on two north-south streets feature stone stanchions and street furniture.

Community pride is expressed through Glen Echo Neighbors, a Civic Association registered with the City of Columbus. Residents put a high priority on caring for animals, nature, and education. The three interpretive signs located in Glen Echo Park along Parkview Drive provide walkers with insights into the history of the park.

Each year, Glen Echo Neighborhood is featured on Columbus Landmarks Walking Tour on the second Saturday of August. For more information call 221-0227.