Downtown LaPorte Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Downtown LaPorte Historic District
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Laporte County Courthouse, Spring 2007
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 Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by State, Jackson, Maple and Chicago Sts., LaPorte, Indiana |
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| Area | 35 acres (14 ha) |
| Built | c. 1860 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne, Romanesque, Neo Classical |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000039 |
| Added to NRHP | September 15, 1983 |
The Downtown LaPorte Historic District is a special area in La Porte, Indiana. It is recognized as a national historic district. This means the buildings here are important because of their history and unique architecture.
The district includes 70 important buildings in the center of LaPorte. These buildings were mostly built between 1860 and 1930. They show off different styles like Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, and Neoclassical. Some famous buildings include the LaPorte County Courthouse and the Hotel Rumely. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Contents
History of Downtown LaPorte
The Downtown LaPorte Historic District tells the story of how LaPorte grew. It started as a small town and became a big manufacturing center. LaPorte was first settled in 1830. Its streets were officially planned in 1833.
How Railroads Helped LaPorte Grow
When trains arrived in the 1850s, the downtown area really started to boom. Some of the oldest buildings still standing today are the Zahrt Blocks (built in 1868 and 1874) and the Ridgway Hotel (built in 1863). These buildings show the Italianate style. They are typically two or three stories tall and made of brick. You can spot Italianate buildings by their fancy metal decorations around the roof and windows. They often have storefronts with strong cast-iron columns.
Downtown's Location and Early Buildings
The downtown area is located where two old trails used to meet. Lakes and wet areas to the north made the town build on higher, firmer ground. The railroads helped development continue south of the lakes. Factories and industries were the main source of jobs until after World War I. The downtown area still shows its rich history of businesses and public life. Many buildings have three floors: shops on the ground floor, and offices or homes on the upper floors.
The earliest buildings were constructed between the Civil War and 1873. The Zahrt Blocks (607–609 Michigan Avenue) were built in 1868 and 1874. They were bought by people hoping to sell them for more money later. These buildings had simple designs but fancy tin decorations. This showed that the land was becoming very valuable. In fact, some similar buildings were torn down and replaced with taller ones by 1890.
Another example is the former Ridgway Hotel (401 Michigan), built in 1863. It has a simple, boxy shape. But it's made more interesting with decorative window hoods and a detailed roof edge. Other buildings on Lincolnway also followed this style. They had consistent rooflines and simple Italianate details. This was a common look throughout the 1870s.
Newer Buildings and Grand Designs
Many of these early commercial buildings were replaced later in the 1800s. The most important building in the district is the LaPorte County Courthouse. It was built between 1890 and 1894. This impressive building is in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. It was designed by Brentwood Tolan, who also designed other courthouses in Indiana.
Many commercial buildings built during this time had very decorative fronts. This showed how successful the owners' businesses were. Buildings like the Lonn Block and the Hotel Rumely proudly displayed their names and building dates. Important public buildings like the city's post office, the train station, and the Masonic Temple also showed off the city's strong economy.
Important Buildings to See
The Downtown LaPorte Historic District has many interesting buildings. Here are a few notable ones:
Along Lincolnway
- La Porte County Courthouse (801 Lincolnway): This grand building was constructed between 1890 and 1894. It's a great example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
- Peoples' Trust Savings Bank (912 Lincolnway): Built in 1912, this bank has a Neo-Classical style. It looks like a Greek temple with its limestone front. The architect, George Alien, made the entrance look very grand.
Along Jefferson Avenue
- Masonic Temple (820 Jefferson Avenue): Built in 1913, this Neo-Classical building is known for its beautiful stained glass windows.
Along Maple Avenue
- La Porte Library (805 Maple Avenue): This library was built in 1876 and updated around 1925. It combines Romanesque Revival and Tudor Revival styles.
Along Michigan Avenue
- Ridgway Hotel (401 Michigan Avenue): This Italianate style hotel was built in 1863 and is one of the oldest buildings in the district.
- Zahrt Block (607 and 609 Michigan Avenue): These two Italianate buildings were built in 1868 and 1874. They are good examples of early commercial buildings.
- Odd Fellows Hall (717 Michigan Avenue): This building has a ballroom with interesting Second Empire details.
- Hotel Rumely (800 Michigan Avenue): Built in 1912, this hotel is a fine example of Renaissance Revival architecture.
Images for kids
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La Porte County Courthouse from down Lincolnway.
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La Porte Carnegie Library, 905 Indiana Ave, part of the Downtown LaPorte Historic District.
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Masonic Hall, 801 Jefferson, La Porte, Indiana, part of the Downtown LaPorte Historic District.
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