Riverside Neighborhood Association

(formerly Wheeler D.R.I.V.E. Neighborhood Association – “Downtown Residential Improvement of Evansville” )

The Riverside Neighborhood Association is at the core of historic Evansville.  Platted as the “Upper Enlargement” in 1819, the area is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Evansville. Most of the Neighborhood Association is in the Riverside National Register Historic District.  This area is known in the state for having one of the state’s premier collections of historic architecture, ranging from the 1830s to the 1920s. 

Here is a parade of historic styles: Federal’s simple symmetric design; the classically detailed Greek Revival design; the earthen hued asymmetrical Italianate style; the Mansard roofed Second Empire fashion; the Queen Ann style with irregular roof and façade embellished with whimsical towers and windows; the Bungalow with its low-pitched roof and prominent front porch; the Mediterranean inspired Renaissance Revival style; and finally, the low profiled, broad eaved, Prairie Style.  Each structure demonstrates an artist’s hand in both design and details. 

Riverside has a fine collection of cultural, recreational, and religious amenities within its borders.  Every block here can boast of architectural and artistic resources.  The list of these amenities includes the Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science; Reitz Home Museum; Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau; Mickey’s Kingdom, and six historic churches.

While Penny Lane Coffee Shop is our most prominent commercial establishment, the neighborhood is adjacent to two districts – Main Street and Haynie’s Corner – currently undergoing a transformation.  The vibrance of the neighboring local restaurants and establishments give Riverside an exciting vitality.

The neighborhood is walkable – daily there are both residents and visitors strolling the sidewalks taking in the historic charm.  There is a thriving community life here.  The end of summer front porch music fest, Halloween haunted house walk, and Christmas house tour are among the things that keep life vivacious.  Most of all, the people who live here represent a broad spectrum of Evansville’s citizenry.  We all must live together in harmony.