East Grove Street District-Bloomington

East Grove Street in Bloomington, Illinois, is lined with a district of houses built from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century. It covers about eight half blocks near the city center, on flat ground along the Bloomington Moraine, and was once the main route between the railroad station and the commercial core. Lots in the 400 block are among the largest 19th century residential lots left in the city, and house forms reflect the rectangular urban lots. Setbacks changed by era: just over 10 feet before 1860, about 30 feet after the Civil War, and 15 to 20 feet from 1885 to 1900, giving the street visual variety. Most buildings are two-story frame houses with clapboard siding, raised brick foundations, and gable or hip roofs. Styles include Italianate, Queen Anne, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival. Of 43 structures, 25 contribute to the district's character. Many carry synthetic siding that mostly covers historic fabric and could be removed. Stone curbing, hitching posts, and a courthouse capital survive.