It is primarily composed of commercial building representative of architectural trends from 1852 to 1962, the period following the connection of the city to the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad.

[2] The area between the north side of the tracks and the river became an industrial center, most notably with the National Sewing Machine Company factory.

The four buildings at State Street near Pleasant are particularly fine examples of the style with tall narrow windows and pressed metal cornices.

The William H. Piel Building and its neighbor at 522 South State Street are good examples of the Chicago School.

The Belvidere National Bank and Trust is of a Classical Revival motif with Roman arches and projecting cornices.