The Dow Block on Central Square

Located in the heart of Stoneham, Central Square is a triangular square defined by Main Street (Massachusetts Route 28) running north-south and Central Street extending northeast. The Dow Block stands just north of a small plaza at the corner. Built in 1864, it is the first of three mid-19th century buildings that define the square and is a fine example of Second Empire architecture.

The Dow Block is a 3 1/2-story brick building with a mansard roof. The roof is made of patterned slate tiles and has a central projecting and raised section. Three dormers with hip roofs and small central gables are arranged across the roof, with the central one featuring a three-part window and the outer ones featuring paired sash windows. The facade is divided into three portions demarcated by sandstone quoins at the corners and similar piers between. Windows on the second and third floors are separated by Stick style panels.

The building was built by Moses Dow, a real estate investor from Charlestown. Early uses of the building included housing the town post office and library. Along with the Oddfellows Building (c. 1870) and Chase Block (1874), the Dow Block is one of the defining elements of Stoneham's Central Square.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons