Beginning in 1899 the Federal Copper Company's smelting operations started. Despite its auspicious beginning, the company’s debts were crushing and by 1908 it ceased to exist altogether. The ruins of the smelter stood idle until 1912 when demolition began and residential developments extended toward the area. The land was subsequently subdivided, a portion of which became the Castle Heights Subdivision and the remainder of which eventually became Memorial Park and the Manhattan Heights Addition to the City of EI Paso. Reflecting the original use of the property, developers named the streets Federal, Copper, Silver, Gold and Bronze.

Manhattan and Castle Heights featured lots that afforded scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Progressing towards the northern and western boundaries of the district from the park, the lots become smaller and the structures more homogeneous. The bungalow, present in prominent numbers appeared in developments of this type in the early 20th century. Generally small in size, simple in design and detailing, and affordable, the bungalow evolved as the outstanding American house form for years, and was the forerunner of the familiar suburban models today. Bungalow plans and specs were readily available to builders and contractors and the simplicity of the style facilitated mass production with cosmetic changes from structure to structure.

During the early years of development the 43-acre area designated as Memorial Park remained practically unimproved. In 1925 George Kessler developed a city plan in which he outlined a detailed program for development of the park as its funds became available. In the second half of this century the park declined in popularity. In 1976 the Memorial Park Improvement Association was organized in an effort to improve the park's decayed conditions, and later expanded its efforts to preserve the surrounding neighborhoods, Manhattan and Castle Heights.

Although the district is relatively young and features more houses exhibiting a stylistic influence rather than a pure style, it remains intact today as an early 20th century planned residential development. The prominence of the Spanish Colonial Revival and bungalow styles, often comprising entire blocks, has created a character unique to the city.

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