National Register of Historic Places- 12/31/2013

Descriptions

The Waverly Main Street Historic District is a district of approximately 6 city blocks located along Greenmount Avenue, as well as several adjacent blocks to the east and west, in north central Baltimore, Maryland. It has an area of approximately 31 acres. There are 141 properties within the boundaries of the district, primarily dating to the late 19th century and early-to-mid 201h century. It is mainly a commercial district, with most of the Greenmount Avenue blocks comprised of buildings being used for commercial spaces. The architecture is varied and includes many buildings that have been altered or added onto over time to accommodate a variety of commercial uses. The most common types of architecture found in the district are Italianate-style rowhouses and houses with a variety of Victorian influences, including the Queen Anne and Second Empire styles. Mission- influenced, Art Deco and modern commercial buildings are also found in the historic district. 

Significance

The Waverly Main Street Historic District is significant under Criterion C as a representative example of a type of neighborhood commercial district that developed along a transportation corridor in Baltimore from the late I 91 ' century through the rnid2Oth century. The district is primarily characterized by a variety of small-scale commercial buildings (and commercial conversions of residential buildings) representing the period Ca. 1880-ca. 1 960; movie theatres and churches are also among the amenities offered in the district. The district achieves additional signifi cance under Criterion A for its role in the early settlement and expansion of Baltimore City, its historical association with transportation along the York Turnpike, and its role as a local center of commerce, entertainment, and religious life. The district derives significance under Criterion B as the home (and frequent subject) of celebrated poet Lizette Woodworth Reese.