West Bluff Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Bluff Historic District
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![]() Francis W. Little House, a contributing property on the West Bluff
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Location | Randolph, High and Moss Sts., E of Western St., Peoria, Illinois |
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Area | 365 acres (148 ha) |
Architect | Frank Lloyd Wright, Various |
Architectural style | Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Prairie style, Classical Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 76000725 |
Added to NRHP | December 17, 1976 |
The West Bluff Historic District is a special area in Peoria, Illinois. It's one of three Registered Historic Districts in Peoria County, Illinois. This district is mostly made up of homes. It shows how wealthy families lived in the United States a long time ago, in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Some of the most interesting buildings here were designed by a famous architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. These include the Francis W. Little House at 1505 W. Moss Avenue and another house at 1316 W. Moss Avenue. These homes are called "contributing structures" because they help make the district special. Other important homes in the district are the Judge Jacob Gale House at 1007 N. North Street and the Pettengill–Morron House at 1212 W. Moss Avenue. The West Bluff Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1976. This means it's officially recognized as an important historical place.
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Exploring the West Bluff Historic District
The West Bluff Historic District is a great place to see many different styles of old homes. Walking through this area is like taking a trip back in time. You can imagine what life was like for families living here over a hundred years ago.
What Makes a Historic District Special?
A historic district is an area that has a lot of buildings or sites that are important to history. These places are protected so they can be preserved for future generations. The West Bluff Historic District is special because it shows the rich history and architecture of Peoria.
Famous Architects and Their Designs
One of the most famous architects who designed buildings in this district was Frank Lloyd Wright. He was known for his unique "Prairie style" of architecture. This style often features flat or low-pitched roofs, open floor plans, and strong horizontal lines. His designs aimed to blend buildings with their natural surroundings.
The Francis W. Little House
The Francis W. Little House is a great example of Frank Lloyd Wright's work. It's a large, beautiful home that shows his creative ideas. This house is a key part of the West Bluff Historic District's historical value.
Other Notable Homes in the District
Besides Wright's designs, the district also has homes built in other styles. These include Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Classical Revival styles. Each style has its own special features, like decorative towers, fancy porches, or grand columns.
Where is the West Bluff Historic District?
The West Bluff Historic District is located in Peoria, Illinois. Its main boundaries are around Randolph, Moss, and High Streets. This area is just west of Western Avenue. Some nearby streets are also part of this historic district. It's easy to find and explore if you're visiting Peoria.