Williams Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Williams Block
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 Location in Maine
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| Location | 183-187 Water St., Augusta, Maine |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| Architect | Fassett, Francis; Williams, Ruel |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Augusta Central Business District MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001699 |
| Added to NRHP | May 2, 1986 |
The Williams Block is a special old building located at 183-187 Water Street in downtown Augusta, Maine. It was built a long time ago in 1862. This building is super important because it was the only one south of Bridge Street to survive a huge fire in 1865. It's also one of the few buildings still standing that was designed by a famous architect named Francis H. Fassett. The Williams Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, which means it's recognized as a historic landmark.
Contents
What Does the Williams Block Look Like?
The Williams Block is on the east side of Water Street, which is a main road in downtown Augusta. It's a three-story building made of brick. It has a flat roof and a decorative edge called a cornice that sticks out.
The Ground Floor: Shops and Windows
The first floor has two separate storefronts. Each one has an entrance that is set back a bit from the street. They also have big display windows, perfect for showing off items for sale. One of the storefronts still has its original row of small windows above the main display windows, called transom windows.
Upper Floors: Windows and Design
The upper floors have groups of three windows. These groups are separated by flat, decorative columns called pilasters. The windows themselves are shaped with rounded tops, like arches. They have special decorative stones above them called keystones. There are also fancy brackets that connect the window tops within each group. This style is known as Italianate architecture.
Who Designed and Built the Williams Block?
The Williams Block was designed by Francis H. Fassett. At the time, he was one of the most important architects in Maine. The building was built for Reuel Williams, who was a very important businessman and politician in Augusta.
Why is This Building So Special?
Francis H. Fassett designed many buildings in Augusta. However, many of his commercial buildings were destroyed in the big fire of 1865. The Williams Block is the only one of his commercial designs that survived that fire. Fassett also helped design several buildings on Water Street after the fire. Some of these are even across the street from the Williams Block.
