Cherokee Commercial Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cherokee Commercial Historic District
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Parts of Main, Maple, and Willow between 1st and 6th Sts. Cherokee, Iowa |
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| Area | 14.8 acres (6.0 ha) |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000903 |
| Added to NRHP | August 24, 2005 |
The Cherokee Commercial Historic District is a special part of Cherokee, Iowa. It's like a living museum of old buildings. This area is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized across the country for its history and unique architecture. It was added to this list in 2005.
When it was first recognized, the district had 70 important structures. Fifty of these were "contributing buildings." This means they help tell the story of the district's history. The other 20 buildings were "non-contributing," meaning they don't quite fit the historical period. This historic district covers most of the main shopping area in Cherokee.
Exploring the Cherokee Historic District
Most of the buildings in this district are two or three stories tall. They are mainly built from strong brick. You can also find two older wooden buildings from the very first days of the city. Cherokee is a bit unique because it never had a huge fire that destroyed its downtown. This allowed the area to grow slowly over time.
What Makes It Special?
Unlike many county seats, Cherokee doesn't have a big courthouse in the middle of its downtown. The Cherokee County Courthouse was built on a hill outside the main business area. This makes Cherokee's downtown different from many others.
The district is mostly filled with commercial buildings. These are places where businesses operated. Churches, homes, and government buildings are usually found just outside this main area. The upper floors of many buildings often held offices for doctors, lawyers, and other professionals.
Buildings and Styles
Two important buildings in the district are the Illinois Central Railroad Depot and the Baggage Terminal. Both were built in 1896 and are considered important historical parts of the area.
The buildings in the district were mostly built between 1867 and 1955. This time frame is called the "period of significance." It means these years are key to the district's history. You can see several cool architectural styles here. These include:
- Italianate: Buildings with tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
- Romanesque Revival: Often features round arches and heavy stone or brickwork.
- Neoclassical: Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings, with columns and grand entrances.
- Art Deco and Moderne Style: These styles are more modern, with sleek lines and geometric shapes.
Some famous architects designed buildings in this district. These include:
- Josselyn & Taylor, who designed the Lewis Hotel in 1899.
- Warren Wilfred Beach, who designed the Hawley Allison Block around 1910.
- William Beuttler and Ralph Arnold, who designed the Sachse, Bunn & Company Block in 1920.
These buildings and their styles tell the story of Cherokee's growth and development over many years.
