Downtown Las Vegas district earns spot on list of Great Neighborhoods

The John S. Park Historic District has been named on a list of 10 Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association, which runs an annual Great Places in America program.

The district in downtown Las Vegas contains unique specimens of residential architecture, according to the association, and has several "sustainable" features, including a walkable design, access to public transit and extensive tree cover.

"John S. Park has long been a gem in our downtown core," Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese said in a statement. "It's a historic neighborhood where the residents have really come together to create a wonderful community."

Most of the houses were built between 1931 and 1956. The first phase coincided with the increased housing demand created by Hoover Dam's construction, and the next wave occurred with the establishment of Nellis Air Force Base.

The neighborhood is bounded by Las Vegas Boulevard, South Ninth Street, Charleston Boulevard and Franklin Boulevard. The district has 160 houses and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places .

John S. Park came to Las Vegas in 1905. He became president of First State Bank and was the first president of the Consolidated Power and Telephone Co.