Front Street Block

Updated on Dec 03, 2023

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Built 1831 NRHP Reference # 74000369 Area 1,214 m²		Architect Unknown Opened 1831 Added to NRHP 8 May 1974

Location Gloucester, Massachusetts Architectural style Late Victorian, Federal Part of Central Gloucester Historic District (#82001881) Similar Cape Ann, Our Lady of Good Voyage C, Beauport, Wingaersheek Beach, Wellfleet Drive‑In Theater

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The Front Street Block is a series of four connected commercial blocks in the West End of Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA. They were built in 1831 after a fire had devastated Gloucester's downtown the previous year.

69-71 Main Street, a three story four wide block with Federalist styling, was built for Aaron Day. A hat maker operated on the ground floor, and apartments were above.

65-67 Main Street, a three story four wide block with Federalist styling, was built for Samuel Bulkley. A "tin manufactory" operated on the ground floor, and there were apartments above. This building shared a wall with 69-71.

61-63 Main Street, also three stories and four wide, was built for William Babson, Jr., and had a shop on the ground floor with apartments above. In 1890 this building was renovated, giving it a new Victorian facade, and an enlarging addition to the rear.

55-59 Main Street is distinct from the other three buildings in being only two stories, and for having a hipped roof. It was built for Henry Smith, and first housed a cabinet maker on the ground floor, with living space above.

They were collectively listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and further included in the Central Gloucester Historic District in 1982.

References

Front Street Block Wikipedia

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