Downtown Hollister Historic District: 214,216, and 218 Fifth Street

This historic two-story commercial building on Fifth Street was constructed around 1923. It is also a contributing building to the Downtown Hollister Historic District, which is in the National Register of Historic Places. Apartments are on the second floor, while Salon 218 and another hair salon occupy the first floor. The two shops are separated by an arched entry way to the top floor.

The building has some enchanting old-fashioned features, including the tiled cornice and the arched doorway. The shop on the right (214 Fifth Street) looks to have maintained much of its 1920s design. It still has a transom above the doorway. According to the National Register, the shop of the left (218 Fifth Street) was remodeled in the 1980s.

Being that this building has gorgeous blue accents, I've hitched my wagon today to Blue Monday,  hosted by Smiling Sally.  Come check out other participants with me by clicking here.

Downtown Hollister Historic District: 730 San Benito Street

Felice Forno, the new popular pizza joint in Hollister, is located at 730 San Benito Street, which originally was the building of the Hollister Free Lance.  The  structure is another contributing building to the Downtown Hollister Historic District.

According to the National Register of Historic Place, it was constructed around 1907. You can still find signs of the Hollister Free Lance on the face of the building. Near the edge of each side is a handsome tile of a knight known as a free lance, who was willing to work for anyone who paid him. By the way, check out what mythical animal the free lance is spearing.

Interestingly, from the front, the  building looks like it is two stories. Yet, when you look from the side or the back of the building, you can see that the top is a fake facade. Is it really a two-story building? Do those windows on the "second floor" open? Maybe someone else can tell us.

Downtown Hollister Historic District: 759 San Benito Street

The old gas station at the northeast corner of San Benito and South Streets was built around 1936. It is another contributing building to the Downtown Hollister Historic District, which means it cannot be demolished without first meeting certain measures.

The National Register of Historic Places cites the one-story building as having a typical design of gas stations of the 1930s. The windowed office is on the right, while two auto service bays are on the left. Still standing is the flat-roofed carport that once protected gas pumps.

I remember this was an ARCO station in the 1970s. Today, Hollister Mufflers makes its home there.

 

Downtown Hollister Historic District: 625 San Benito Street

Recognize the decorative cornice and those interesting urn-looking things on this building? Where do think this commercial building is on the main street in Hollister?

It's the two-story commercial edifice at 625 San Benito Street, next to the Veterans Memorial Building.  The DeLux Salon is on the ground floor. Surprised? It was constructed around 1908 and is one of the contributing buildings to the Downtown Hollister Historic District. From the front, it looks like a small building. But, just peek around the corner, and you'll see that it is a relatively good-size building.

The next time you go by 625 San Benito Street, check out its two bay windows. One is above the salon, while the other is on the side of the building.

Downtown Hollister Historic District: 335 Sixth Street

This cute little brown house is another contributing historic building to the Downtown Hollister Historic District. Located at 335 Sixth Street, just behind the Grangers Union Building, the one-bedroom, one-bath house was built around 1923. It was originally an office building.