Franklin Square Apartments for Rent

Franklin Square Historic District is an area in zip code 61701 that consists of portions of the four blocks that surround Franklin Park. The square lies northeast of downtown and includes the 900 block of North Prairie and North McLean Streets, and the 300 and 400 blocks of East Chestnut and East Walnut Streets.

The neighborhood encompasses 260 acres and 34 buildings. The architectural style of the homes includes Victorian, Italianate, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival.

One of the most historically significant houses in the neighborhood is the Dodson-Stevenson House at 903 North McLean Street. It dates back to 1869. The house belonged to Adlai Stevenson, who was the home’s second owner. Stevenson was the Vice President under Grover Cleveland during his second term from 1893 to 1897; he bought the house in 1899. There is a large plaque in front of the house that was erected by the McLean County and Illinois State Historical Societies in 1972.

Before the house was owned by Adlai Stevenson, it belonged to Illinois governor Joseph Fifer. The Fifer-Borher House is located at 909 North McLean Street. It dates to 1895. The style is considered Georgian Revival with elements of the Queen Anne style.

Burr House is located at 210 East Chestnut Street. It dates to 1864 and is in an Italianate with elements of Queen Anne. It is a Bed & Breakfast.

Franklin Park, which is the center of the district, was the place where many late 19th century torchlight partisan parades began. The park was named in honor of Mayor Franklin Price. It was given to the city of Bloomington in 1856 by William Flagg, David Davis and William Allin. The architects for many of the houses were Arthur Moritz, George Miller and Arthur Pillsbury.

The park and houses in the neighborhood were listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1976. It was given the local Historic District designation in 1979.