This historic district is located along a broad avenue of vitrified brick, an attraction in and of itself, and encompasses the area that is the long-standing heart of commercial activity in Delavan. The history of architectural style and fashion, beginning in 1871 and continuing well into the mid-20th century, is reflected in these downtown buildings and include examples of the Italianate, Neoclassical, 20th Century Commercial, Commercial Vernacular, Mediterranean Revival and Contemporary styles. This variety exemplifies how the commercial street continuously developed and evolved and how architectural fashion was used to attract each new generation of shopper to the district.

That this was the heart of the community is evident in the variety of services and amenities that were located here: a post office, and library, a car dealership, banks, grocers, hardware stores, specialty shops, and department stores. The Delavan Theater, social clubs and taverns provided community gathering spaces for entertainment and relaxation. This remains a thriving commercial district which continues to offer the same types of stores and amenities, a testament to its importance in the community as a center of civic and commercial life.