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Criteria A is associated with the events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or Criteria B is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or Criteria C embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction; or Criteria D has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Ordinarily, cemeteries, birthplaces, graves of historical figures, properties owned by religious institutions or used for religious purposes, structures which have been moved from their original locations, reconstructed historic buildings, properties commemorative in nature, and properties which have received significance within the last 50 years, shall not be considered eligible for the National Register. However, such properties will aualifv if they are integral parts of historic districts which meet the criteria or if they fall within the categories established by the National Park Service as Criteria Consideration/Exemptions. Evaluation of the Nomination: The North Liberty Historic Commercial District comprises the historic commercial area of North Liberty, which is one block in length on each side of Main Street. The North Liberty Commercial District is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C. The district demonstrates the development of commerce in small Midwestern towns during the last part of the 19th century into the middle of the 20th century. The district's architecture can be categorized into three basic periods: pre 1900, 1911-1925 and 1930s -1960s with half of the district's buildings being constructed prior to 1900. The North Liberty Historic Commercial District was the hub of commerce not only for the village of North Liberty, but also for Liberty Township in southwestern St. Joseph County. This township was one of the earliest settled areas of the county but remained somewhat separated from the larger markets of South Bend and LaPorte due to wetlands and marshes in the region. North Liberty remained the only village in the township. This added to the importance of the community's commercial center during much of the 19th century. Staff Comments: Staff has evaluated the submitted nomination according to procedures, policies, standards and criteria established by the National Park Service and the Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology