Broadway Historic District

Broadway Historic District is a dense residential neighborhood south and east of downtown Rock Island, Illinois, close to the Mississippi River. Of its 865 buildings and outbuildings, 715 contribute to its historic character. Construction dates run from about 1854 to 1948. Most buildings are single-family houses, along with historic double houses, two-flats, eight apartment buildings, more than 180 garages and twelve carriage barns. Queen Anne houses dominate, many showing Colonial Revival influence, alongside Greek Revival, Italianate, Craftsman, Romanesque Revival and other styles. Four churches, the 1893 Old Lincoln School and a few small storefronts add variety. Most buildings are frame with clapboard siding, though brick, stone and rock-faced concrete block also appear. Mature trees, limestone or concrete curbs, retaining walls and the circular Lincoln Court give the area a distinct character. Alterations such as synthetic siding and enclosed porches are mostly reversible, and an ongoing effort to restore original siding has helped the district keep its integrity.