Downtown Greensboro Historic District

Downtown Greensboro Historic District is a neighborhood with about 96 buildings spread across 58 acres, featuring various styles ranging from Italianate to Art Deco designs. Notable structures include the Jefferson Standard Building and the Carolina Theatre from 1927.

The district emerged from development between 1885 and 1975 as Greensboro built its commercial and cultural structures. Official recognition came in 1982 when it was added to the National Register, with boundary expansions occurring in 2003 and 2023.

The Woolworth building in this district was the site of the 1960 sit-ins that challenged segregation and continues to draw visitors interested in this pivotal movement. People stop here to reflect on the events and understand how ordinary citizens took action for change.

The district is best explored on foot, with Elm, Davie, Green, and Washington Streets forming the main routes through the area. Most buildings can be viewed from the outside, allowing for a free walk without special arrangements needed.

The district contains buildings with diverse origins, including the Vanstory Building, Kress Building, and Montgomery Ward building, which together reflect different phases of commercial growth. This mix of different periods and purposes makes each street block its own exploration.