Sandusky Street Historic District

Sandusky Street Historic District covers roughly eight acres of downtown Delaware, Ohio, running from the Ohio Wesleyan University campus on the south to the County Courthouse and Jail on the north, with branches along William, Winter and Central Streets. Most of its dense, continuous streetscape of two- to four-story buildings dates from 1860 to 1920, and brick is the most common material. Although many storefronts have been altered, upper floors retain decorative brickwork, hoodmoulds, bracketed cornices, and some cast iron and carved stone storefronts. Styles include Italianate, Second Empire, Neo-Classical Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque. Notable buildings include the Riddle, Graff & Company Block, home to a major cigar manufacturer, and Lamb's Block. Delaware was founded in 1808, and Sandusky Street has served as its commercial center throughout its history. The district was listed for its intact, cohesive collection of commercial architecture and its long role as the town's business hub.