Old Towne Orange Historic District

Old Towne Orange Historic District is a one-square-mile neighborhood containing more than 1,300 buildings constructed between 1874 and 1940. Victorian, Craftsman, and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles dominate these structures, which center around Plaza Park.

Attorneys acquired land from Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana in 1869 and developed a town around a central plaza. Growth during an economic boom period made the district notable, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, affirming its historical value.

The neighborhood pulses with international influences, visible in its shops, restaurants, and the people who gather daily throughout the district. An annual street fair during Labor Day weekend draws thousands to experience international food, entertainment, and local businesses that reflect the area's diverse character.

The district stretches from Walnut Avenue to La Veta Avenue and from Batavia Street to Cambridge Street, with Plaza Park as the central landmark. Walking is the best way to explore the area and spot the different architectural styles found on nearly every block.

The neighborhood holds California's largest concentration of historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, representing nearly 50 different architectural styles. This unusual density of documented structures makes it a remarkable place for those interested in how architecture evolved over time.