A Hidden Gem with Deep Roots
Nestled along the leafy corridors of Polk Boulevard and Ingersoll Avenue lies Waterbury, a Des Moines neighborhood that radiates both history and hospitality. With its stately homes, winding streets, and welcoming spirit, Waterbury is more than just an address—it's a vibrant community whose roots stretch back over a century. Ask any resident what they cherish about Waterbury, and you'll hear tales colored with both nostalgia and pride. For newcomers and longtime locals alike, understanding the story behind this historic enclave is to better appreciate the enduring charm of Des Moines itself.
Origins: From Farmland to Flourishing Neighborhood
Waterbury’s story begins in the late 19th century, long before its streets filled with children’s laughter and the aroma of backyard barbecues. Much of the land that is now Waterbury was originally farmland on the far west edge of a growing Des Moines. As the city expanded beyond its downtown core in the early 1900s, developers saw potential in the gently rolling landscape bisected by what is now Polk Boulevard.
The neighborhood’s development began in earnest around 1906, as the city’s streetcar line extended westward, making it possible for downtown workers to live farther from the urban bustle. Early plat maps show that Waterbury was marketed as an upscale "suburban" alternative, with families drawn to the area’s larger lots, lush boulevards, and the promise of peaceful living.
What’s in a Name? The Waterbury Legacy
How did Waterbury get its name? Local lore points to one of the neighborhood’s original investors, J.D. Waterbury, a prominent businessman and real estate developer. His vision for the area was clear: a desirable residential district with distinctive character, inspired by the garden suburbs popular in the early 20th century. By naming the neighborhood “Waterbury,” he left an indelible mark—a reminder that this was a place not just for living, but for planting roots and building community.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1906-1920s: The Boom Years
The first major wave of construction included stately homes along Polk Boulevard, Woodland Avenue, and Grand Avenue. Architects took advantage of the generous lot sizes and incorporated styles popular at the time—Tudor, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Prairie School influences can still be seen in the neighborhood’s architecture today.
- 1930s-40s: Steadfast Through Tough Times
While the Great Depression and WWII slowed development, Waterbury’s reputation as a stable, affluent neighborhood persisted. Some homes were subdivided but always with careful attention to maintaining the integrity of the area’s historic character.
- 1950s-70s: Adapting to the Times
The postwar era brought new families and energy. Local schools, such as Hanawalt Elementary (just to the north), became neighborhood anchors. Waterbury residents engaged in civic initiatives—from sidewalk improvements to park planning—fostering a tradition of community involvement.
- 1980s-Present: Preservation and Pride
In 1985, a large portion of Waterbury was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Waterbury District. This recognition not only celebrated the area’s rich architectural legacy but also galvanized residents to preserve its unique character. Today, Waterbury is a blend of cherished traditions and modern updates, a place where every home seems to have a story.
Notable Landmarks and Points of Pride
Walk or drive through Waterbury and you’ll encounter a number of iconic sites:
- Polk Boulevard: This broad, tree-lined thoroughfare is the heart of Waterbury, flanked by historic homes and mature plantings. Its gentle curve and wide medians reflect early 20th-century ideals of urban planning.
- St. Augustine Catholic Church: Built in 1928 at the corner of 42nd Street and Grand Avenue, St. Augustine’s Spanish Revival architecture stands out amidst the neighborhood’s predominantly Tudor and Colonial facades. Beyond its role as a spiritual center, the church has hosted countless community gatherings and events.
- The Waterbury Circle: At the core of the neighborhood, Waterbury Circle is both a traffic island and a neighborhood gathering space, ringed by distinctive homes. In the spring, blooming trees turn the area into a pastel-hued idyll.
- Green Spaces: While Waterbury itself is residential, it’s just a stone’s throw from beloved city parks. Greenwood Park—with its duck pond, lush open space, and close proximity to the Des Moines Art Center—is an easy stroll away. The famed Ashby Park, a few blocks north, offers playgrounds and summer splash pads.
Community Spirit and Neighborhood Evolution
What truly makes Waterbury special isn't just its architecture or picturesque streets—it's the people. Decade after decade, residents have banded together in times of adversity and opportunity alike. The Waterbury Neighborhood Association is among the city’s most active, organizing everything from holiday home tours to block parties and neighborhood clean-ups.
Over the years, Waterbury’s homes have evolved—updated kitchens, finished basements, and drought-friendly landscaping are common. Yet, preservation remains at the heart of any change. Residents value historic authenticity, and many restoration projects are labors of love, undertaken not to “flip” a house, but to give it new life for generations to come.
Today's Waterbury is a mosaic of young families, retirees, and professionals who appreciate a good front-porch chat or a stroll beneath century-old oaks. Its walkability, proximity to downtown, and sense of belonging attract new faces while keeping multigenerational families close.
The Lasting Legacy of Waterbury
To wander through Waterbury is to travel through time—a living record of Des Moines’ westward expansion and the enduring value of community. It’s a place where history is not only remembered but celebrated every day, whether through the care of a classic home, a neighborly favor, or the return of a cherished tradition.
For anyone lucky enough to call Waterbury home, its story is their own—a reminder that, sometimes, the truest sense of place comes from those who cherish its past while building its future.