Wheelwright Block facts for kids
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Wheelwright Block
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 34 Hammond St., Bangor, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1859 |
| Architect | Benjamin S. Deane |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| Part of | West Market Square Historic District (ID79000161) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000191 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 18, 1974 |
| Designated CP | December 27, 1979 |
The Wheelwright Block is a very old and important building located at 34 Hammond Street in Bangor, Maine. It was built in 1859 and stands right in the heart of the city's West Market Square. This special building was the first commercial building in Maine designed in the "Second Empire" architectural style. What's even more amazing is that it survived a huge fire in Bangor in 1911 and big city changes in the late 1960s. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Contents
What Does the Wheelwright Block Look Like?
The Wheelwright Block is a four-story building made of brick. It's shaped a bit like an "L" because of the way the streets meet around it. The roof is a unique flared metal "mansard" style. This kind of roof is a key part of the Second Empire design.
Building Details
Each floor of the building is separated by decorative brick lines. The windows on each floor look a little different. However, the number and arrangement of windows stay the same on the upper levels.
When the building was first listed as historic, its ground floor had modern glass storefronts. But since then, it has been changed back to look more like it did originally. Now, it has old-fashioned cast iron window frames with arches. The window decorations on the upper floors are also original. They are made of cast iron in an "Italianate" style, especially fancy on the third floor.
The Story of the Wheelwright Block
This historic building was designed by Benjamin S. Deane. He was one of the few architects working in Maine in the mid-1800s. The Wheelwright Block was finished in 1859.
A First for Maine
It is believed to be the very first commercial building in Maine built in the Second Empire style. This was even before similar buildings appeared in bigger cities like Lewiston and Portland. The building was originally constructed for a local clothing business called Wheelwright & Clark.
Surviving Challenges
The Wheelwright Block has a remarkable history of survival. In 1911, a huge fire swept through Bangor. It destroyed many commercial buildings, but the Wheelwright Block stood strong. Later, in 1968, Bangor had a big urban renewal project. This project led to many 19th-century buildings being torn down. Yet, the Wheelwright Block survived once again. Its ability to withstand these events makes it a truly special part of Bangor's history.
