The Ellis is located in the South End whose architecture consists largley of mid-nineteenth century bowfronts that are predominantly red-brick structures, of mixed residential and commercial uses. The most common styles are Renaissance Revival, Italianate and French Second Empire. Today, the South End is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Boston Landmark District. It is also the largest Victorian residential district in North America. The South End Historical Society works on matters of historic preservation.