There are many things to love about the State Street Commercial Historic District in Hammond, IN. The central business district is filled with historic buildings, such as the beautiful Hammond Hotel. The entire downtown district is lined with Victorian homes and commercial buildings that make this part of the country a great place to live. Moreover, the city offers great shopping, dining, and nightlife options. And, for those who love architecture, this is an excellent place to buy some art.
The first building that you will see in the State Street Commercial Historic District is the 520 State Street building. This two-story building is constructed from rusticated limestone, with a wood paneled storefront. The sign for Leon's Floor Covering is still visible above the storefront. The façade of the 520 State Street building is decorated with six horizontal metal bands and a stone pilaster on each side. Originally, the building had an aluminum facade, but it was removed for renovations and preservation. The last remaining panel is now hung with the Hammond Drapery.
The 540 State (C) building is an example of a brick building in the state's downtown. It has two stories and terra cotta adornments. It stands on the south side of the street. It was built circa 1924 and used to house various stores in the 1930s, including Sklarewitz and Son's Men's Furnishings.
The second building in the State Street Commercial Historic District is 437 State Street. It is a one-and-a-half-story structure with a buff brick facade and wood paneling. It features a sign advertising the Professional Arts Complex. Its original piers and terra cotta adornments are preserved. Four years later, the building was renovated and is now a Hammond museum.
The State Street Commercial Historic District in Hammond is a nationally recognized historic district. It comprises twenty-eight buildings that contributed to the architectural history of the city. Its buildings include the L. Fish Building (1927), the Federal Building, the Lincoln Hotel, and the Henderson Building. It was also listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1999. Its unique history is worth exploring. When visiting Hammond, don't forget to take a look at the other buildings.
The Friduss Building was constructed in 1921. Its white glazed terra cotta façade was adorned with a recessed entrance. A wide band of prism glass covered the storefront. In the past, the prism glass was used to reflect light into the back of the store. The structure has a wooden water tank for fire suppression. It has a recessed entrance and a wide porch.
If more history is what you crave, the Hammond Public Library is also a nearly endless resource for historical education.