Downtown Three Rivers Commercial Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Downtown Three Rivers Commercial Historic District
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Downtown, 2017
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | N. Main St., Michigan and Portage Aves., Three Rivers, Michigan |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004472 |
| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1982 |
The Downtown Three Rivers Commercial Historic District is a special area in Three Rivers, Michigan. It's found along North Main Street, between Michigan and Portage Avenues. This district is important because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's a place with a lot of history worth protecting!
Contents
Exploring Three Rivers' Past
How Three Rivers Began
Three Rivers started way back in 1836. A person named John H. Bowman planned out the first part of the town. This included the downtown area and some nearby homes. Right away, this spot became the main place for businesses. Simple wooden buildings were built along what is now Main Street in the 1830s.
Many mills were built in the area during the 1830s and 1840s. These mills helped the town grow. In 1851, a company called Lockport Hydraulic Company was formed. They built a dam on the river and made a power canal. This helped power the mills and other businesses.
A Growing Town
Then, in 1853, a railroad line was built through the village. This was a big deal! It made it easier to bring goods in and out of Three Rivers. Because of these changes, the town grew very quickly in the second half of the 1800s. Many new buildings started going up in the 1850s.
Some of the oldest buildings still standing today were built around this time. For example, the Kelsey block was built in 1854. The Whitesell and McMurtrie block went up in 1859. Another old building at 18 N. Main was built in 1861. More construction filled the downtown in the 1860s, 70s, and 80s.
Most of these buildings were built by local people. Many were merchants who owned shops. A farmer named Isaac Null built seven commercial buildings between 1863 and 1886. He also built his own house in 1884. Today, the downtown area of Three Rivers is one of the best-preserved old downtowns in southwest Michigan.
What Makes the District Special?
Historic Buildings and Architecture
The Downtown Three Rivers Commercial Historic District has all the buildings left from the late 1800s. There are 48 structures in total. This includes one house, the old public library, and 46 business buildings. Most of these business buildings are one to three stories tall.
Many of the buildings show a style called Commercial Italianate. This means they have certain design features popular in Italy. These buildings are built right next to each other. They also sit directly on the sidewalk. This creates a visually pleasing street scene. The old-fashioned look from the Victorian era gives the district its unique feel.
Notable Structures to See
There are several important buildings in the district:
- Prutzman Block (22-24 North Main): This is a two-story building with lots of fancy details. It's built in the Italianate style.
- Three Blocks with Mansard Roofs (34, 36 and 38 North Main): These buildings have special sloped roofs called mansard roofs. They were built in the 1870s.
- 52-56 North Main: This is a wide business building constructed in 1890.
- Riviera Theatre (50 N. Main): This classic movie theater was built in the 1920s. It has a cool, modern-looking sign that sticks out. It was built inside an older building from the 1860s.
- Three Rivers Savings and Loan "south building" (101 S. Main): This is a one-story building made of light brown brick. It has terra cotta decorations. It was built in 1916.
- Public Library (107 N. Main): This old library building is 2.5 stories tall. It has a cross-gable roof and is made of rough stone. The gables have shingles. It was built in 1904 and designed by A.W. Rush & Co.
Images for kids
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Downtown Streetscape, 2012
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Downtown Streetscape during Harmont Fest, 2012
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Main Street looking south, c. 1940
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The Rivera Theater and Bar
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The Riviera Theatre
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