The popular PBS program "This Old House" has recognized Beloit's historical districts for architectural diversity. This is due in large part to local preservation director Rick McGrath, who nominated the city.

"Everybody knows about Charleston, South Carolina and Boston. They were looking for some of the pearls that maybe people didn't know about and I think that Beloit is one of those communities." says McGrath.

Becky Moffett has lived in the Church Street historical district for almost thirty years. She says it's quite an honor to make the list.

"We love our neighborhood. Not just because of all the historical homes because they are beautiful and very different each and every one of them, but because we are so close to the college and to the riverfront and to the downtown." says Moffett.

Beloit University recently built some apartments in the area, but it was careful not to break with the neighborhood style.

"You know great examples of in-fill are in harmony with the neighborhood so they are a compatible height, they have compatible setbacks and placement on the lot. Little details like that to kind of fit into the neighborhood seamlessly." says Drew Pennington, a community planner.

Styles range from colorful Victorians to fashionable brick Georgian. Beloit also has some of the only examples of river stone left in the area. The neighborhoods are within walking distance from many of the film festival theaters. So for those of us heading to Beloit this weekend a stroll through the historical districts may be a good way to work off that popcorn.

The best old house neighborhood selected in Illinois is North Mayfair in Chicago. Beloit city manager Larry Arft hopes the recognition will help with the cities weak housing market.