Wellington Historic District

Wellington's historic district covers several blocks around the crossing of Main Street and Herrick Avenue in Lorain County, Ohio. It includes commercial blocks, warehouses, public buildings and tree-lined residential streets, with about two hundred buildings in all. Most date from after the Civil War, and few predate 1850 or postdate 1900. Italianate design dominates, seen in metal cornices, plate glass storefronts and arched windows, alongside Greek Revival cottages, two Victorian Gothic churches and an unusual town hall mixing Romanesque, Gothic and Moorish elements. The town grew quickly from about 1850 to 1900 and then slowed, and merchants lacked the capital for major remodeling, so much of the late nineteenth century fabric survives. A local committee has restored many downtown buildings. The district enlarges a 1974 listing of the commercial center to include the neighboring historic houses, with support from local groups and the village council.