Court House Hill-Downtown (Boundary Increase III)

Downtown Lynchburg's Court House Hill district spans 25 blocks along Clay, Court, Church and Main Streets on a promontory above the James River. It holds 148 resources, mostly buildings, with churches, banks, commercial blocks, houses and government buildings dating from the early 1800s to the mid-20th century. The 1851 Greek Revival courthouse overlooks Monument Terrace, a pedestrian extension of Ninth Street. About 70% of the buildings went up between 1865 and 1914, when Lynchburg grew quickly and local architects such as August Forsberg and Edward G. Frye gained prominence. Notable works include the 1909-10 City Auditorium and Market, the 1931-32 Armory, and the ten-story People's National Bank of 1912-14. Churches in Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles define the skyline. The district is recognized for its link to Lynchburg's role as a transportation, commercial and governmental center, and for its variety of architectural styles. About 88% of resources are historic, and storefront restoration is encouraged through a city grant program.