Here in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, you can feel the hush of the Market Street Mansion District's preserved history. This national historic district encompasses four large, impressive early-20th century dwellings set on large lots. In front of you are examples of Georgian Revival and Classical Revival taste: the Bridgers-Emerson-Kenan Mansion, built 1907–1908 in the Georgian Revival style; the Holt-Wise Mansion of 1908 in Classical Revival fashion; the Bridgers-Brooks Mansion, completed 1909–1911 in Classical Revival style; and the Georgian Revival Bluethenhal House of 1917.
Together these houses form the ensemble that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. As you stand here, picture the turn-of-the-century ambition that produced these large lots and carefully composed facades. Notice the rhythm of styles—Georgian Revival beside Classical Revival—and the way four distinct names and dates mark a single, cohesive district.
Picture the sequence of years — 1907–1908, 1908, 1909–1911, 1917 — etched into the houses and grounds before you.