Broadway Avenue Historic District

Broadway Avenue Historic District is a section with 43 commercial buildings constructed between 1888 and 1930 along Broadway Avenue and East 55th Street. The buildings range from one to six stories and stretch from Barkwill Avenue to Cable Avenue.

The area emerged in the late 1880s as Cleveland's second largest shopping center, driven by the expansion of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad. Growth followed the rail lines that brought businesses and residents to the neighborhood.

The district became the social center for Cleveland's Czech community, where residents gathered and maintained their traditions. Key landmarks like the Hruby Conservatory and Our Lady of Lourdes Church anchored the neighborhood's identity.

The area is best explored on foot, as it is compact and spans several blocks. Sidewalks and public spaces allow visitors to walk through and observe the building details at their own pace.

The buildings display a mix of architectural styles including Early Commercial, Italianate, Jacobean Revival, Neoclassical, Queen Anne, and Renaissance Revival designs. This variety reflects different periods and influences that shaped the streetscape over time.