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Donegan Block: A Window to Huntsville's Past

Explore the Donegan Block in Huntsville's Courthouse Square, a surviving example of 19th-century Italianate architecture and a glimpse into the city's past.

The Donegan Block, built in 1870 on Huntsville's Courthouse Square, is a rare example of simplified Italianate architecture that reflects the city's post-Civil War recovery. Its design and location offer a glimpse into Huntsville's 19th-century commercial history.

A brief summary to Donegan Block

  • 107 North Side Square, Huntsville, Quigley, Alabama, 35801, US

Local tips

  • Explore the Courthouse Square, where the Donegan Block is located, to experience the heart of downtown Huntsville.
  • Visit nearby attractions such as the Alabama Constitution Hall Park & Museum and the Huntsville Museum of Art.
  • Check out other historic buildings on the square, including the Rand Building and Harrison Brothers Hardware.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Madison County Courthouse, walk north across the square. The Donegan Block is located on the north side of the square, at 107 North Side Square, next to the Rand Building. Look for the distinctive Italianate architecture. It's a short walk, easily accessible from most points in the immediate downtown area.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the Courthouse Square in downtown Huntsville. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, including the Clinton Avenue Parking Deck and Garage M. Parking rates typically range from $0.50 per hour, with a maximum of $4 per day. Event parking may be a flat rate of $5. Metered street parking is also available around the square at $0.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's Orbit public transit system has several routes that serve the downtown area. Check the Huntsville Transit website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A general one-way fare is $1, with discounts for seniors, Medicare recipients, and students. From the nearest bus stop on the square, walk to 107 North Side Square.

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Discover more about Donegan Block

Located at 107 North Side Square in Huntsville, Alabama, the Donegan Block is a significant historical landmark. Constructed in 1870, it stands as a testament to Huntsville's recovery and growth following the Civil War and a devastating fire in 1867 that destroyed many buildings on the square. The Donegan Block, along with the adjacent Rand Building, exemplifies a simplified Italianate architectural style that was prevalent in smaller towns during the late 19th century. The Donegan Block is a two-and-a-half-story brick structure divided into four distinct units. Originally, the facade featured brick pilasters faced with cast iron on the ground floor. The two eastern units are combined, sharing a central entrance flanked by multi-paned fixed windows. The other two units have individual central entrances with a single window on each side. The three eastern units feature triangular pediments and pilasters surrounding each door and window. The western unit has been restored to feature fanlights and segmental brick arches. The second-floor windows are tall and narrow with arched tops and roll moldings with keystones. The attic level features short vents treated similarly to the second-floor windows. A bracketed and denticulated metal cornice projects from the top of the building, completing the Italianate design. The Donegan Block's historical significance lies in its representation of the commercial architecture that once defined Huntsville's Courthouse Square. In the late 19th century, the square was filled with similar Italianate structures, but over time, many of these buildings were remodeled or rebuilt, leaving the Donegan Block as one of the few remaining examples of its kind.

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