The Downtown Local Historic District was created in 2005. Originally the United State’s largest Lumber Port and the main point of activity in the Tonawandas in the late 19th Century, the storefronts you see today represent building styles of the 1920’s and more “modern” development of the City of North Tonawanda. Through adaptive reuse, many of the buildings have embarked on a new life in the form of small businesses. Infill and major redevelopments have yielded interesting and compatible structures. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of Public Art and environmental initiatives throughout the area. Sweeney, Main, and Webster Streets as well as part of Oliver and Goundry Streets compose the District. All changes to exteriors must be reviewed and approved by the North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission in this District. This design review ensures historic integrity is not lost, our small business district remains attractive to visitors and investment, appropriate materials are used, and any additions or demolitions contribute positively to the area that residents, business owners, and visitors alike enjoy.

There are three buildings listed individually on the National Historic Register: The Riviera Theater (67 Webster Street), The Dick Block (62 Webster Street), and the Herschell-Spillman Motor Company Complex (184 Sweeney Street). In addition, the New York State Barge Canal Historic District and Erie Canal Historic Corridor are the District’s water border to the South.