Discovering Concord: Where Edina’s Story Meets Community Spirit
Nestled in the heart of Edina, the Concord neighborhood stands as a testament to the city’s rich past and vibrant present. With its lush parks, historic streets, and tightly-knit community, Concord radiates the charm of a place where heritage lives on in every home, garden, and gathering. For those who stroll beneath its tree-lined avenues or linger at its local parks, Concord is more than a neighborhood—it's a living story of Edina’s enduring spirit.
Origins: Concord’s Emergence and Meaning
The roots of Concord trace back to the earliest waves of development in Edina, a city itself incorporated in 1888. Located just west of Minnehaha Creek, the area that would become Concord was originally part of sweeping farmland and open groves enjoyed by Dakota tribes and early settlers. The neighborhood’s name, “Concord,” is thought to reflect a spirit of harmony and unity: “concord” literally means peace and agreement, a fitting moniker for a place built on togetherness.
By the 1920s, as streetcars brought families out from Minneapolis, Edina’s neighborhoods began to take shape along major arteries like 50th Street and France Avenue. Developers and early residents were deliberate in their choices—even the neighborhood’s name was chosen to evoke the unity and peace they sought to maintain as a foundation for future generations.
Historical Milestones: Growth Through the Decades
1920s-1940s: Formation & Flourishing
Concord’s first homes were built in the late 1920s and early 1930s, designed with spacious lots and sturdy, classic architecture—from Tudor Revivals to Colonial-style homes. The intersection of Concord Avenue and Sunnyside Road became a central point, as families established roots and the first small elementary schools brought neighbors together.
During WWII, residents united for war efforts, holding drives and gatherings at what would later become Concord Elementary School. The sense of camaraderie never faded, shaping the neighborhood’s inclusive traditions.
1950s-1970s: Mid-Century Modern and Community Institutions
The postwar boom transformed Concord into a family haven. Rows of ramblers and split-level homes appeared along Country Club Road and West 53rd Street. Concord Elementary—anchoring the neighborhood—opened in 1951 and quickly became a symbol of local pride. Children could walk to class, parents gathered for PTA meetings and community events, and the school’s field became a year-round gathering place for sports and neighborhood picnics.
Nearby, the stately homes along Lynnhurst Avenue and the elegant Concord Court cul-de-sac became sought-after addresses, reflecting both Edina's growing affluence and its commitment to community.
1980s-Present: Preserving Heritage, Embracing Progress
Through the late 20th century and into the 21st, Concord has carefully balanced preservation with progress. Many original homes stand today, lovingly restored rather than replaced. New families move in, drawn by the area’s history, walkability, and top-ranked public schools—particularly Concord Elementary, which remains a neighborhood anchor.
The Concord neighborhood also boasts easy access to Edina’s celebrated Centennial Lakes Park and Arden Park, both favorite spots for weekend walks, canoeing, and community events. Residents take pride in their lush landscaping and well-kept streets, with mature oaks lining Wooddale Avenue and Minnehaha Creek providing a scenic natural border to the south.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
*Concord Elementary School*
The crown jewel of the neighborhood, this historic school at 5900 Concord Avenue dates back to 1951, with generations of Edina families counting themselves as “Concord Cougars.” The school’s classic brick exterior and vibrant playground remain a gathering place throughout the year.
*The Country Club District*
Although just east of Concord's core, the Edina Country Club and its historic homes are an important marker of neighborhood character. Many Concord residents are members, and the club’s elegant clubhouse at 5100 Wooddale Avenue is a familiar local landmark, hosting everything from weddings to civic meetings.
*Minnehaha Creek & Arden Park*
Winding along Concord’s southern boundary, Minnehaha Creek is home to scenic paths and bridges—favorites for runners, dog walkers, and children heading to Arden Park. The park itself dates back to the 1930s WPA era and remains a heart of outdoor life in the neighborhood.
Streets and Institutions that Shape Concord
*Concord Avenue*: The namesake stretch, running north-south through the neighborhood, is lined with classic homes and mature trees, shading family strolls and block parties each summer.
*Sunnyside Road*: Known for its picturesque homes and central location, Sunnyside is a favorite for joggers and neighbors waving from their porches.
*Edina Morningside Community Church*: While just outside Concord’s western edge, this church on Grimes Avenue has played an important part in community service and interfaith exchanges for nearly a century.
*Arden Park*: Spanning a broad stretch of Minnehaha Creek, it offers playgrounds, ice-skating in winter, and host to summer concerts and yoga classes under the old elms.
Concord Today: Tradition and Togetherness
Despite the changing times, Concord’s identity endures—a blend of old Edina’s character and the vibrant energy of new families carving out their own legacies. Annual traditions like the Concord Block Party, Halloween parades, and neighborhood garage sales keep the community spirit alive.
Neighbors watch out for one another, tending front gardens as much for themselves as for passersby and hosting newcomers with open arms. Whether you're browsing local history in the Edina Library or walking your dog along the creek, Concord feels like coming home to a story still being written.
Concord remains a place where heritage isn’t just remembered—it’s lived, every day, in the warmth of shared traditions, the quiet beauty of its streets, and the deep sense of pride that every resident carries. For those lucky enough to call Concord home, its history is not simply in the past—it's present in every welcome wave, school bell, and songbird along the avenue.