Downtown Johnstown Historic District

Downtown Johnstown Historic District is a collection of over 100 buildings in the central business area that showcases multiple architectural styles across several decades. The streets are lined with four- to five-story brick structures that preserve the appearance of a prosperous industrial city from the late 1800s.

Most buildings were constructed between 1890 and 1930 when the city thrived from coal mining and steel production. Some structures like Alma Hall from 1884 survived the Johnstown Flood of 1889, showing their resilience through that major disaster.

The district contains several churches that shaped the city's spiritual life, including St. John Gualbert Cathedral built in the 1890s with its notable architectural presence. These buildings remain active places where visitors can observe how the community continues its long religious traditions.

The area spans about 50 acres across several main streets and is best explored on foot at a comfortable pace. Plan several hours if you want to observe the architectural details and building facades carefully throughout the district.

The former Glosser Brothers Department Store from 1905 was one of the first major retail destinations in the region and drew shoppers from far away. This building displays Art Deco and Romanesque details that reflect the city's commercial ambitions of that era.

Location: Johnstown

GPS coordinates: 40.32500,-78.91860

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:04