It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1980 for its significance in architecture, featuring Victorian houses built from 1870 to 1900.

[3] The area was initially developed by philanthropist Job Male, who moved to Plainfield in 1867, and would become the first major of the city in 1869.

He designed and built several of the houses in the district and lived on Crescent Avenue.

Swains Galleries at 703 Watchung Avenue was built c. 1870 and features Second Empire style, as seen in its mansard roof.

The Goddard House at 213 East Ninth Street was built c. 1890 and features a domed tower and a variety of styles, including Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque.