Amherst Central Business District

Amherst's downtown core surrounds the Amherst Common and spreads along Main, North Pleasant, South Pleasant, Boltwood and Amity streets. Most of its two- and three-story attached brick commercial blocks date from about 1836 to 1930. Repeated fires between 1838 and 1881 destroyed the early frame hotels and shops, and brick and stone became the preferred materials. Merchant's Row on South Pleasant Street and Phoenix Row on Main Street face the Common, and most of the large blocks were built after the 1881 fire. Landmarks include the Richardsonian Romanesque Town Hall of 1889-1890, Grace Episcopal Church of 1866, the former Baptist Church of 1836, and the 1744 Strong House, which was listed separately in 1984. The area has served as the town's religious, civic and commercial center for more than 150 years. Businesses grew with the arrival of the railroad in 1853 and the expansion of the colleges. Their trades, such as bookshops and clothiers, often continue today.