While many of the more than 1,300 vintage buildings that comprise The City of Orange Old Towne Historic District are worthy of singling out, it’s the District as a whole that has garnered prestigious awards and designations. Among them:

• It is the largest National Register District in California

• It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places

• The Plaza Historic District was chosen by the American Planning Association (APA) as a “Great Place in America”, joining New York’s Central Park, Los Angeles’ Olvera Street, and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile

What’s unique about Old Towne Orange is that in one square mile exists a remarkable density of vintage buildings that include businesses, homes, churches, schools, Chapman University, a train depot, the Hilbert Museum, packing houses, lofts, and parks. Collectively, homes and buildings are well-maintained and retain their architectural integrity. Most of the area’s construction occurred from about 1874 to 1940; more than 50 architectural styles are represented and include Victorian, Craftsman, American Bungalow, Hip Roof Cottage, Provincial Revival, Mediterranean, Prairie, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Classical Revival.

Old Towne Orange is a vital, thriving historic community. Even after more than 140 years, it is still the epicenter for residents and the community; not a living-history museum and district with costumed re-enactors. Businesses, shops, and restaurants reflect the changing cultures and tastes of of the region. Traditions, like the annual Street Fair, have continued since the early 1900s.