🏛️ Front Street Block

The Front Street Block is a series of four connected commercial blocks in the West End of Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA. They were built in 1831 after a fire had devastated Gloucester's downtown the previous year.69–71 Main Street, a three-story four wide block with Federalist styling, was built for Aaron Day. A hat maker operated on the ground floor, and apartments were above. 65–67 Main Street, a three-story four wide block with Federalist styling, was built for Samuel Bulkley. A "tin manufactory" operated on the ground floor, and there were apartments above. This building shared a wall with 69–71. 61–63 Main Street, also three stories and four wide, was built for William Babson, Jr., and had a shop on the ground floor with apartments above. In 1890 this building was renovated, giving it a new Victorian facade, and an enlarging addition to the rear. 55–59 Main Street is distinct from the other three buildings in being only two stories, and for having a hipped roof. It was built for Henry Smith, and first housed a cabinet maker on the ground floor, with living space above.