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Russian Village District

Historic district
In Claremont, California
1.1 mi from Route 66
National Register of Historic Places

The Russian Village District in Claremont, CA, is a small historic neighborhood of 15 folk-style houses, about a mile off the old road. Despite the name, its main builder, Konstanty "Steve" Stys, was a Polish immigrant, and the homes went up during the Great Depression. Listed on the National Register in 1978, the district is an unusual and charming detour for travelers who enjoy handmade architecture.

What is Russian Village District?

The district is a cluster of 15 houses in a folk architecture style, built by Stys together with other builders. It sits where South Mills Avenue meets East Cucamonga Avenue. Mailing addresses place the houses in Claremont, but the back parts of many lots actually cross the line into Montclair, in San Bernardino County.

History of Russian Village District

Stys and his fellow builders put up the houses during the hard years of the Great Depression. The neighborhood's name suggests Russian roots, but Stys came from Poland. The district earned its National Register listing in 1978.

Visiting Russian Village District: tips

These are private homes, so view them from the street and respect the residents' privacy. A slow drive or short walk along the block is enough. Brackett Observatory is about 0.5 miles away, the Benton Museum of Art about 0.6 miles, and the Prometheus fresco about 0.7 miles.

Practical info

Address: Claremont, CA 91711
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Russian Village District

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Magic Lamp Inn
Rancho Cucamonga, CA · 4.7 mi from Russian Village District
A 1950s Route 66 steakhouse whose Aladdin's-lamp neon sign burns a real gas flame after dark.
Diner & restaurant
Sycamore Inn
Rancho Cucamonga, CA · 4.9 mi from Russian Village District
A steakhouse in a 1920 inn on Foothill Boulevard, on a site that fed travelers long before Route 66 existed.