City Hall Historic District (Battle Creek, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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City Hall Historic District
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Battle Creek City Hall
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| Location | E. Michigan Ave.,from Monroe to Jay Sts., Battle Creek, Michigan |
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| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Architect | Albert Kahn, Ernest W. Arnold |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000366 |
| Added to NRHP | April 4, 1996 |
The City Hall Historic District is a special area in Battle Creek, Michigan. It's like a historical neighborhood that includes important old buildings and businesses. This district is located along East Michigan Avenue, stretching from Monroe to Jay Streets. It was officially recognized as a historic place in 1996, meaning it's important to protect its history and unique buildings.
History of the District
The center of Battle Creek was first mapped out in 1836. This area quickly became one of the first places to be developed. While the very first stores were just west of this district, the first house in Battle Creek was probably built right here.
A school was built in the district in 1834. Soon after, both the Methodist and Baptist churches also built their places of worship here. Businesses quickly grew along Michigan Avenue. By the mid-1800s, the first few blocks of Michigan Avenue were filled with one- and two-story wooden shops.
By the 1870s, businesses had spread throughout the entire district. The wooden stores were replaced by stronger brick buildings. After the year 1900, some of the most important buildings in the district were constructed. These included the old Post Office and the City Hall. This area has continued to be used for city services and businesses right up to today.
What You'll Find in the District
The City Hall Historic District covers two blocks along Michigan Avenue. It has 19 buildings and structures in total. Twelve of these buildings are considered important to the district's history.
Two buildings are especially significant:
The district also includes a Masonic temple, two churches, and a city park. You'll also see many commercial buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Here are some of the important buildings and structures:
- Battle Creek Gas Co. Building (26 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1901.
- Commercial building (30 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1916.
- Binder Block (34 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1887.
- Potter Block (36-40 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1880-81.
- Elizabeth Block (66-68 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1913.
- Commercial building (70 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1891-95.
- First Baptist Church (80 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1871-72.
- Battle Creek City Hall (103 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1912-14.
- First United Methodist Church (114 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1908.
- Commercial building (118-120 E . Michigan Avenue): Built in 1904.
- Commercial building (122-124 E. Michigan Avenue.): Built before 1911.
- Masonic Temple (133 E. Michigan Avenue): Built in 1913-14.
- Post Office Building (80 E. State Street): Built in 1904-07.
- Post Park: This park includes a monument to cereal maker C. W. Post, put up in 1916.
Gallery
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Battle Creek Post Office
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First Baptist Church
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Masonic Temple
