One of Gainesville’s oldest residential communities, the Southeast Historic District had its origins in the 1854 incorporation of the city and evolved through seven additional subdivisions. It comprises twenty-three blocks with ninety-six contributing structures. Contained within its boundaries are a significant number of Queen Anne style homes which served as residences for downtown merchants and professionals at the turn of the century. The area also has a cluster of bungalows and period revival homes which date from the 1920s.
In 1990, the Baird Mansion was restored and became Gainesville's first bed and breakfast inn, the Magnolia Plantation Inn. Since then several historic homes that have been renovated and opened as beautiful Inns including:
