Apex Historic District facts for kids
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Apex Historic District
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Historic downtown Apex
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| Location | Apex, North Carolina |
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| Built | 1873 |
| Architect | Frank B. Simpson, J.W. Stout, others |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman, Queen Anne, Classical Revival, Italianate, Modern Movement, Late Victorian, Early Commercial |
| MPS | Wake County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000185 (original) 95000210 (increase 1) 02000016 (increase 2) 07001502 (increase 3) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 17, 1994 |
| Boundary increases | March 10, 1995 February 14, 2002 January 31, 2008 |
The Apex Historic District is a special old part of Apex, North Carolina. It includes the main shopping and living areas. Apex is a town located near Raleigh, the state capital. The district centers around Salem Street, which is the main road in downtown Apex.
In 2007, CNNMoney.com said Apex was the 14th best place to live in the United States. They mentioned the Historic District as a key reason. They described it as "charming" and "well-preserved," with many old buildings now used by visitors and people living there.
The Apex Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 17, 1994. This means it's recognized as an important historical place. The district has grown over the years, with its boundaries expanding in 1995, 2002, and 2008. It now includes streets like Hunter, Center, Chatham, Cunningham, Holleman, and Hughes.
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Discovering Apex's Past
The town of Apex was officially created in 1873. It got its name because it was the highest point on the Chatham Railroad line. This railway connected Richmond, Virginia, all the way to Jacksonville, Florida.
The town's homes and shops were built close to the Apex Union Depot on Salem Street. For many years, Apex became the main place for trains, trade, and shopping in western Wake County.
Fires and Rebuilding Apex
In February 1905, a big fire started in downtown Apex. It destroyed several wooden buildings. But the owners didn't give up! They rebuilt their businesses using brick, which is much safer from fires.
On June 12, 1911, another fire hit Apex's business area. The Merchants and Farmer's Bank, the Postmaster's house, and many other buildings were lost. Once again, the people of Apex rebuilt their downtown shops. A new train station was also built in 1914.
Bringing Downtown Apex Back to Life
Like many small towns in the U.S., businesses in downtown Apex started to close in the 1970s and 1980s. By 1985, half of the buildings in downtown Apex were empty.
In 1995, town leaders decided to make Salem Street better. They wanted to help local businesses and attract visitors. They put power lines underground, fixed sidewalks, and added plants and trees.
In 1996, Apex received an award for its hard work in making the historic district lively again. Apex has grown a lot, from about 4,500 people in 1990 to an estimated 34,000 in 2008. Because of this growth, the district continues to develop. New additions include more office spaces, a hotel, a theater, churches, six parks, and over 800 new homes.
Exploring Apex's Architecture
The Apex Historic District has 60 buildings that were built between 1870 and 1940. People have even called it a "Gucci Mayberry," meaning it's charming and well-kept.
Styles of Buildings You Can See
The buildings in the district show off many different architectural styles. These include:
- Bungalow
- Craftsman
- Queen Anne
- Classical Revival
- Italianate
- Modern Movement
- Late Victorian
- Early Commercial (buildings designed for businesses)
Salem Street is lined with brick buildings that are one or two stories tall. Examples include the historic Town Hall and the Union Depot. The shops in the district offer many things, like art galleries, bakeries, restaurants, and unique boutique stores.
