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Donegan Block: A Window to Huntsville's Past

Explore Huntsville's history at the Donegan Block, a preserved example of 19th-century Italianate architecture on the city's historic 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 19th-century mercantile history and recovery after the Civil War.

A brief summary to Donegan Block

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

Local tips

  • Explore the surrounding Courthouse Square, which features other historic buildings and local restaurants.
  • Take a stroll around the square to appreciate the architecture of the Donegan Block and the adjacent Rand Building.
  • Visit the nearby Big Spring Park, the original water source that led to the founding of Huntsville.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Donegan Block is located on the north side of Courthouse Square in downtown Huntsville, easily accessible on foot from most points in the immediate area. From the center of the square, simply walk north towards the row of historic buildings facing the courthouse. The Donegan Block is situated between the Rand Building and other commercial structures.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transit system, Orbit, has several routes that stop near the Courthouse Square. From the Huntsville Transit Center, located at 521 Pratt Avenue, you can take a short bus ride or walk to the square. Check the Orbit schedule for the most convenient route and times. A one-way fare is $1.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in downtown Huntsville, but it can be limited. Metered street parking is available around the square for $0.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Several parking garages and lots are also nearby, with hourly rates typically around $0.50, with a daily maximum of $4. The Passport Parking app can be used to pay for parking at meters and in some lots.

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Discover more about Donegan Block

Located at 107 North Side Square in Huntsville, Alabama, the Donegan Block is a significant landmark offering a glimpse into the city's past. Constructed in 1870, it symbolizes Huntsville's resurgence following the Civil War and the devastating fire of 1867 that destroyed many buildings on the square. The Donegan Block, along with the adjacent Rand Building, exemplifies the simplified Italianate architectural style common in smaller towns during the late 19th century. The building's architecture reflects the mercantile style that predominated in Huntsville during this period. The two-and-a-half-story brick structure is divided into four distinct units. Originally, the facade featured brick pilasters faced with cast iron on the ground floor, though only remnants remain. Each unit is three bays wide, contributing to the building's balanced appearance. The eastern units are combined, sharing a central entrance flanked by multi-paned fixed windows, while the other two have individual entrances. The three eastern units feature triangular pediments and pilasters around the doors and windows. The western unit, modified over time, has been restored with fanlights and segmental brick arches. Second-floor windows are tall and narrow with arched tops and roll moldings. The attic level has short vents similar to the second-floor windows, and a bracketed metal cornice projects from the top. The Donegan Block is one of the few remaining Italianate buildings that once defined Huntsville's Courthouse Square. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, it serves as a reminder of the city's architectural heritage.

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