Did it get bombed or something ?
Discussion
i wish that was the case. highways and cars destroyed it.
So they knocked all them lovely buildings to make a highway ?
yup. happened everywhere in America. here’s another example 
That seems so senseless , just build the highway around the town?
In a similar thread, this podcast was mentioned. It's very insighful in how the American system of urban development works.
If you listened to the podcast episode, also listen to the referenced 'Strong Towns Conversation with an Engineer':
You have to forgive the robo voices on that one.