Fitzgerald's Stearns Square Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Fitzgerald's Stearns Square Block
|
|
photo c. 1980-82
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 300-308 Bridge St., Springfield, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architect | Perkins & Gardner |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Downtown Springfield MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000747 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1983 |
The Fitzgerald's Stearns Square Block was an important old building in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. It was located at 300–308 Bridge Street. This building was finished in 1871 for Patrick Fitzgerald. He was a very important real estate developer in Springfield at that time.
The building was also an early design by E.C. Gardner. He later designed many famous buildings in Springfield. The Fitzgerald's Stearns Square Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This list helps protect important historical places. Sadly, the building was torn down sometime after that. Today, a parking lot stands where it used to be.
About the Building and Its Story
The Fitzgerald's Stearns Square Block stood near Stearns Square. This is a small public park in Springfield. The building was on Bridge Street, in the city's main business area. It was three stories tall and made of brick. The building had a special look called Italianate style.
What the Building Looked Like
The first floor of the building had two modern shop fronts. The windows on the upper floors were shaped with rounded tops. These are called segmented-arch openings. On the second floor, the windows had pointed brick designs above them. The windows on the third floor had rounded brick designs.
Who Built It and Why It Was Important
Patrick Fitzgerald built this block. He was a leading developer in Springfield during the 1860s and 1870s. Developers are people who plan and build new buildings. This was the last of five commercial buildings he built that was still standing.
The building was a good example of early brick buildings in downtown Springfield. It was also one of the first designs by Perkins and Gardner. This was a very important architecture company in the city. Architecture is the art of designing buildings. The upper floors of the building were first used as homes. The building was torn down after 1983.
