Apremont Triangle Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Apremont Triangle Historic District
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Young Men's Christian Association
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Springfield, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and Early 20th Century Revivals, Modern Movement, Romanesque |
| MPS | Metro Center Springfield MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000735 |
| Added to NRHP | May 27, 1983 |
The Apremont Triangle Historic District is a special area in Springfield, Massachusetts. It's located where Pearl, Hillman, Bridge, and Chestnut Streets meet in the city's Metro Center neighborhood. This district is sometimes called "the Heart of Springfield" by local artists.
It's home to several interesting buildings and a park. You'll find the tall Kimball Towers Condominiums, which used to be a fancy hotel. There's also a historic nine-story building that was once a YMCA and is now apartments. Other buildings include the six-story Tarbell-Waters Building, a former office building, and two-story buildings that used to be car showrooms for Rolls Royce and Pontiac.
Today, this district is a lively spot for artists and creative people. It has art studios, places for different kinds of media, and unique restaurants. Groups like The Apremont Arts Community help bring artists and businesses together here.
The Apremont Triangle Historic District is easy to walk around. It's close to many other important places in Springfield. These include the city's main business area, Union Station, the Quadrangle (a group of museums), the MassMutual Center, Symphony Hall, and the Springfield Armory.
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Important Buildings in the District
Some of the key buildings in the Apremont Triangle Historic District have interesting stories.
The Former YMCA Building
The building at 122 Chestnut Street used to be a YMCA. It was built in a style called Renaissance Revival. In the 1980s, it was changed into 99 apartments. This building is an important part of the district's history and its artistic community.
The Tarbell-Waters Building
The Tarbell-Waters Building was built in 1923. It has a Neo-Gothic design, which means it looks a bit like old European churches. This building was once an office building. Both this building and the former YMCA are very important to the unique feel of the Apremont Triangle Historic District.
Apremont Triangle Park
The Apremont Triangle Park has a special name. It honors Springfield's own 104th Infantry regiment. This group of soldiers was the first U.S. military unit ever to be recognized by a foreign country for their bravery in war.
Bravery in World War I
During World War I, the 104th Infantry showed incredible courage at a place called Apremont. Because of their bravery, the country of France gave them a special award called the Croix de Guerre. The park is named to remember their heroism.
Bravery in World War II
Amazingly, the 104th Infantry Regiment earned the Croix de Guerre again in World War II! In that war, they fought under famous leaders like General George Patton and were part of important battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. There's a monument in the park that reminds everyone of the 104th Infantry's brave actions.
Kimball Towers Condominiums
The Hotel Kimball was once known as the "finest hotel in Western Massachusetts." It was built in 1910 and opened on St. Patrick's Day, 1911. The New York Times newspaper even said it was "ranking with the finest [hotels] in the country." It was a grand and modern hotel.
A Place of Firsts and Famous Guests
In 1920, the Hotel Kimball was home to the United States' first-ever commercial radio station, WBZ, which started in Springfield. Many U.S. Presidents stayed at The Kimball, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. Later, in the 1940s, it became the Sheraton-Kimball Hotel, managed by Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. The Kimball was the first "grand hotel" that Sheraton bought. At that time, Sheraton's main office was in Springfield.
Today's Kimball Towers
Today, the Hotel Kimball is known as the Kimball Towers Condominiums. In the 1980s, the building was changed from over 300 hotel rooms into about 120 apartments called condominiums.
In the 2000s, living in downtown areas like Metro Center Springfield became very popular. Many artists and people who enjoy city life moved into the Kimball Towers. Because of its history, it became a central place for Springfield's art community. By 2011, it was one of the most important buildings for artists and creative people in the city.
