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The Plainfield Historic District reflects the village's rich history, particularly its development during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The area was established in the mid-19th century and grew as a hub for local commerce and community life. Plainfield has maintained a link to its heritage by preserving its historic architecture.

The Downtown Historic District encompasses 50 properties along both sides of Lockport Street between Division Street on the east and James and Main Streets on the west. This four block area, originally developed between 1848 - 1963, includes a dense block of brick commercial buildings and three blocks with a mix of churches, commercial, and residential structures. In the beginning commercial development was scattered throughout Plainfield, but by the late 1840s, it concentrated along either side of "Lockport Road." By 1869 the northern and southern sections of Plainfield were joined as a single community and Lockport Street was later chosen as part of the route for the Lincoln Highway - the first paved transcontinental highway.

Greek Revival was the most common style of architecture among the earliest commercial and residential wood framed structures downtown. However, fires in the 1880s and 1890s resulted in new brick buildings designed in the popular styles, such as Italianate and Queen Anne. A wide range of building materials, styles, and types are reflected in over 100 years of development in Downtown Plainfield.