West Main Street District (Kent, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Main Street District
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![]() Houses in the district in 2009
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Location | 409–625 West Main Street Kent, Ohio |
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Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
Built | Late 19th and early 20th centuries |
Architectural style | Commercial style, Eastlake, Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne style |
NRHP reference No. | 77001082 |
Added to NRHP | June 17, 1977 |
The West Main Street District is a special area in Kent, Ohio. It is found in the state of Ohio in the United States. This district is known for its beautiful old buildings. It is called a historic district because its buildings are important to history. Because of this, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This historic district includes 25 buildings. Most of these buildings are houses. They are located on both sides of West Main Street. The district stretches from North and South Mantua Streets to North and South Chestnut Streets. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 17, 1977.
Contents
What Makes the West Main Street District Special?
The West Main Street District is important because it shows us how buildings looked a long time ago. It helps us understand the history of Kent, Ohio. Many of the homes here were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Exploring the Buildings
When you walk through the district, you will see many different types of houses. Each building has its own unique look. They show popular building styles from the past. It's like a living museum of architecture.
Famous Homes and Places
One important building in the district is the Kent Masonic Center. This building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places even earlier, in 1974. It is a place where a group called the Masons meet.
Another special home in the district belonged to Martin L. Davey. He was a very important person. Martin L. Davey served as the Governor of Ohio. He was the leader of the state from 1935 to 1939. His house is a part of this historic area.
Architectural Styles You'll See
The buildings in the West Main Street District show many different architectural styles. This means they were built with various design ideas. Some of the styles you can see include:
- Commercial style: Often seen in older office buildings.
- Eastlake: Known for detailed wooden decorations.
- Gothic Revival: Looks like old castles or churches, with pointed arches.
- Greek Revival: Inspired by ancient Greek temples, with columns.
- Italianate: Often has low-pitched roofs and tall, narrow windows.
- Queen Anne style: Known for towers, turrets, and decorative shingles.
These different styles make the district a fun place to explore. You can see how building designs changed over time.