The Kenilworth Avenue Historic District was developed for wealthy residents of Dayton who, particularly after the 1913 flood, chose to leave industrialized downtown Dayton and take up residence in the park-like setting available in the higher land just north of the city center.
The development of this district was shaped and supported by advances in transportation and city management and services. The area is a highly cohesive neighborhood that consists of an early twentieth century planned community of architect designed homes. Generous lots and an emphasis on landscape features make the Kenilworth Avenue Historic District distinct from the four adjoining Historic Districts .
The Kenilworth Avenue Historic District is located in Daytons' Five Oaks neighborhood. The architect designed homes and large wooded landscape lots make it a unique area in this neighborhood.
Landowner, developer, and Kenilworth Avenue resident, William Darrow, developed the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue according to deed restrictions that he designed to control development and protect the individual homeowners’ investment.
The primary era of development, 1906-1928, produced a cohesive streetscape that features a variety of architectural styles, including period revival styles and eclectic American architectural movements set within an emphasized and planned natural setting.
Social change also drove the development of the Kenilworth Avenue Historic District as wealthy Daytonians sought to leave the city for the fresh air and comfort that the early suburbs could provide.
Deed Restrictions were an important element in the development of the District. Darrow combined three to five parcels of land for each of the homes located in the Kenilworth . Fences were not permitted, $6,000 was set as minimum building cost, setbacks must be 40Ft. and no sale of alcohol was permitted.
