The district began its development with George Howbert's sale of his house and farmland to the Wasena Land Company in 1910.

[3] In 1934, a local businessman and philanthropist donated 28 acres of land bordering the Roanoke River, which would become Wasena Park.

[3] The park holds a 1930s era stone picnic shelter as well as a replica of a train station that once held the Virginia Museum of Transportation until severe flooding in 1985 forced its closure.

[5]A small commercial district exists in the neighborhood just south of the Wasena Bridge consisting of several one-story buildings.

[3] That commercial area has seen significant revitalization in the 21st century, as has a former industrial zone in the northeast portion of the historic district.