Architecture

There are many good examples of Vernacular and Craftsman style homes. Much of the construction after 1960 is predominantly ranch style.

History

One of the earliest developments in the neighborhood was the building of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church. On April 28, 1887, Dr. John Abercrombie, M.D. donated to the church approximately one acre of property located on the corner of Lakeview (22nd) Avenue and 19th Street South and construction of the church began shortly thereafter.

The neighborhood really began developing in the late 1920s and 1930s. According to the city directory, in 1925, there was no development on 16th Street South south of 19th Avenue. However by the time the 1927 city directory was published, there were six new addresses listed between 19th Avenue South and Lakeview Avenue. The area continued to develop and by 1937, there were numerous homes built throughout the neighborhood.

Integration of the neighborhood began in the early 1960s. Prior to this time the black population lived primarily east of 9th Street South.

Fruitland Heights Neighborhood Association was organized November 24, 1980. The first meeting was held at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Fennell and 13 residents in attendance. Johnnie Mack was elected, and still serves as President.

Organizations/programs

We have held community picnics, Operation Clean Sweep and neighborhood clean up projects. We have organized an open door clothes closet to provide clothes for fire victims and needy families. We hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner for sick and shut-ins, and painted 215 homes with the City's Operation Paintbrush program. We are now involved in the Wrice anti-drug marchesa. Through the efforts of the neighborhood association, sidewalks were installed throughout the neighborhood. In 1992, the neighborhood started a youth tutoring program that is still active today. In February 1998, a Boys & Girls Club will open; this club was started as a joint effort between the community police officer, Sharon Brown, the AmeriCorps volunteers and the neighborhood association.

Neighborhood grant projects

Fruitland Heights Neighborhood Association has received the following four grants from the City's Neighborhood Partnership Grant program: 1992 neighborhood identity signs, 1994 two additional neighborhood identity signs, 1997 sixty-three Crepe Myrtles were planted in the neighborhood, 1998 twenty-five additional Crepe Myrtles are planted.

Boundaries

18th to 22nd Avenues South from 16th to 19th Streets South.