Ann Street Historic District, Hartford

The Ann Street Historic District, now centered around Ann Uccello Street in Downtown Hartford, captures a vivid slice of the city’s commercial and light industrial past. Stretching from Chapel Street to Hicks Street and including portions of Pearl, Allyn, Asylum, and Haynes Streets, the district embodies Hartford’s urban development between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, roughly from 1880 to 1930. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 for its architectural and historical significance.

The district features a diverse mix of structures that reflect the city’s evolution during the industrial era. Among the highlights is the Saint Patrick-Saint Anthony Roman Catholic Church, dating back to 1849, which is one of the oldest landmarks in the area. Nearby stands the 1894 Masonic Temple, showcasing period craftsmanship, and the Hotel Lenox (also known as the Hartford Hotel), a Beaux-Arts-style building from 1899 known for its eclectic architectural flair.

The district also nods to Hartford’s role in technological progress. At 316–320 Ann Uccello Street, a building originally used by a manufacturer of electrical equipment for automobiles reflects the rising importance of the car industry. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Garage on Hicks Street-built in 1930-is an early multi-level parking garage, an unusual but fitting inclusion in the district.

Other features include the Central Fire Station and the location of the Hartford Steam Company’s generating plant, underscoring the district’s role in civic and industrial infrastructure. While some properties, like the former Sport and Medical Science Academy building, do not contribute to the historic status, they are part of the broader urban narrative.

In 2008, Ann Street was officially renamed Ann Uccello Street to honor Hartford’s first female mayor, Ann Uccello-an enduring reminder of progress and civic pride amid the district’s historic core.