Sunset Park is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Wilmington, North Carolina. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and close proximity to downtown Wilmington. The neighborhood was established in the early 20th century and features a mix of architectural styles, including Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Tudor Revival. One of the main attractions of Sunset Park is its namesake park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a walking trail. The park is also home to the Sunset Park Amphitheater, which hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Additionally, the neighborhood is just a short drive from the Cape Fear River, making it easy to enjoy water-based activities such as boating and fishing. Residents of Sunset Park enjoy a strong sense of community, with many neighborhood events and gatherings throughout the year. The neighborhood is also home to several highly rated schools, making it a popular choice for families. With its combination of historic charm, convenient location, and strong community spirit, Sunset Park is a wonderful place to call home in Wilmington, NC.
“Sunset Park,” a name submitted by Montrose Bain, circulation editor of the Wilmington Star, was the winning entry for a new 600-acre (2.4 km2) development just 3 miles (4.8 km) south of downtown Wilmington along the Federal Point Road (Carolina Beach Road). The prize for his submission was $10.00. The Fidelity Trust & Development Company purchased the 600-acre (2.4 km2) tract on March 9, 1912. The original owner, T.F. Boyd of Hamlet, North Carolina, sold the land for $35,000.00. The Opening Sale of lots in Sunset Park to the public was originally Monday, September 16, 1912. The date was later postponed to Monday, October 7, 1912. Sunset Park was envisioned by the Fidelity Development & Investment Company as a high-class, planned community with views overlooking the Cape Fear River and picturesque Greenfield Lake. All the city conveniences and modern improvements would be guaranteed by FD&I. Street car service, electric lights, gas, sewers, sidewalks and tree-lined Macadam type roadways and plazas just to name a few. The neighborhood is said to be modeled after that of Ansley Park and Westland Estates in Atlanta, Georgia. The majority of resources were built from the 1910s to the 1960s and incorporate Queen Anne, Bungalow/American Craftsman, Tudorbethan, Colonial Revival, Cape Cod (house), Ranch-style house, and Commercial building styles of architecture. The earliest houses are scattered along Northern and Central boulevards; 1940 to 1950s Cape Cod and Ranch houses line the cross streets. Architecturally, the earliest designs are Queen Anne style, dating to the early 1910s. The two-story dwellings have hipped or gabled roofs, wraparound porches, corner towers, bay windows, projecting wings, wood or simulated siding, shingles, decorative brickwork, and a wide range of window types. A large number of homes were built from 1940 to 1943 when the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company expanded its facilities on land intended for Sunset Park homes along the eastern edge of the Cape Fear River. The movie Blue Velvet had scenes filmed in Sunset Park including the house of Detective John Williams (George Dickerson). Season 9 of Matlock (TV series) had scenes filmed in Sunset Park including Benjamin L. “Ben” Matlock’s (Andy Griffith) house. (excerpt taken from wikipedia)