Coatesville Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Coatesville Historic District
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Coatsville Culture building in the Coatesville Historic District, March 2011
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Chesnut St., Sixth Ave., Oak St., Fifth Ave., Harmony St., and First Ave., Coatesville, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 115 acres (47 ha) |
| Architect | Cope & Stewardson; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Gothic, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000667 |
| Added to NRHP | May 14, 1987 |
The Coatesville Historic District is a special area in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. It's like a time capsule! This district is recognized as a national historic place. It helps protect many old and important buildings. These buildings show us what life was like long ago in Coatesville.
This historic district is located in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It covers a big area, about 115 acres. Inside, you'll find 457 buildings that are part of its history. These buildings are mostly in the city's main shopping area. They also spread into the nearby neighborhoods where people live.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, sites, or objects. They are important because of their history, architecture, or culture. When an area becomes a historic district, it means people want to save its special character. It helps make sure these old buildings are cared for. It also teaches us about the past.
The Coatesville Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This is a list of places in the United States that are worth preserving.
A Look at the Buildings
The buildings in this district are quite old. Some date back to the mid-1700s! Most of them were built between 1850 and 1924. They are usually two or three stories tall. Many are made of brick, which was a popular building material back then.
You can see different styles of architecture here. Two main styles are:
- Gothic Revival: This style looks a bit like old European castles or churches. It often has pointed arches and fancy decorations.
- Italianate: This style was inspired by Italian Renaissance villas. Buildings often have tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
Famous Buildings in the District
Several buildings stand out in the Coatesville Historic District. They each have their own story:
- Fleming House (around 1750): This is one of the oldest homes in the district. Imagine who lived here almost 300 years ago!
- Brandywine Mansion (around 1750): Another very old building, showing early American architecture.
- National Bank of Chester Valley (1917): This building shows how important banks were to the city's growth.
- St. Cecelia's Church (1870): A beautiful church that has been a part of the community for over 150 years.
- Beth Israel Synagogue (1925): This synagogue represents the diverse history of people in Coatesville.
- Coatesville High School (1915): Many generations of students learned here. It's a reminder of the city's focus on education.
The district also includes two places that are listed separately as historic:
- Lukens Main Office Building: This building is part of the history of Lukens Steel Company, which was very important to Coatesville.
- "Terracina:" This is another special historic property within the district.
Exploring the Coatesville Historic District is like taking a walk through history. It helps us understand how the city grew and changed over time.
