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Donegan Block: A Window to Huntsville's Past

Explore the Donegan Block in Huntsville: A historic landmark showcasing 19th-century Italianate architecture on Courthouse Square.

The Donegan Block, built in 1870, is a historic commercial building on Huntsville's Courthouse Square. Representing a simplified Italianate architectural style, it stands as a reminder of the city's post-Civil War recovery and the mercantile architecture that once defined the square.

A brief summary to Donegan Block

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

Local tips

  • Explore Courthouse Square to appreciate the surrounding historic buildings and local shops.
  • Check the local calendar for events and festivals often hosted on Courthouse Square.
  • Combine your visit to the Donegan Block with a trip to other nearby attractions, such as the Big Spring International Park or the Huntsville Museum of Art.
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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.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's Orbit bus system has several routes that stop near the Courthouse Square. From the Huntsville Transit Center at 521 Pratt Avenue, take any bus route that services the downtown area. Get off at a stop near the square, such as the one on Washington Street or Clinton Avenue. From there, walk towards the North Side Square, where the Donegan Block is located. A single ride fare on Orbit is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From any point in downtown Huntsville, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to the Donegan Block at 107 North Side Square is readily available. The ride will typically take only a few minutes within downtown and cost approximately $7 - $12, depending on the distance and demand.

  • 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.

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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. The 2 1/2-story building is divided into four distinct units, each three bays wide. The units are divided on the facade by brick pilasters. Originally, the facade featured brick pilasters faced with cast iron on the ground floor, though only remnants of this cast iron detailing remain today. 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 share similar design elements, including triangular pediments and pilasters surrounding each door and window. The western unit has been restored to feature fanlights and segmental brick arches. Second-floor windows on all four units 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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