Historic Homes and Buildings of Arrow/Laurel Bungalow District
About Arrow/Laurel Bungalow District
Introduction
The Arrow/Laurel Bungalow District in Upland, California is a locally designated historic district, formally recognized on April 28, 2004. The district’s estimated period of significance is 1909–1930, and it is categorized primarily as a residential historic neighborhood.
Historical Context
During the early 20th century, Upland experienced growth tied to its citrus-and-irrigation heritage, improved transportation, and the gradual transformation of agricultural lands into more formal residential subdivisions. The Arrow/Laurel Bungalow District emerged in this era as a neighborhood of modest-to-well-appointed homes, many in the bungalow and craftsman tradition, built as the city matured. The use of the names “Arrow” and “Laurel” likely references the principal thoroughfares or block names — forming the district’s draft identity as a bungalow-era enclave.
Defining Character of the District
- Architectural styles in the district lean heavily toward bungalow and craftsman types (single-story or story-and-a-half, low-pitched roofs, broad eaves, front porches with tapered columns or piers) typical of the 1909–1930 period.
- The neighborhood is characterized by tree-lined, somewhat narrower lots compared to grand boulevards; the scale is more modest and consistent, lending a cohesive period-feel.
- Homes in the district often include built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, original wood-window trim and other handcrafted details — many of which remain visible in existing homes. For example, a home at 520 N Laurel Avenue (built 1924) is described as “Historical Craftsman Bungalow … built with all the charm and built-ins you would expect.”
- The district feels deliberate as a “bungalow neighborhood” rather than large estate or boulevard-style homes; this gives residents and visitors a sense of an early 20th-century residential community rather than a high-style enclave.
Why It Matters
- Architectural significance: The Arrow/Laurel Bungalow District provides a well-preserved snapshot of bungalow/craftsman residential architecture in Upland during a major growth era (1909–1930).
- Historic suburban development: The district helps illustrate how Upland transitioned from orchard and irrigation colony to residential suburban city — the built environment marks that transition.
- Community identity & preservation value: Keeping this district intact helps maintain the city’s historic fabric and offers a contrast to later suburban developments; it offers residents and visitors tangible link to Upland’s past.
Boundaries & Period of Significance
- As cited by the city’s historic preservation page, the period of significance is 1909–1930.
- Precise boundaries are defined in the local historic designation documentation; for your website page it may be useful to include or link to the official map from the city archives or planning division.
Preservation & Living History
- As with other historic districts in Upland, homes within the Arrow/Laurel Bungalow District are subject to the local historic district guidelines. Exterior modifications that affect historic appearance require a Certificate of Appropriateness through the City’s Planning Division.
- Homeowners may investigate eligibility for programs such as the Mills Act (where applicable) to support historic property preservation and tax incentives.
- The district remains an active, living neighborhood: people live in and maintain these historic homes, which means they are not simply historic artifacts but part of the city’s everyday fabric.
Visiting & Appreciation Tips
- Walk or drive through the district, focusing on the streets named Arrow and Laurel (and adjacent lots) to absorb the historic bungalow atmosphere. Note the front porches, wood-trim detailing, and mature trees.
- Compare early homes (circa 1910s) with later ones (late 1920s) to observe the evolution of bungalow styling (e.g., simpler trim, more horizontal emphasis, maybe detached garages).
- Photograph the streetscape as well as individual homes—part of the historic value is in the overall neighborhood scale and rhythm, not just single standout houses.
- If possible, check local planning archives or the city’s historic preservation office for historic photographs of the area to include in your website page (before-and-after comparisons are compelling).
Conclusion
The Arrow/Laurel Bungalow District is a key piece of Upland’s historic residential fabric. With its generous collection of early 20th-century bungalow and craftsman homes, it tells a story of growth, architectural trends, and community shaping in a period of great change. Featuring this district on your historic‐districts website offers viewers a rich and accessible example of Upland’s past — and reinforces how preservation and neighborhood character continue into the present.