Downtown Altoona Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Downtown Altoona Historic District
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by 11th Avenue, 11th Street, 15th Avenue and 13th Street, also 700–1000 Lexington and 900–1000 Howard Avenues, Altoona, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 48.9 acres (19.8 ha) |
| Built | 1868 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian, Early Commercial, Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 92000946, 04000885 (Boundary Increase) |
| Added to NRHP | July 24, 1992, August 20, 2004 (Boundary Increase) |
The Downtown Altoona Historic District is a special area in Altoona, Pennsylvania, located in Blair County, Pennsylvania. It's like a big outdoor museum! This district is recognized by the United States government for its important history and unique buildings. It includes about 240 buildings that tell the story of Altoona's past.
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Exploring Altoona's Historic Heart
This historic district is a key part of Altoona's downtown area. It shows how the city grew and changed over time. Many of the buildings here were built after the 1860s. They include different types of structures. You can find homes, government buildings, community centers, and churches.
What Makes It Special?
The buildings in the district are called "contributing buildings." This means they help show the history and character of the area. Even though it doesn't cover all of downtown, it's the most urban and historic part. It's a great place to see how Altoona developed.
Famous Buildings to See
The district is home to many interesting and important buildings. Here are a few you might recognize:
- The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was built in the 1920s. It's a beautiful church.
- The First Methodist Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church are also historic places of worship.
- The First Evangelical Lutheran Church was built between 1896 and 1897.
- The U.S. Post Office was constructed from 1931 to 1933. It's still used today.
- The Altoona City Hall is another important civic building.
- Other notable buildings include the Casanave Building from the 1890s and the Hutchison Block.
- The McCrory's Department Store was built in 1937.
- The Aaron-Penn Furniture Building is also part of this historic collection.
Separately Listed Landmarks
Some buildings within the district are so important they are listed on their own. These include:
- The Central Trust Company Buildings
- The Mishler Theatre
- The Penn Alto Hotel
When Was It Recognized?
The Downtown Altoona Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This is a list of places across the country that are important to American history. A larger area was added to the district in 2004. This means more buildings were included because they also contribute to its historical value.
