The Perkins Square Gazebo was constructed in 1871, but it is on land that was once part of an estate called Chatsworth. Notable at the site was a natural spring, supplying fresh drinking water. Dr. John Perkins, a University of Maryland physician, later acquired the property. Then, as the estate was lost to development, residents convinced the city to acquire the spring and its surrounding area for public access. This happened in 1853. The park and the community were named after Dr. Perkins, and this Victorian cast iron structure, appearing 18 years later, with its Moorish canopy and other eclectic elements, was built to cover the spring which once flowed 60 gallons a minute. However, as the area became more urbanized the spring became polluted and was replaced with a city water fountain.
The Perkins Square name has remained the same for over 150 years, but the gazebo and the park have seen many changes. Originally a middle-class white community, the population began to shift to a middle-class black community as early as 1890. Then, after the middle class of both races moved to the suburbs, revitalization came in 1963 when over 13 acres of failing rowhomes were replaced with four high rise public housing units, known as the George B. Murphy Homes. Less than 40 years later, however, the high rises were imploded in favor of the mixed-income townhome development known as Heritage Crossing, which exists today.
The gazebo remains as the only connection to the area’s Victorian past.