Washington Block - Old Oroville Commercial District - Oroville, CA - NRHP Historic Districts - Contributing Buildings on Waymarking.com

Constructed in 1856, this two-story brick building with a basement stands as a testament to 19th-century architecture and the evolving streetscape of its time. Originally, the first story was divided into four storefronts, while the basement housed five rooms, featuring below street-level Romanesque arches and double French windows that added to its historic charm. In 1878, a second story with 21 rooms was added, expanding its functionality and prominence. Over the years, however, the building underwent several modifications. The second-story portico was removed in the early 1900s, followed by the ornamental brick cornice, bracketed window hoods, and the first-story portico disappearing sometime after 1920.

By the early 20th century, the brick facade of the first-floor stores was replaced with cast iron facades and large plate glass windows, modernizing the storefronts. The corner store’s iron facade was later replaced in 1961, but the Romanesque arches remain visible in the basement, preserving a piece of the building's original character. The second-story facade, now covered in plaster over brick, reflects layers of architectural changes over time. Today, the building’s owners plan to restore it to its turn-of-the-century appearance, bringing back the first-story portico and reviving its historic charm. If successful, the restoration will blend historical preservation with modern revitalization, ensuring that this structure continues to tell its story for generations to come.

Name of Historic District (as listed on the NRHP): Old Oroville Commercial District Link to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com page with the Historic District: [Web Link] Address: 1975-1985 Montgomery Street; 1330-1338 Myers Street How did you determine the building to be a contributing structure?: Other (Please explain in the Private Message field) Optional link to narrative or database: [Web Link] NRHP Historic District Waymark (Optional): Not listed

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