Edgewood, nestled in the heart of Lakewood, Colorado, is one of those neighborhoods where history lingers on every corner. Its broad, tree-lined streets—like the ever-bustling Sheridan Boulevard and quieter residential avenues such as W. 20th Avenue—whisper tales of days gone by, while the spirit of community remains strong and ever-adaptable.
Origins of Edgewood
Edgewood’s story begins in the dusty early 1900s, back when Lakewood itself was a patchwork of farms, orchards, and a few brave homesteads. The neighborhood’s name emerged from its unique location at the “edge” of the Denver city limits, with “wood” honoring the forested patches west of Sheridan that set this area apart. Early records—notably plat maps filed with Jefferson County—suggest the Edgewood moniker was in circulation by the late 1920s, a time when the city was starting to transition from rural outpost to suburban promise.
By the 1940s, Garrison Street and Pierce Street marked familiar north-south boundaries, while 20th and 26th Avenues hemmed in a growing patchwork of homes, many built by returning GIs and young families eager to claim a slice of Colorado’s sunshine. Edgewood became a place for people seeking more than just shelter: it was a place to put down roots.
Building a Community: Key Milestones
Several milestones mark Edgewood’s journey from farmland to thriving neighborhood:
- 1940s-1950s: Boom Years
After World War II, Edgewood experienced a housing boom. Brick ranch homes and quaint cottages began to fill the lots off Fenton and Gray Streets. Local lore fondly recalls block parties spilling onto the sidewalks—a tradition that continues today.
- 1958: Edgewater Public Library Opens Nearby
Though technically just outside the neighborhood, the Edgewater Public Library, now a branch of the Jefferson County Public Library system, quickly became a hub for Edgewood residents. Generations have wandered its stacks, forging literary memories.
- 1970s: Embracing Diversity
As Lakewood’s population diversified, so did Edgewood. The neighborhood became home to families from around the world, their backgrounds enriching community events and neighborhood cuisine.
- 2000s: Revitalization and Preservation
In recent decades, Edgewood citizens have rallied to preserve century-old trees and home facades. Newcomers and longtime residents alike have worked together to landscape local parks, particularly Walker-Branch Park on W. 20th Avenue, turning it into a shining centerpiece.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
Edgewood’s modest size belies a wealth of gems—both storied and surprising:
- Walker-Branch Park
This beloved green space on W. 20th Avenue has served for decades as the neighborhood’s communal backyard. With its playgrounds, winding paths, and picnic spots, it hosts everything from summer barbecues to children’s soccer games.
- Edgewood Elementary School (Historic Building)
Though the original school building no longer exists, Edgewood Elementary’s former lot near 22nd and Depew holds decades of stories—7th grade field days, science fairs, and community meetings. Today, the site is home to updated educational facilities, but the echoes of the old school remain.
- Edgewood Community Church
Resting serenely on Fenton Street, this house of worship has seen weddings, memorials, and countless Sunday services. It’s a fixture for neighborhood outreach and an architectural nod to Edgewood’s postwar roots.
- Classic Mid-Century Homes
Drive down Gray or Eaton Streets, and you’ll spot beautiful mid-century ranches, split-levels, and bungalows. Many still sport their original brickwork, wide porches, and quirky decorative details.
Evolution Through the Decades
A walk through Edgewood offers a living lesson in American suburban change:
- Agricultural Beginnings
Before homes came, the land was planted with vegetables, fruit trees, and—according to a few old-timers—a herd or two of grazing sheep. Early residents recall the bracing smell of orchards and the occasional coyote sighting.
- Suburban Blossoming
During the ‘50s and ‘60s, the neighborhood’s grid of safe, quiet streets became dotted with kid-heavy households. The ice cream truck’s jingle was a neighborhood anthem, and informal watch groups kept everyone safe.
- Renewal and Today
Edgewood today bridges the old and the new. Young families, empty nesters, and the city’s next generation still wave hello over backyard fences. Sidewalk improvements, public art, and flower-filled medians show a community investing in itself, even as it honors its roots.
Why Edgewood Stands Out
What keeps Edgewood special isn’t just its borders or even its long, storied past. It’s the people, both past and present, whose efforts have shaped—and continue to shape—this Lakewood pocket. You can see it in the way neighbors tend their gardens; you feel it at the annual Fourth of July block party on Ingalls Street. The fabric of Edgewood is woven from thousands of small stitches: a helping hand, a well-tended lawn, a bench in memory of a loved one near quiet Walker-Branch Park.
Living here means being part of a living history that’s being made every day—one where heritage is cherished and the next chapter is always around the corner.