Ashtabula Harbour Commercial District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ashtabula Harbour Commercial District
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Building west of Hulbert Avenue
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Both sides of W. 5th St. from the 1200 block to the Ashtabula River in Ashtabula, Ohio |
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| Area | 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Built | 1870 |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical, Late Victorian, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001311 |
| Added to NRHP | September 5, 1975 |
The Ashtabula Harbour Commercial District is a special historical area in Ashtabula, Ohio. It's located right by Lake Erie, where ships used to come and go. This district has many old buildings that show what the city was like long ago. It was a very busy port city in the late 1800s.
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Discovering Ashtabula Harbour's History
This historic district is found in the northern part of Ashtabula, Ohio. It's a commercial area, meaning it was once full of businesses. The buildings here were mostly built in the late 1800s. At that time, Ashtabula was a very important port city.
A Glimpse into the Past
Most of the buildings in this district were constructed between 1865 and 1878. Some newer ones appeared in the early 1900s. This area has always been a place for businesses. The main street through the district was called Bridge Street. It led right to a bridge over the Ashtabula River.
Before the 1870s, Ashtabula Harbour was its own town. It was about two miles north of Ashtabula's main downtown. Bridge Street was the heart of its business activity. The buildings in the district look quite different from each other. Some are much taller than others.
Architectural Styles You Can Spot
You can see different building styles here. These include:
- Italianate: Buildings often have tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
- Queen Anne: These homes might have towers, turrets, or patterned shingles.
- Neoclassical: Look for grand, formal designs, sometimes with columns.
Most buildings are made of brick. You might also find a few wooden frame structures.
Why This District is Special
The Ashtabula Harbour Commercial District became a protected historic area in 1975. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as important for both its history and its architecture. It kept its look from the late 1800s. This helps us remember what a busy harbor business area it once was.
There are 75 "contributing properties" within the district. This means 75 buildings or structures add to its historical importance.
Protecting the Past
In 1978, the city of Ashtabula created its own historical district. This city district is much larger. It includes many residential streets, not just the commercial area. Since 2010, the city district stretches from the river bridge to Lake Avenue. It also goes from Morton Drive along the river to Walnut Beach Park.
The city has rules to protect these old buildings. Owners cannot change the outside of buildings in the federally protected district. They must first get approval from the city's historic preservation board. This helps keep the district looking like it did long ago.
