Downtown Hinsdale Historic District

Downtown Hinsdale Historic District is a commercial area containing more than 70 buildings arranged around a central park within defined boundaries. The structures display varied architectural styles spanning several decades of construction and design evolution.

William Robbins founded the area in 1865, and the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad station sparked rapid development of commercial buildings. This growth was tied directly to the railroad's expansion into the region.

The district features architectural designs from Late Victorian, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Art Deco periods throughout its structures.

Commercial buildings cluster on the south side of the railway tracks, while government facilities and the Village Hall occupy the north side. Walking through both sections helps visitors understand how the district was organized by function.

The Memorial Building, completed in 1927, was built to honor World War I veterans and replaced earlier plans for an automobile garage. This structure reflects the community's priorities during that period.