Old Main Street Historic District, Historic district in Racine, Wisconsin.
Old Main Street Historic District is a Renaissance Revival ensemble in Racine featuring preserved commercial buildings along Main Street. The roughly 73 listed structures date mostly from the late 1800s and early 1900s and once housed shops, bars, and factory spaces.
The area developed into the city's business center starting in the 1870s with buildings designed by leading architects of the time. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, securing protection for these structures.
The buildings were commissioned by wealthy merchants, breweries, and factory owners who built their businesses here. You can still see the names and signs of these enterprises displayed on the facades.
You can explore the district on foot by walking along Main Street and looking at the building facades. Most structures are visible from outside, and you will find informational signs along the way that help you understand the history of individual buildings.
The Durand and Hill Block on Main Street was rebuilt after a major fire in 1882 and today shows a blend of architectural styles from different building periods. This building is a rare example of how the city recovered from disaster and evolved from earlier to newer design approaches.
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