The LaFrance Block at 405-411 High Street was made in 1907 in the Romanesque style. At first it was called the Hotel Leon. It once was a five story structure but had to be changed to three stories. By 1930 it is being called the Potolski Block. Then it was demolished.
This building once held the Grand Theater from 1909 to 1919.
Lafrance Building (Hotel Essex) at 400 High was across the street from the LaFrance Block. It was built in 1907 in the American Renaissance style. It served as the residence for many of the actors and actresses in the theaters around Holyoke. Clearly, it mostly served the Grand Theater and the Empire Theater that were across the way. POSTCARD
Sanborn 1895 map shows the Grand as the Flanagan Block and the Hotel Essex as 4 wooden structures in row – restaurant – tailor – photographer – cobbler (L to R)
Sanborn 1915 map shows the 8 floor Hotel Essex across from the Grand
Sanborn 1949 map shows the 8 floor Hotel Essex with the Grand building only stores and apartments
Sanborn 1956 map shows the 8 floor Hotel Essex with the Grand building only stores and apartments
The Holyoke Lock Company building was made in 1870 at 121-123 High Street. It is in the Second Empire style. Dennis Higgins owned this building from its inception as he did own the building to its north. He died the 29th of April 1895 in Holyoke and ownership would finally move to other people. Now the 4th floor has a changed look. It was once with slate and 2 dormers but is now with shingles.
The Higgins Block at 117-119 High Street was made in 1860 as a simple Italianate building. The first occupant was Dennis Higgins a grocer. The second occupant was a Johann Fenton.
Sanborn 1949 map shows that it is now part of the furniture store next store and that it is connected by a walkway bridge on the 3rd floor and by a tunnel in the cellar to the buildings behind it for storage and display of furniture
The McLean Building is from 1895. It is located at 382-384 High Street. It was built for the McLean Brothers who were furniture dealers. They started in 1881 on Main Street.
Sanborn 1949 map shows that it is now part of the dye house next store and that that dye house is connected by a walkway bridge on the 3rd floor and by a tunnel in the cellar to the buildings behind it for storage and display of furniture
The Senior Block at 374-380 High Street was built in 1898. It took the place of the Browning Hall. The Senior Block had a bank and a business school there. It is built in the tripartite style of the American Renaissance. Henry Senior had the building made and George Alderman designed it. By 1909 City Realty had purchased it.
Mostly this is known for being the home of Park National Bank. But in 1922 City National Bank is here.
In 1900 there was a dentist in one of the rooms.
In 1915 Louis LaFrance also had his contractor business here.
In 1900 the fraternal group Bay State Club meets here. Also that year the Lenox Club meets here.