Asa Hanson Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Asa Hanson Block
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The Asa Hanson Block in 2017
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 548-550 Congress St., Portland, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | Fassett & Tompson |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001418 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 2001 |
The Asa Hanson Block is an old and important building located at 548-550 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. It was built in 1889. This building was designed by two local architects, Francis Fassett and Frederick A. Tompson. It is one of the few remaining buildings designed by Fassett in the city. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
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What Does the Asa Hanson Block Look Like?
The Asa Hanson Block is on the south side of Congress Street. This street is a main road for businesses in Portland. The building is at the corner of Congress Street and Oak Street.
It is a three-story building made of brick. It has a low, flat roof that you can't easily see. A decorative ledge sticks out from the roof. It has a small gable, like a tiny roof peak, in the middle.
Details of the Building's Design
On the ground floor, there are two shop entrances. These are on either side of the main door. Each shop has three large windows and a door that is set back a bit. Metal posts separate these sections.
The windows on the second floor are shaped like rounded arches. There is a line of bricks above these windows. The third-floor windows are rectangular. Below them are flat brick panels. The upper parts of the building have groups of three windows. Pillars, which are like flat columns, stand between these groups. They rise up to fancy brick designs below the roof's ledge.
Who Built the Asa Hanson Block?
The Asa Hanson Block was built in 1889. It was designed by Francis Fassett. He was a very busy architect. Many buildings were needed after a big fire destroyed much of Portland in 1866.
Why is This Building Special?
Francis Fassett designed many commercial buildings. Out of eighteen he designed, only seven are still standing. The Asa Hanson Block is one of these seven. It still looks much like it did when it was first built.
The inside of the building has changed a lot over the years. So, its historical importance is mainly about its outside look. The building is named after Asa Hanson. He worked for J.B. Brown, a big business owner in the area. However, the building was actually built by Charles Perry. He was a person who bought and sold land and buildings. That's why you might see the name "Perry" on a part of the building.
