HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8 - N Main Signage Write UpThe North Main Street Historic
District encompasses portions of
nine blocks in Oshkosh's downtown
commercial district that retain
their historic character. The
district begins south of Algoma
Boulevard and extends north to
Parkway Avenue. The structures here
consist primarily of commercial
establishments erected between 1874
and 1940 and feature Italianate,
Queen Anne, Gothic Revival,
Richardsonian Romanesque Revival,
Neo-Classical Revival, Art Moderne
and Vernacular.
North Main Street was formally known
as Ferry Street prior to 1870 when a
ferry was used to move people and
goods across the Fox River. As
Oshkosh grew in the mid- and late
19th century, construction expanded
farther up North Main Street. In 1859, 1866, 1874, and
1875 fires consumed the commercial center of the city,
but the citizens of Oshkosh rebuilt and persevered.
The area continued to develop into the early 20th century
with high-rise buildings being constructed, but slowed
dramatically during the Great Depression. North Main
Street remained the center of commercial activity in
Oshkosh up to 1960s. The completion of the multi-lane
U.S. 41 west of the city pulled business and patrons away
from North Main Street. To draw visitors back and upgrade
an aging area of the city, several buildings were razed
to allow for new construction.
North Main Street experienced a resurgence in the
beginning of the 21st century. Enhanced reinvestment and
redevelopment of historic structures and green space has
led to new commercial establishments and recreational
activities in the center of Oshkosh.