Old Central City | Huntington

Old Central City in Huntington, West Virginia, refers to the historic core of the city, encompassing the original downtown streets and early commercial and residential developments. This district reflects Huntington’s growth from a 19th-century railroad hub into a modern urban center, combining historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and a sense of the city’s industrial and civic heritage.

Location and Setting

Old Central City lies along downtown Huntington, primarily centered near Third Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Washington Street, extending toward the Ohio River. The streets are lined with brick and stone buildings, many dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Narrow sidewalks, vintage street lamps, and occasional cobblestone remnants evoke the character of a bygone era.

The district is compact, making it highly walkable, with storefronts, cafés, and offices mixed among historic facades. Trees and small plazas provide visual relief, and the proximity to the river allows glimpses of the Ohio River beyond the downtown blocks.

Historical Background

Huntington was founded in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington, a railroad magnate, as a strategic terminus for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Old Central City grew quickly as the commercial heart, housing shops, banks, offices, and residential buildings for railroad workers, merchants, and civic leaders.

The architecture reflects the prosperity of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with styles ranging from Victorian and Romanesque Revival to early 20th-century commercial brickwork. Many buildings feature ornate cornices, decorative stonework, and large display windows that highlight the craftsmanship of the era.

Over time, Old Central City retained its historic significance even as newer developments expanded outward, making it a symbol of Huntington’s origins and industrial legacy.

Key Features and Landmarks

Historic Buildings: Old Central City preserves numerous commercial and residential structures with original facades, some converted into boutique shops, offices, or apartments.

Cultural Institutions: The district includes older theaters, galleries, and civic buildings that host community events and performances.

Public Squares and Plazas: Small parks and open areas provide gathering spots and emphasize the district’s pedestrian-friendly design.

Streetscape Elements: Vintage lampposts, brick sidewalks, and wrought-iron details add to the historical atmosphere, often used as focal points for photography and cultural tours.

Murals and Art Installations: Some walls and building facades feature public art that celebrates Huntington’s history, local industries, and cultural heritage.

The mixture of well-preserved structures, subtle urban landscaping, and public art creates an immersive historical environment for visitors.

Community and Cultural Life

Old Central City functions as both a historic site and a living urban district:

Local Businesses: Cafés, restaurants, and small retail stores occupy historic storefronts, blending modern commerce with vintage charm.

Events and Festivals: The district often hosts cultural events, street fairs, and seasonal markets, drawing locals and visitors into the historic streetscape.

Walking Tours: Local organizations offer guided tours highlighting the architecture, history, and stories of Huntington’s founders and early residents.

Adaptive Reuse Projects: Some historic buildings have been repurposed into galleries, offices, or loft-style residences, preserving the district’s character while supporting contemporary urban life.

These activities maintain Old Central City as a dynamic area that balances heritage with modern urban functionality.

Visitor Experience

Walking through Old Central City gives a sense of stepping back in time while remaining in a living, functional neighborhood. The narrow streets encourage exploration, with architectural details revealing stories of Huntington’s industrial rise. Visitors can pause at historic cafés, admire restored facades, or photograph ornamental cornices, brickwork, and period signage.

The district’s scale and density allow for short, enjoyable strolls, with many destinations reachable on foot. Seasonal decorations, public art, and occasional street performers add to the charm, providing layers of sensory experience beyond the visual architecture.

Atmosphere and Character

Old Central City exudes a historic yet approachable vibe. The combination of aged brick and stone, shaded sidewalks, and modest urban greenery creates a sense of intimacy and human scale often missing in modern commercial districts. It is simultaneously reflective - evoking the city’s origins and industrial past - and active, with contemporary businesses and community events breathing life into the historic streets.

The district offers a subtle rhythm of the past meeting the present: the echo of footsteps on brick sidewalks, the hum of traffic softened by trees, and the occasional sound of musicians or cultural gatherings blending into the historic environment.

Closing Impression

Old Central City is Huntington’s historic heartbeat, preserving the architecture, streetscapes, and cultural memory of the city’s early growth. It serves as both a living urban center and a heritage district, where visitors can experience the foundations of Huntington’s development while engaging with contemporary city life. The combination of history, architecture, and community activity makes it an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand the city’s identity and evolution.