Visitor Information for the Manhattan Kansas’ Downtown Historic District

The Downtown Historic District was established in 1982 by the City Commission, and is listed on the national Register of Historic Sites and Places.

Poyntz Avenue has been the commercial and civic center of town since the 1850s, and while no buildings remain from this period, there are a number of excellent buildings within the District from 1880 to the 1920s. The 300 block of Poyntz Avenue, as it basically exists today, was established between 1879 and 1910. Also of importance is the 'Wareham Block', constructed between 1909 and 1928. Among the styles prevalent within the Downtown Historic District are Italianate, Vernacular Victorian, Richardsonian Romanesque and Moderne.

With more than 260 retail service and professional businesses today, Downtown Manhattan serves as a unique location for specialty shopping, community events and activities. Downtown Manhattan, "The Place to Be."

Sources:
1. Ordinance No. 3933 - An Ordinance Establishing a Downtown Historic District
2. Nomination of Manhattan's Downtown Historic District to the National Register of Historic Sites and Places
3. City of Manhattan Website