Chesterton Commercial Historic District

Chesterton Commercial Historic District is a collection of late 1800s and early 1900s commercial buildings with original architectural features along Broadway and Calumet Road. The structures display Renaissance Revival style with decorative brick and stone details, though today they function as modern shops and offices.

Development began after the Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad arrived in 1852, bringing commerce and residents to the area. Following a major fire in 1902, many buildings were reconstructed using brick and stone, creating the solid appearance seen today.

The International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge and Knights of Pythias Hall were gathering places where residents came together for meetings and social events throughout the 1900s. These buildings show how important community organizations were to daily life in Chesterton.

The district sits one block south of the main business area and is easy to explore on foot. The buildings remain actively used, so you will see working shops and offices as you walk through, giving the area a lived-in quality.

The Chesterton Tribune newspaper office is housed in one of the buildings rebuilt after the 1902 fire, and the paper is still printed there today. This building shows how a long-standing institution has shaped the town for over a century.

Location: Indiana

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.61083,-87.05222

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:14