Mid-Town Historic District (Elizabeth, New Jersey) facts for kids
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Mid-Town Historic District
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 Location in Union County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| NRHP reference No. | 95001143 |
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Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 5, 1995 |
The Mid-Town Historic District is a special area in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It's recognized as a historic place by both the state and federal governments. This means the buildings and streets here are important because of their history and unique architecture. The district covers many streets in the heart of Elizabeth's downtown area.
Discovering Historic Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a big city in New Jersey, and it's the main city for Union County. Even though Elizabeth is large, it doesn't have many super tall skyscrapers. Instead, the Mid-Town Historic District is known for its beautiful buildings built a long time ago. Many of these were constructed before or during the Great Depression (a tough economic time in the 1930s).
Important Buildings to See
The Mid-Town Historic District includes several important buildings. These are called "contributing properties" because they help make the district special and historic.
- The Elizabeth Public Library: This is a key building in the district. It's a place where everyone can learn and read.
- The Ritz Theatre: Imagine watching a show here! This old theater adds a lot of character to the area.
- The First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth: This church is so important that it's listed as a historic place all by itself.
Notable Architecture in the District
Many buildings in the Mid-Town Historic District stand out because of their unique designs. Here are a few examples:
- Union County Courthouse: Built in 1931, this large building is a great example of Neoclassical architecture. This style often uses grand columns and designs inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
- Hersch Tower: Also built in 1931, the Hersch Tower shows off the Art Deco style. Art Deco buildings often have cool geometric shapes, rich colors, and fancy decorations.
- St. John's Episcopal Church: This church, built in 1860, is another important landmark. Its design adds to the historic feel of the district.
- Winfield Scott Tower: Built in 1928, this tower features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. This style often includes elements like red tile roofs, stucco walls, and decorative ironwork, inspired by Spanish colonial buildings.
- Amber Court: This building was once known as the Elizabeth Cateret Hotel. Built in 1928, it shows off the Renaissance Revival architecture style, which brings back ideas from the European Renaissance period.
These buildings, along with many others, help tell the story of Elizabeth's past and make the Mid-Town Historic District a fascinating place to visit and explore.
