Downtown Altoona Historic District

Downtown Altoona Historic District is a residential and civic area in the center of the city that contains around 240 buildings spread across about 49 acres with homes, government offices, and churches built in the 1800s. The neighborhood extends between specific avenues and streets, forming a cohesive zone with a mix of architectural styles from that era.

The district formed after 1860 and grew alongside the Pennsylvania Railroad expansion, which turned Altoona into a major railroad hub. The buildings in the area show how the city developed around this railroad industry during that growth period.

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and the First Methodist Episcopal Church stand prominently along the streets and show how important religious communities were to local life. These buildings served as gathering places where residents came together for worship and social events.

The neighborhood covers a walkable area that you can explore on foot, with streets laid out in an organized grid that is easy to navigate. Plan to spend enough time wandering through the streets to take in the different buildings and their architectural details.

Four individual buildings within the neighborhood received separate recognition on the national register of historic places: the Charles B. Dudley House, the Central Trust Company Building, the Mishler Theater, and the Penn Alto Hotel. These special designations show that each of these structures stands out for its own historical or design importance beyond the broader district.

Location: Altoona

GPS coordinates: 40.51890,-78.40110

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:42