Woolson Block, Springfield VT: 2024 Preservation Award Winner

overlooking the Black River in the heart of Springfield Vermont the 1868 Wilson block stands as a testament to Springfield's mid 19th century fabric finishing industry since its construction the street level has been dedicated to commercial use the upper floors have housed a public library offices Apartments a meeting hall for the Grand Army of the Republic and a masonic temple over more than a century the facade was reshaped portions of the glazing were removed steel fluted columns flanking the entrances were hidden and the original wood trim covered up the building eventually fell into disrepair and became unoccupied shortly after the start of the 21st century addressing the need for both improved commercial space and afford housing ever North and the Springfield Housing Authority teamed up with Black River design Architects and HP Cummings to bring life back to this once vibrant building on the exterior a large portion of the brick facade was repointed including the detailed coring around windows and replacement of broken Granite keystones the dilapitated commercial storefront was removed and the orinal original fluted columns uncovered full height glazing was brought back showcasing the beautiful interior commercial spaces with restored hardwood flooring and painted tin ceilings the original wood single hung Arch toop windows were restored and wood trim [Music] repainted the original stairwells connecting the street with the upper two stories were restored the woodf frame addition on the rivers side of the building was removed and the original brick facade brought into full view on the inside the tall archtop windows and surrounds were restored bringing unique character to each [Music] apartment the restored Wilson block now contributes to the Vitality of downtown Springfield four fully accessible storefronts provide space for local businesses 15 low-income residential units are available on the upper two floors of the building the lower level which looks West towards the river is used for transitional housing operated by Springfield Housing [Music] Authority thanks to ever North and the Springfield Housing Authority the wolson block has returned to a place of prominence in downtown Springfield providing both architectural beauty and a vital space for Commerce and housing [Music]