Main Street Commercial Historic District (Platteville, Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Main Street Commercial Historic District
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The William Parnell Building, located in the district.
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Chestnut, Furnace, Bonson, Mineral, Oak, and Pine, Platteville, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 12 acres (4.9 ha) |
| Built | 1848 |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000377 |
| Added to NRHP | March 9, 1990 |
The Main Street Commercial Historic District is a special area in Platteville, Wisconsin. It's like a time capsule showing how the town's businesses looked long ago. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important part of American history.
What is the Main Street Commercial Historic District?
This historic district covers the old business areas of Platteville. These areas are found on Second Street and Main Street. The town was planned like an old English village. This means it has narrow streets and small building lots. There was even a village green, which is a common open space.
Buildings from the Past
The district is home to many old buildings. Each building shows a different style of architecture. These styles were popular when the buildings were first built.
- Parnell Building (1847): This building is one of the oldest. It was built in the Federal style. This style often uses simple, balanced designs. It has brick walls and tall windows. The Parnell Building is even shown in the picture above.
- Hendershot Harness Shop (1853): This shop dates back to the mid-1800s. It was likely a place where horse harnesses were made or sold.
- Kettler Building (1876): This building shows the Italianate style. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It often features tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
- Wedige Saloon (1906): Also built in the Italianate style, this building is from the early 1900s. It shows how the style continued to be used.
- Dr. Cunningham House (1906): This house is in the Queen Anne style. This style is known for its towers, turrets, and decorative details. It often has different textures and colors on its outside.
- Carnegie Library (1914): This library was built with money from Andrew Carnegie. It features the Tudor Revival style. This style looks like old English Tudor homes. It often has steep roofs and decorative half-timbering.
- First National Bank (1924): This bank building is in the Neoclassical style. This style looks back to ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It often has grand columns and a formal, balanced look.
- Municipal Building (1938): This building shows the Art Deco style. Art Deco was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It uses geometric shapes, bold lines, and decorative patterns.
These buildings together tell the story of Platteville's growth. They show how architecture changed over many years.
