VISIONS FOR VACANCIES RECAP: Stonehamites Discuss the Available Space at The Dow Block Building

In our last , we asked you, our readers, to come up with some ideas for how the available space at The Dow Block building should be used.

There is 500 square feet of office space currently available on the second floor of the four-story building, as well as 1,705 square feet of space open on the fourth floor, according to Malden-based listing agent Burgess Properties, Inc.'s website.

Historical Significance

The Dow Block, a 19th-century building, is located at the fork of Route 28 and Central Street, and the building is owned by The Copley Group. The building was erected in 1864 and received significant upgrades in recent years.

Stoneham resident Melisa Thorne noted that the Dow Block is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, "so I think there are limitations of what can be done here." 

Of the different businesses that could set up shot at the building, Thorne said, "A professional office, say a physican or an attorney may be best suited for this space. 500 (square) feet and 1700 (square) feet are a lot of space for anything else."

Business Decisions

William DiOrio, owner of Stoneham-based , said that he considered renting a space in the historic building but eventually decided to pass.

"I looked at it. No elevators, makes it tough," claimed DiOrio. "They also won't move on the rent for long term. It has to work for the business too. I was surprised when the butcher shop moved in, (and) parking is tough right around the building as well."

Amy Kreydin, owner of Stoneham-based , responded to DiOrio's claim that there was no elevator. "The elevator is behind the staircase William, maybe you didn't see it? I've used it a few times when I was giving wellness talks with  and lugging equipment up and down the stairs wasn't an option."

Do you have additional ideas for how those spaces can be used? Post a comment in the comments section below.