Massachusetts Street Historic District | Lawrence

Massachusetts Street Historic District, located in the heart of downtown Lawrence, Kansas, is the city’s most vibrant and historically significant commercial area. Commonly known by locals as “Mass Street,” it serves as both the social and cultural core of Lawrence. The district showcases over a century of architectural, economic, and civic development, blending 19th-century charm with a modern urban energy. It stands as a National Register of Historic Places site, recognized for its architectural integrity, historic preservation, and its role in the development of Kansas.

Historical Background

The origins of Massachusetts Street trace back to 1854, when the city of Lawrence was founded by the New England Emigrant Aid Company - a group of antislavery settlers from Massachusetts. They established Lawrence as a Free-State stronghold in the turbulent years leading up to the Civil War.

Massachusetts Street, named in honor of their home state, quickly became the community’s main commercial artery. Early buildings were modest wooden structures, but after the Lawrence Massacre of 1863, in which Confederate guerrillas led by William Quantrill destroyed much of the town, the street was completely rebuilt with brick and stone, signaling the town’s resilience and rebirth.

By the late 19th century, Massachusetts Street had emerged as one of the premier business districts in Kansas, serving as a hub for trade, transportation, and civic life.

Architecture and Urban Character

The Massachusetts Street Historic District stretches approximately from 6th Street to 11th Street, encompassing a wide range of architectural styles that reflect Lawrence’s evolution from a frontier town to a modern city.

Key architectural styles include:

Italianate (1870s–1890s): Characterized by decorative brackets, arched windows, and ornate cornices.

Romanesque Revival (1880s–1900s): Distinguished by round arches, thick masonry walls, and bold facades.

Early Commercial and Art Deco (1910s–1930s): Simpler storefronts with geometric motifs, metalwork, and terrazzo details.

Modern infill buildings (1950s–present): Designed to complement the historic character while accommodating new businesses.

Brick and limestone dominate the streetscape, with many facades restored to preserve original materials and signage. Cast-iron storefronts, transom windows, and ornamental cornices give the district a cohesive yet diverse visual appeal. Nighttime illumination and wide sidewalks create an inviting pedestrian environment that blends old and new seamlessly.

Cultural and Commercial Hub

Massachusetts Street is the center of daily life in Lawrence, bustling with a mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues. It has maintained a strong independent spirit, with many long-standing family businesses operating alongside new ventures.

Notable establishments include:

The Granada Theater (built 1934): A restored Art Deco cinema turned concert venue that hosts national and local performers.

Liberty Hall (originally built 1856, rebuilt 1912): A cornerstone of downtown culture, featuring live performances, films, and civic events.

Watkins Community Museum of History: Located nearby in the former Watkins National Bank Building, it preserves the history of Lawrence and Douglas County.

Eldridge Hotel: Although slightly north of the official district, it is historically tied to Massachusetts Street. Destroyed during Quantrill’s Raid, it was rebuilt as a symbol of defiance and remains a Lawrence landmark.

Mass Street also houses an array of boutiques, bookstores, craft stores, and cafes, reflecting Lawrence’s reputation as a center for creativity and progressive culture.

Events and Community Life

The street hosts numerous festivals, parades, and public gatherings throughout the year, reinforcing its role as Lawrence’s civic heart.

Major annual events include:

Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale: A long-running summer tradition that draws thousands of visitors for one of the Midwest’s largest outdoor sales.

Lawrence Busker Festival: Featuring street performers, musicians, and artists from around the world.

Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade: A holiday favorite featuring horse-drawn carriages and period costumes.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Art Walks: Celebrations that highlight the city’s artistic and community spirit.

During these events, the street transforms into a lively pedestrian zone filled with music, food, and cultural performances. The mix of college students, residents, and visitors creates a vibrant social atmosphere unique to Lawrence.

Connection to the University of Kansas

Located just a few blocks east of the University of Kansas (KU) campus, Massachusetts Street serves as a bridge between academic life and the broader community. KU students and faculty frequent Mass Street’s cafes, restaurants, and bookstores, making it a vital gathering place that embodies Lawrence’s blend of scholarship, activism, and creativity.

This proximity also influences the district’s youthful and intellectual character. Public art installations, murals, and cultural events often reflect themes of social justice, Indigenous rights, and environmental awareness - values deeply ingrained in the city’s identity since its Free-State founding.

Preservation and Recognition

The Massachusetts Street Historic District was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 for its outstanding architectural integrity and historical significance. Preservation efforts by the Lawrence Preservation Alliance and the City of Lawrence Historic Resources Commission ensure that restoration projects maintain the area’s authentic character.

Regulations protect original façades, signage, and streetscape details, while adaptive reuse allows for modern business operations within historic buildings. As a result, the district remains a model of successful preservation integrated with economic vitality.

Modern Role and Atmosphere

Today, Massachusetts Street stands as one of the most dynamic downtowns in the Midwest, offering a rare combination of heritage and modern lifestyle. Visitors can experience:

Historic architecture beautifully maintained and repurposed.

A strong sense of local identity reflected in independent shops and community pride.

Lively nightlife with live music venues, breweries, and art galleries.

A pedestrian-friendly environment ideal for walking, shopping, and dining.

The street’s atmosphere changes throughout the day - from morning coffee at local cafés to evening concerts and bustling nightlife - yet it always maintains a welcoming, inclusive spirit.

Visiting Information

Location: Massachusetts Street, between 6th and 11th Streets, Lawrence, Kansas

Accessibility: Open year-round; easily walkable; parking available in nearby lots and side streets.

Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall, when outdoor events, art walks, and festivals fill the district with activity.

Experience Highlights: Explore the restored façades, enjoy live music, visit Liberty Hall, and dine at local favorites like The Roost or Merchants Pub & Plate.

Significance

The Massachusetts Street Historic District is not merely a collection of preserved buildings - it is the living heart of Lawrence, embodying the city’s founding ideals of freedom, resilience, and community spirit. From the ashes of Quantrill’s Raid to its present-day vitality, Mass Street tells the story of a city that has rebuilt, redefined, and continually celebrated its independent soul.

It remains a testament to Lawrence’s enduring identity as a place where history, culture, and creativity intersect - a true reflection of the Kansas spirit.