North Geneva Historic District facts for kids
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North Geneva Historic District
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A house in the North Geneva Historic District
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by railroad tracks, Fox River, Stevens and W. State Sts., Geneva, Illinois |
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| Area | 72 acres (29 ha) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate, Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002549 (original) 16000898 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 1, 1979 |
| Boundary increase | July 10, 2017 |
The North Geneva Historic District is a special area in Geneva, Illinois. It has 161 old buildings and structures. About 150 of these buildings are important because they show the area's history. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It was made a little bigger in 2017.
History of North Geneva
The North Geneva Historic District shows the oldest part of the city's settlement. Many important early business people lived here. It was also home to many working-class families. This area was known as the First Ward.
It is generally located between Stevens Street and the Union Pacific Railroad on the west. W. State Street is to the south, and the Fox River is to the east. The buildings on the west and east sides of the district look similar.
Early Settlers and Architecture
The district shows the different social and economic groups of the first settlers. The First Ward was planned out in a grid pattern. This means streets crossed each other at right angles, like a checkerboard.
The blocks were about 300 square feet. They were divided into ten lots, each 60 by 100 feet. However, lots along the Fox River were different shapes and sizes.
Homes for working-class families were not too big. They were built in a simple, traditional style. Most of them were made of wood.
Oscar and August Wilson were well-known local architects. They liked the ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright. They added elements of the Prairie School style to their buildings. These buildings were otherwise in a common, local style.
Out of 150 important buildings, 62 are very special. They are noted for their history or unique design. Three of Geneva's first five churches are also in this district. The district became part of the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1979.
Notable Buildings in the District
The official document for the historic district points out several buildings. These buildings are great examples of architectural styles from the mid-to-late 1800s.
- Hubbard–Wrate House: Built around 1848, this house shows the Italianate style.
- DeGrout House: Built around 1856, this house is in the Greek Revival style.
- 202 N. Fourth Street: Built around 1915, this was the home of August Wilson. It features the Prairie School style.
- 228 N. Fourth Street: Built around 1916, this was the home of Oscar Wilson. It also shows the Prairie School style.
- United Methodist Church: Built in 1874, with its tower finished in 1893. It is in the Romanesque Revival style.
- Westgrath–Crary House: Built in 1849, this house was made using riverstone.
