What is Christie Sides Height?

Christie Sides Height is a neighborhood that is adjacent to the West End Historic District of Allentown, roughly bounded by Tilghman, North 19th and North 22nd Streets, and the Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

The neighborhood is named after William Christie, an early settler who constructed a mill along the Little Lehigh Creek, which was referred to as Christie's Mill. The mill was constructed in 1762, and the neighborhood gradually developed around it.

The neighborhood is significant for its well-preserved collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture, which is primarily residential. Christie Sides is also home to several historic churches, including Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church (1843) and St. George's Episcopal Church (1876-1878). In 2013, Christie Sides Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Christie Sides Heights is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residents, businesses, and community organizations. It is also a popular destination for tourists and history buffs.

Christie Sides Heights

Christie Sides Heights is a historic neighborhood in Allentown, Pennsylvania, significant for its well-preserved collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture.

Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Significance: Historic architecture
Architectural styles: Victorian, Italianate, Queen Anne
Historic churches: Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church (1843), St. George's Episcopal Church (1876-1878)
National Register of Historic Places: Listed in 2013
Current status: Vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residents, businesses, and community organizations

The key aspects of Christie Sides Heights highlight its historical significance, architectural beauty, and vibrant community. The neighborhood is a reminder of Allentown's rich past and continues to be a thriving part of the city.

1. Location

The location of Christie Sides Heights in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is significant for several reasons:

Historical context: Allentown was founded in 1762 and quickly became a major industrial center in the Lehigh Valley. Christie Sides Heights developed as a residential neighborhood for workers in the city's factories and mills.
Architectural styles: The neighborhood's architecture reflects the Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These styles are evident in the neighborhood's homes, churches, and other buildings.
Community development: Christie Sides Heights has a strong sense of community, with active residents and businesses. The neighborhood is home to several community organizations, including the Christie Sides Heights Neighborhood Association.

The location of Christie Sides Heights in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has played a major role in shaping its history, architecture, and community. The neighborhood is a valuable asset to the city of Allentown and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Significance

Christie Sides Heights is significant for its well-preserved collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture. This architecture reflects the neighborhood's history as a residential area for workers in Allentown's factories and mills. The neighborhood's architectural styles include Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne, which are evident in the neighborhood's homes, churches, and other buildings.

Architectural styles: The Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne architectural styles are all represented in Christie Sides Heights. These styles are characterized by their elaborate ornamentation, asymmetrical , and use of turrets and towers.
Historic churches: Christie Sides Heights is home to several historic churches, including Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church (1843) and St. George's Episcopal Church (1876-1878). These churches are significant for their architectural beauty and their role in the community's history.
Residential architecture: The majority of the buildings in Christie Sides Heights are residential. These homes are typically two or three stories tall and feature a variety of architectural styles. Many of the homes have been restored to their original condition and are a testament to the neighborhood's history.
Commercial architecture: There are also a few commercial buildings in Christie Sides Heights. These buildings include a former hotel, a bank, and a general store. These buildings are significant for their architectural beauty and their role in the neighborhood's history.

The historic architecture of Christie Sides Heights is a valuable asset to the neighborhood and the city of Allentown. The neighborhood's buildings are a reminder of Allentown's rich past and continue to be a source of pride for the community.

3. Architectural styles

The architectural styles of Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne are all represented in Christie Sides Heights. These styles are significant because they reflect the neighborhood's history as a residential area for workers in Allentown's factories and mills. The Victorian style is characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, asymmetrical facades, and use of turrets and towers. The Italianate style is characterized by its symmetrical facades, round-arched windows and doors, and use of rusticated stone. The Queen Anne style is characterized by its eclectic mix of elements from other architectural styles, including the Victorian and Italianate styles.

These architectural styles are important because they contribute to the overall character and charm of Christie Sides Heights. The neighborhood's historic buildings are a reminder of Allentown's rich past and continue to be a source of pride for the community. The Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne architectural styles are all well-represented in Christie Sides Heights, and they contribute to the neighborhood's unique identity.

Understanding the connection between architectural styles and Christie Sides Heights is important for several reasons. First, it helps us to appreciate the neighborhood's history and significance. Second, it helps us to understand the different architectural styles that are represented in the neighborhood. Third, it helps us to make informed decisions about how to preserve and protect the neighborhood's historic buildings.

4. Historic churches

The historic churches of Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church (1843) and St. George's Episcopal Church (1876-1878) are significant components of Christie Sides Height. These churches are not only important for their architectural beauty and historical significance, but they also play a vital role in the community.

Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1843 to serve the growing German Catholic population of Allentown. The church was built in the Gothic Revival style and is one of the oldest churches in the city. St. George's Episcopal Church was founded in 1876 and is a fine example of the Victorian Gothic style. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its active role in the community.

These churches are important to Christie Sides Height because they are a reminder of the neighborhood's history and its strong sense of community. The churches are also important because they provide a variety of services to the community, including religious services, educational programs, and social services.

The connection between these historic churches and Christie Sides Height is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the neighborhood's rich history and its strong sense of community. Second, it demonstrates the importance of these churches to the community, both as religious institutions and as providers of social services. Third, it underscores the need to preserve these historic buildings for future generations.

5. National Register of Historic Places

The listing of Christie Sides Height on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 is a significant recognition of the neighborhood's historical and architectural importance. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Properties listed on the National Register are recognized as having national, state, or local significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

The listing of Christie Sides Height on the National Register is a testament to the neighborhood's well-preserved collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture. The neighborhood's historic buildings are a reminder of Allentown's rich past and continue to be a source of pride for the community. The listing also recognizes the neighborhood's significance as a residential area for workers in Allentown's factories and mills.

The listing of Christie Sides Height on the National Register has several practical benefits for the neighborhood. First, it provides access to federal and state grants for historic preservation projects. Second, it helps to protect the neighborhood's historic buildings from demolition or alteration. Third, it raises the profile of the neighborhood and attracts visitors and businesses.

Understanding the connection between Christie Sides Height and the National Register of Historic Places is important for several reasons. First, it helps us to appreciate the neighborhood's history and significance. Second, it helps us to understand the importance of preserving the neighborhood's historic buildings. Third, it helps us to make informed decisions about how to manage and develop the neighborhood in a way that respects its historic character.

6. Current status

Christie Sides Height is currently a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residents, businesses, and community organizations. This is significant because it reflects the neighborhood's strong sense of community and its ability to adapt to changing times. The neighborhood's residents are proud of their community and work together to maintain its historic character. The neighborhood's businesses are locally owned and operated, and they contribute to the neighborhood's unique identity. The neighborhood's community organizations provide a variety of services to residents, including recreational activities, educational programs, and social services.

The current status of Christie Sides Height as a vibrant neighborhood is important for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the neighborhood's resilience and its ability to adapt to changing times. Second, it highlights the neighborhood's strong sense of community and its commitment to preserving its historic character. Third, it underscores the importance of the neighborhood's businesses and community organizations in providing services to residents.

Understanding the connection between Christie Sides Height's current status and its overall significance is important for several reasons. First, it helps us to appreciate the neighborhood's history and its ability to adapt to changing times. Second, it helps us to understand the importance of the neighborhood's residents, businesses, and community organizations in maintaining its historic character and vitality. Third, it helps us to make informed decisions about how to manage and develop the neighborhood in a way that respects its historic character and its current status as a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residents, businesses, and community organizations.

FAQs on Christie Sides Height

This section provides concise answers to frequently asked questions about Christie Sides Height, a historic neighborhood in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Question 1: What is the significance of Christie Sides Height?

Answer: Christie Sides Height is significant for its well-preserved collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture, which reflects its history as a residential area for workers in Allentown's factories and mills.

Question 2: What architectural styles are represented in Christie Sides Height?

Answer: The architectural styles represented in Christie Sides Height include Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne, which are evident in the neighborhood's homes, churches, and other buildings.

Question 3: Why is Christie Sides Height listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

Answer: Christie Sides Height was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 in recognition of its historical and architectural importance, particularly its well-preserved collection of 19th and early 20th-century architecture.

Question 4: What is the current status of Christie Sides Height?

Answer: Christie Sides Height is currently a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residents, businesses, and community organizations, reflecting its strong sense of community and its ability to adapt to changing times.

Question 5: How can I learn more about Christie Sides Height?

Answer: You can learn more about Christie Sides Height by visiting the neighborhood, attending community events, or contacting the Christie Sides Heights Neighborhood Association.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Christie Sides Height is a significant historic neighborhood in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with well-preserved architecture, a strong sense of community, and a mix of residents, businesses, and community organizations.

Transition to the next article section: To explore other aspects of Christie Sides Height, continue reading the following sections.

Conclusion

Christie Sides Height stands as a testament to the rich history and vibrant community of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Its well-preserved architecture, diverse architectural styles, and historic churches reflect the neighborhood's significance as a residential area for workers in Allentown's factories and mills.

The listing of Christie Sides Height on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 recognizes its national importance and ensures its protection for future generations. Today, Christie Sides Height is a thriving neighborhood with a mix of residents, businesses, and community organizations. Its strong sense of community and commitment to preserving its historic character make it a valuable asset to the city of Allentown.