Duluth Civic Center Historic District

The Duluth Civic Center Historic District comprises four buildings and a monument arranged around a central plaza at Fifth Avenue West and First Street. The complex functions as an administrative center with courts, municipal offices, and federal services at the heart of downtown.

The district was shaped in the early 1900s by the renowned architectural firm Daniel Burnham and Company from Chicago, which designed the St. Louis County Courthouse. This development established the foundation for the city's administrative and judicial quarter.

The buildings showcase Classical Revival and Beaux-Arts architecture with granite facades and columns that reflect early 20th-century civic design principles. These neoclassical style elements shape the overall appearance of the entire plaza and create a formal, dignified setting.

The location is easily walkable and the central plaza remains accessible for a stroll at any time. The administrative buildings inside have varying hours depending on which services you wish to visit.

The plaza is marked by an impressive monument designed in 1919 by architect Cass Gilbert to honor veterans of foreign conflicts. This memorial stands as a distinct work of art that underscores the place's history and meaning for the local community.

Location: Duluth

Architects: Daniel Burnham

GPS coordinates: 46.78333,-92.10639

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42