City of Elgin, Illinois Official Website. Elgin Historic District. Location. The Elgin Historic District contains part of the original plat of Elgin that was laid out in 1. James Gifford. Land within the district was completely platted by 1. First Constructions. The Elgin Historic District contains an excellent collection of late 1. Located to the east of the downtown area, lots were platted as early as the 1. The early 1920s. Birth of commercial radio as we know it today. KDKA in Pittsburg is recognized as being the first broadcast outlet, having given the election. When it was created nearly 30 years ago, the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program was meant to stop white flight from a handful of Chicago bungalow belt. The Department of Community Developments housing initiatives provide assistance for singles, working families, seniors, firsttime home buyers and renters. The. Construction within this area was limited until after the Civil War. Many of the dwellings were erected during the boom years of the 1. Elgin prospered as a result of the growth of the Elgin National Watch Company. Between 1. 87. 9 and 1. Many of the companys foremen and managers built large, two story frame dwellings along the streets in the neighborhood. By 1. 89. 2, more than 4. Mixpad Audio Editor Full Version'>Mixpad Audio Editor Full Version. Chicago_1-1024x640.jpg' alt='City Chicago Bungalow Program' title='City Chicago Bungalow Program' />Urbanization at the Turn of the Century. In addition to the homes for the citys middle and upper class residents, the district was also the home to many of the factory workers and their families. A number of multi family brick apartment buildings or flats were constructed in the district in the 1. Most of these were built along East Chicago and other streets in the western section of the district. These brick buildings are illustrative of the rapidly urbanizing character of Elgin at the turn of the century. Churches. The west section of the historic district also became the home of several of the citys most prominent churches. At the northwest corner of Gifford and Fulton Street is St. Marys Church, constructed between 1. When it was built, this was the most costly church constructed in Elgin. Another prominent church in the district is the Universalist Church at the corner of Villa and Du. Page Sts. This brick church was completed in 1. This church was listed on the national register in 1. Gifford Park. Gifford Park is the citys first public park and it was laid out by James Gifford in his 1. The park was later enlarged in the 1. The park has been an amenity in the district since the mid 1. School to Museum. In the early 1. 85. This building was completed in 1. Old Main. The three story brick building was designed in the greek revival style with a large portico on the primary facade and a bell tower at the roof line. The building was damaged by fire in 1. The building was used as a school until 1. Fairmont Miramar Hotel Bungalows offers luxury hotel suites in Santa Monica, California. Choose form our multi bedroom suites, with balconies, and stunning views of. Our industryleading Warranty program is proof that David Weekley Homes is in the customer satisfaction business. View Our Warranty. City Chicago Bungalow Program' title='City Chicago Bungalow Program' />Much of the buildings original appearance was restored including the original roof form and bell tower. In 1. Elgin Area Historical Society. Architectural Forms. Although much of the Elgin Historic District was developed by 1. Architectural forms such as american foursquare and bungalow dwellings were constructed in these years and by 1. In recent decades demolition and new construction has been limited on most blocks and the district contains a remarkably homogeneous collection of 1. Grundig Manuals. Maintaining the Character The significance of this area was recognized in 1. National Register of Historic Places. Many of the dwellings within the district have been well maintained and there is renewed interest in preserving the districts architectural character.