Downtown Greensboro Historic District, Greensboro

The Downtown Greensboro Historic District, located in Guilford County, is a nationally recognized area that showcases the architectural and civic heart of the city. First listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982-with updates in 2003 and boundary expansions in 2023-the district now includes over 96 contributing buildings, primarily commercial, constructed between 1885 and the 1930s.

The district is home to a variety of architectural styles, notably Italianate and Art Deco, which reflect Greensboro’s development as a major regional hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the district’s most iconic structures is the Jefferson Standard Building, a towering symbol of early 20th-century ambition. Other notable landmarks include the Vanstory Building, the elegant Kress Building, Montgomery Ward, Efrid's Department Store, and the Carolina Theatre, still a cultural anchor today.

A pivotal site in American civil rights history, the former Woolworth’s store marks the location of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins-nonviolent protests that sparked a nationwide movement against segregation. This single location continues to draw visitors from across the country, commemorated now by the International Civil Rights Center & Museum housed within the building.

The district’s evolution reflects a broader story: from early commercial expansion to civic growth and cultural activism. Later additions, including government buildings constructed by 1975, emphasize its continued relevance to the city’s identity.

Today, the Downtown Greensboro Historic District is not just a preserved past-it’s a living, walkable space where heritage architecture, shops, galleries, and events create a dynamic atmosphere. Whether you come for the history, the architecture, or the cultural energy, this district offers a meaningful encounter with Greensboro’s legacy and spirit.