The centerpiece of the Davis-Jefferson Historic District, east of the center of Bloomington is the David Davis House, Clover Lawn, whose estate clearly once encompassed much of the surrounding blocks.
Davis was actually a friend and ally of Abraham Lincoln and served on the Supreme Court after being appointed by the President.
French American architect Alfred Piquenard designed the house in the Second Empire style, and it was completed in 1872, making the home at the forefront of fashion at the time.
The house has all the elements of the Second Empire style, including a Mansard roof, pedimented front doors, etc.
Often these porches below are lost and not rebuilt, as well as the delicate metalwork on the balconies.
The carriage house and barn are preserved, as well.
I suspect that the houses from the mid Twentieth Century were built after portions of the estate were subdivided and sold off.
Nearby Jefferson Avenue also has some nice Queen Anne houses, as well.
