Metro South Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Metro South Historic District
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179 Main Street
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main and College Sts., Middletown, Connecticut |
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| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Architect | Kimball, Francis ; Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Renaissance, and Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004064 |
| Added to NRHP | January 24, 1980 |
The Metro South Historic District is a special area in downtown Middletown, Connecticut. It stretches south from Main and College Streets for two blocks. This district was mostly built in the 1800s. It has many beautiful and old buildings from that time. Some of these buildings are connected to important people from Middletown's past. This historic area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Contents
Exploring the Historic District
This district includes 15 buildings that help tell its history. There is also one newer building that does not fit the historical period. The district is mainly on the west side of Main Street. It goes from Church Street to College Street. Two older buildings, an armory and a colonial house from the 1750s, are on the east side of Main Street.
Architectural Styles You'll See
The Metro South Historic District shows off different building styles. You can see two Greek Revival churches here. One is a Baptist church built in 1842. The other is a Universalist Church from 1839. These buildings have tall columns and grand entrances.
Famous Buildings and Designers
One very important building is the Middlesex Opera House. It was designed by a famous architect named Francis Kimball. He was known across the country for his work. The opera house is a great example of the district's rich history.
History of the Area's Growth
For a long time, the southern part of Main Street in Middletown was mostly homes. You can still find a few houses from the colonial and Federal periods. These older homes show how the area looked centuries ago.
From Homes to Businesses
In the late 1800s, the downtown area started to grow south. More businesses began to open here. For example, the opera house was built in 1892. The armory, a place for military training, was built in 1921. These buildings show the shift from a quiet residential area to a busy commercial center.
Other Notable Buildings
Other interesting buildings from this time include the firehouse, built in 1896. The Middlesex Assurance Company building is another key structure. Located at 179 Main Street, it was built in 1867. This building is one of the most detailed and beautiful in the entire district.
Key Buildings in the District
Here is a list of some of the important buildings in the Metro South Historic District:
- Caleb Fuller House (1771)
- Rev. John Cookson House (1837)
- Southmayd House (1747)
- First Baptist Church (1842)
- Gen. Mansfield House (1810, now home to the Middlesex Historical Society)
- Hall House (1796)
- 109-111 College Street (1926, once the entrance for the Middlesex Theater)
- Middlesex Theater/Opera House (1892)
- Former firehouse (1896)
- G.A. Chafee Building (1870)
- Universalist Church (1839)
- 191-195 Main Street (1835)
- Middlesex Assurance Co. (1867)
- State Armory (1921), including the John Watkinson House (1810)
- Charles Boardman House (1750s)
