It is often said that variety is the spice of life. Many times, those spices that make life more interesting are right next to each other and in familiar places. Downtown has been the heart of activity for Monroe and, in many ways, the county, since the 1840s. In fact, it’s on the National Register. The 10-block area is largely cohesive. Because of wider streets and buildings being more widely spaced, the arrival of cars didn’t alter the district’s buildings. These buildings, with their own subtle flavors represent types of architecture prevalent during a huge period of time; from 1840 to 1940. In fact, one of the newest built buildings in the district is the post office building which was completed in 1932. Like anything that has stood the test of time, some major legwork went into them.
The legwork resulted in some unique elements. Greek Revival, long popular, towards the end of the 19th century began combining with other styles in Victorian architecture. Victorian came to dominate the district as it does today, but many buildings are distinguished by their Romanesque (courthouse building), neoclassical (Ludlow Memorial Library Building), and Moorish influences (Goetz Theatre). Turner Hall, with its Swiss chalet appearance, kick started a trend in renovations. All of this subtle variety, like the spice of life, sometimes needs a bit of guidance and assistance; especially to protect so much history. That happens in our community thanks to a city organized public committee.
The city of Monroe enacted procedures in 1996 for designation of historic properties and sites. Ordinances were again updated in 2008. The city of Monroe’s Historic Preservation Committee meets monthly to review everything from signage changes to complete façade repairs in the Main Street Historic district. As one of the newest members, I am proud of the guidance that comes with it to help preserve the workmanship of the very many architects who designed these buildings. While many of their names are no longer known, the spices they brought to our community will live on for generations to come thanks to guidance and a whole lot of commitment. General styles, specific decorations, building materials, and how all of this has changed over time can be traced by simply walking the downtown blocks. The committee includes an architect and a realator.
Somewhat remarkably, the economic feasibility of these buildings continues. Buildings that were once something entirely different transitioned to retail and service places like restaurants. Many are still retail and restaurants spaces. In the 1900’s photographers, booksellers, and jewelers testified to both growing diversity and increasing prosperity of Monroe. That is still true now.
By having the city’s historic preservation committee help protect and enhance the continuation of various improvements, we honor the past and help reflect the elements of our culture, geological, social, and economic history, and their legacies in an almost philosophical way.
We are also blessed to live in a place where property owners are continuously investing in awnings, windows, and seeking guidance on detailed work on their properties’ facades. By safeguarding all of that, we also help protect and stabilize property values and protect our attractiveness to everyone living in Monroe and visitors which help strengthen the economy.
The buildings downtown are the definition of interesting and they’re an undertaking for many, but when you see how cohesive this visual history of commercial and architectural development is and how it’s the home for life today, this spice provides just a bit more warmth…even on the coldest and grayest of February days.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.
