Phoenix's Greater Encanto-Palmcroft Neighborhood

The Encanto-Palmcroft neighborhood in central Phoenix was created in the twilight of the City Beautiful Movement, a philosophy that supported beautiful surroundings to promote moral and social order. Palmcroft was developed in 1927 by prominent Phoenix booster Dwight B. Heard and William G. Hartranft, father of the Phoenix parks system. Encanto, The Enchanting, was founded by Lloyd C. Lakin and George T. Peter in 1928. These custom Period Revival homes were styled as bucolic refuges from the bustle of downtown. Even into the 21st century, this neighborhood maintains its integrity and significance due to the participation of residents who realize its historic importance.

G.G. George, a preservation activist, is president of the Encanto Citizens Association. As a founder of the association, she fought in the 1970s to stop the Papago Freeway from impacting central Phoenix neighborhoods. She initiated the movement to have the Encanto-Palmcroft neighborhood listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Leigh Conrad is the former manager of the Arizona history collection at Scottsdale Public Library. She served five years on the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission and assisted the Coronado Neighborhood Association with its application for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.