Armsby Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Armsby Block
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Location | 144-148 Main St., Worcester, Massachusetts |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1885 |
Architect | Earle, Stephen C. |
Architectural style | Panel Brick |
MPS | Worcester MRA |
NRHP reference No. | 80000598 |
Added to NRHP | March 05, 1980 |
The Armsby Block is an old and important building in Worcester, Massachusetts. It's a special place because it has both homes and shops inside. A famous architect named Stephen Earle designed it in 1885. This building is a great example of 'Panel Brick' style. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
What Does the Armsby Block Look Like?
The Armsby Block is on Main Street in downtown Worcester. It stands next to the old Elwood Adams Store. This building has five floors and is made of strong brick.
Outside the Building
On the ground floor, you'll find two shop entrances. These are on either side of the main door. Tall brick pillars separate these parts. Above them, there's a decorative band and a stone line.
The windows on the upper floors are rectangular. They have stone sills and tops. There are also cool brick designs between the second, third, and fourth floors. Another stone line separates the fourth and fifth floors. The very top of the building has a fancy brick design. It also has a wall that sticks up with a pointed part in the middle.
A Peek into its Past
The famous architect Stephen Earle designed the Armsby Block. It was built in 1885. When it first opened, the ground floor had stores. The floors above were used as a boarding house. A boarding house is like a hotel where people rent rooms for a longer time.
The building was built for the family of George Armsby. He used to be the secretary of a company that made parts for organs. Over the years, the shop fronts changed a bit. But most of those changes have been put back to how they were originally. Today, the building has offices for the Worcester County Sheriff. There is also a restaurant on the street level.