Downtown Durham Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Downtown Durham Historic District
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Carolina Theatre, Downtown Durham Historic District, September 2019
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Peabody, Morgan, Seminary, Cleveland, Parrish, and Queen Sts., Durham, North Carolina |
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| Area | 0 acres (0 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000998 |
| Added to NRHP | November 1, 1977 |
The Downtown Durham Historic District is a special area in Durham, North Carolina. It is recognized as a historic district because of its important old buildings. This district is located in the city's main business area.
The district includes 97 important buildings and one structure. Most of these buildings were built between 1900 and 1940. They show off different styles of architecture. These styles include Colonial Revival, Italianate, and Art Deco.
The Downtown Durham Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it is officially recognized for its historical value.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or sites. They are important because of their history or architecture. These areas are often protected to keep their special look and feel.
Being a historic district helps preserve old buildings. It also helps people learn about the past. The buildings in these districts tell stories about how a city grew.
Exploring Durham's Old Buildings
The Downtown Durham Historic District has many interesting buildings. They show different styles from the early 20th century. You can see churches, banks, and even a theater.
Famous Buildings to See
Many buildings here are great examples of old architecture. The Durham County Courthouse was built in 1916. The Carolina Theatre, built in the 1920s, is another famous spot. It was once called the Durham Auditorium.
Other notable buildings include the St. Philip's Episcopal Church from 1907. The First National Bank Building, built between 1913 and 1915, is also important. These buildings show the growth of Durham over time.
Architectural Styles in Durham
The buildings in the district show several cool architectural styles.
- Colonial Revival: This style brings back ideas from early American colonial homes. It often features simple, classic designs.
- Italianate: Buildings in this style often have tall, narrow windows. They might also have decorative brackets under the roof.
- Art Deco: This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It uses geometric shapes, bold lines, and often shiny materials. The Snow Building (1933) is a good example.
These different styles make the district a fun place to explore. You can see how architecture changed over the years.
Why is This District Important?
The Downtown Durham Historic District is important for several reasons. It helps us understand the history of Durham. The buildings show how the city developed as a business center.
Preserving these buildings keeps the city's heritage alive. It allows future generations to see and learn from the past. It also helps keep the unique character of downtown Durham.
