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Donegan Block: A Glimpse into Huntsville's Past

Explore Huntsville's history at the Donegan Block, a landmark of 19th-century Italianate architecture on the historic Courthouse Square.

The Donegan Block, built in 1870, is a historic commercial building on Huntsville's Courthouse Square. It exemplifies the simplified Italianate architectural style common in the late 19th century and stands as a reminder of the city's post-Civil War recovery.

A brief summary to Donegan Block

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

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around Courthouse Square to admire the Donegan Block's facade and imagine the stories its walls could tell.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details of the building.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of other historical sites in downtown Huntsville, such as the First National Bank and Big Spring Park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Donegan Block is located on the north side of Courthouse Square in downtown Huntsville. From most points in the downtown area, it is easily accessible by foot. From the Huntsville Museum of Art, walk east on Church Street, then turn left onto North Side Square. The Donegan Block will be on your left. Walking time is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transit system, Orbit, has several routes that stop near Courthouse Square. Check the Huntsville Transit website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the Huntsville Transit Center, take any Orbit bus that services the downtown area. Get off at a stop near the Madison County Courthouse. The Donegan Block is located on the north side of the square. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available in downtown Huntsville. Metered street parking is available on North Side Square and surrounding streets for $0.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Garages are also nearby. The first 30 minutes are free, and it is $0.50 per hour with a maximum of $4. You can also use the Passport Parking app to pay for parking from your phone.

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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 that offers a glimpse into the city's vibrant past. 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 building's architecture reflects the mercantile style that dominated Huntsville during this period. Characterized by its brick construction and Italianate details, the Donegan Block is a two-and-a-half-story structure divided into four distinct units. Originally, the facade featured brick pilasters faced with cast iron on the ground floor, though only remnants of this cast iron detailing remain today. Each unit is three bays wide, contributing to the building's symmetrical and balanced appearance. The two eastern units are combined, sharing a central entrance flanked by multi-paned fixed windows, while the other two units have individual central entrances with a single window on each side. The architectural details of the Donegan Block showcase the Italianate style, with triangular pediments and pilasters surrounding the doors and windows of the three eastern units. The western unit, which had been modified over time, 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, adding to the building's visual appeal. 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. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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