About this landmark

A one-square-mile downtown with 1,300+ vintage buildings.

Old Towne Orange Historic District sits in the downtown core of Orange, California, bounded by Walnut Ave., Waverly St., W.O. Hart Park, La Veta Ave., Clark St., and the Atchison Topeka Railroad Track. The district comprises more than 1,300 vintage buildings spanning more than 50 architectural styles, including Bungalow/Craftsman, Mission/Spanish Revival, and Classical Revival. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 11, 1997, and is the largest National Register District in California.

Origins and architectural history

The district was originally laid out in 1869 when attorneys Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell designed a one-square-mile town site, which is why the central streets bear their names. The City of Orange was formally incorporated on April 6, 1888. The National Park Service identifies three periods of significance: 1875–1899, 1900–1924, and 1925–1949, recognizing the district's development across the turn of the 20th century. Areas of significance include transportation, commerce, industry, agriculture, architecture, and exploration and settlement.

At the heart of the district lies the Plaza, a traffic circle at Chapman and Glassell avenues. Early in the 20th century, local women's groups organized and maintained the park by planting trees and flower beds and installing the original bronze fountain and flagpole. The illuminated fountain that is the focal point of Plaza Park today was installed in 1937, replacing that earlier bronze fountain from around 1887. The fountain features tilework by Charles McCandless. In 2018, the Plaza was designated a "Great Place in America" by the American Planning Association, alongside Central Park and Olvera Street.

Today and visiting

Old Towne Orange functions as a vital, thriving historic community rather than a museum. The district houses businesses, shops, restaurants, Chapman University, the Hilbert Museum, churches, schools, and residential properties. The City of Orange's Welcome and Visitors Center is located at 34 Plaza Square within Old Towne Orange. The area is frequently used as a filming location for film and television production because of its preserved period architecture. The Old Towne Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the historic character of the district.

Visitors can explore the historic buildings on foot and visit the shops and dining establishments throughout the district. The architecture spans decades of American design, from late-19th-century structures through early 20th-century development. Walking tours and self-guided exploration reveal the layers of history embedded in the buildings, streets, and public spaces that make Old Towne a distinctive place in Orange.

Insurance connection: Earthquake

Historic districts in California face seismic risk. California law requires homeowners insurers to offer earthquake insurance in writing every two years. The California Earthquake Authority offers deductibles ranging from 5% to 25%, though homes valued over $1 million or built before 1980 on a non-slab foundation carry a minimum 15% deductible. Coverage limits match the dwelling coverage limit on the underlying homeowners policy. Personal property coverage starts at $5,000 and can be increased to $25,000. Eligibility and limits depend on the individual policy. The issued policy controls.

Plan a visit to Old Towne Orange

Primary sources: National Park Service NRHP asset detail, Wikipedia, Preserve Orange County profile, and Orange Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.