Union Block

In the summer of 1895, a fire destroyed or damaged several wooden buildings on the south side of upper Main Street. Within a year, the disaster led to the construction of the Union Block, a two-story structure featuring pressed brick, large glass windows, and a steel cornice.

Over the decades, the Union Block has housed a variety of shops, cafés, and offices, including the town’s original pharmacy, soda fountain, and meat market. Today, it remains a showpiece of downtown West Branch, currently home to Shop 121, a home decor and clothing store, and A Beautiful Purpose, an antique and vintage shop.